Aurelio’s Pizza Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Established in 1959 in Homewood, Illinois, Aurelio’s Pizza started as a neighborhood pizzeria founded by Joseph A. Aurelio Jr. Known for its signature thin-crust Chicago-style pizza and hearty Italian beef sandwiches, the restaurant quickly became a local favorite.
The company, still based in Homewood, remains rooted in family values and community spirit. Aurelio’s entered the franchise market in 1974, becoming the first Chicago-based pizzeria to adopt this model and one of the pioneering pizza franchises in the nation.
The inaugural franchise opened in Joliet, Illinois, marking the beginning of steady growth that has led to more than 40 restaurants across states such as Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, and Florida. The brand’s menu highlights its signature tavern-cut thin-crust pizzas, handmade dough, freshly prepared sauces, and house-crafted Italian sausage.
Customers can also choose from a wide range of favorites including the Calabrese calzone, pasta entrees, Italian beef sandwiches, fresh salads, appetizers, and an assortment of beverages from soft drinks to beer, wine, and cocktails.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Aurelio’s Pizza franchise? It costs on average between $438,000 – $1,253,000 to start a Aurelio’s Pizza franchised restaurant.
This covers expenses such as construction, equipment, initial inventory, and startup operating costs. The total investment varies based on several factors, including the restaurant’s size and format, its geographic location, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or buy the property. Aurelio’s Pizza offers 2 types of franchises:
| Franchise Type | Initial Investment |
|---|---|
| Aurelio’s Sit-Down Franchise | $1,080,439 to $1,252,939 |
| Aurelio’s Carry-Out/Delivery Franchise | $437,904 to $539,904 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Aurelio’s Sit-Down Franchise. For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $49,000 |
| Travel & Living Expenses for Management Training | $5,000 |
| Cost of Staff Training and Grand Opening Assistance | $7,500 to $15,000 |
| Real Estate – 3 Months | $25,000 to $30,000 |
| Improvements to Real Estate | $450,000 to $500,000 |
| Equipment | $300,000 to $350,000 |
| Point of Sale System | $3,939 |
| Audio, Video, Telephone and Security Systems | $20,000 to $25,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $25,000 to $30,000 |
| Insurance | $20,000 to $25,000 |
| Signs | $15,000 to $20,000 |
| Advertising – 3 Months | $20,000 to $25,000 |
| Smallwares | $22,000 to $25,000 |
| Interior Decor | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Uniforms | $3,000 to $5,000 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Cost | $10,000 to $15,000 |
| Working Capital – 3 Months | $100,000 to $120,000 |
| Total | $1,080,439 to $1,252,939 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Aurelio’s Pizza locations are there?
As of the latest publicly-available information, Aurelio’s Pizza reports two corporate-owned units and 32 franchised locations across six U.S. states.
What is the total investment required to open a Aurelio’s Pizza franchise?
The total investment required to open a Aurelio’s Pizza franchise ranges from $438,000 to $1,253,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Aurelio’s Pizza franchise?
Aurelio’s Pizza franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of 6% of gross sales. In addition, they contribute about 2% of gross sales toward an advertising fund that supports national and local marketing efforts.
Who owns Aurelio’s Pizza?
The Aurelio’s Pizza franchise is owned by Aurelio’s Pizza, Inc., a privately held company founded by Joseph A. Aurelio Jr. and still operated by the Aurelio family.
Disclaimer
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