Donatos Pizza Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
The Donatos Pizza franchise is a testament to a dream that began in 1963 when its founder, Jim Grote, purchased a small pizza shop in Columbus, Ohio, at just 13 years old.
With a strong commitment to quality and community, Donatos was founded on the principle of creating the best pizza, hiring great people, and promoting goodwill.
The company’s headquarters remain in Columbus, Ohio, where it continues to uphold the family-oriented culture and values instilled by its founder.
The chain began franchising in 1991. Donatos distinguishes itself with its premium Edge to Edge® pizzas, known for their generous toppings on a golden, crispy thin crust, emphasizing quality and customer satisfaction.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Donatos Pizza franchise? It costs on average between $457,000 – $990,000 to start a Donatos Pizza franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Security Deposit Under Lease | $2,000 to $11,000 |
| One Month’s Lease Rent and Real Estate Expenses | $2,000 to $11,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements/Construction | $35,500 to $454,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment | $297,244 to $346,154 |
| Computer System | $18,000 to $23,000 |
| TRIO Software License Fee | $4,500 |
| Liquor License | $0 to $10,000 |
| Opening Inventory and Supplies | $15,000 to $20,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing Program and Initial Marketing Expenses | $25,000 to $30,000 |
| Training Expenses | $1,000 to $15,000 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $25,000 to $30,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $457,244 to $989,654 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Donatos Pizza franchise? A Donatos Pizza franchised restaurant makes on average $958,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $958,000 yearly revenue for similar pizza franchises.
Below are 10 Donatos Pizza competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Donatos Pizza Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Donatos Pizza locations are there?
As of the latest data, Donatos Pizza operates 453 locations across the United States. The majority of these are franchise-owned, with approximately 118 company-owned stores. Ohio hosts the highest concentration, featuring 118 locations, which accounts for about 26% of the total.
What is the total investment required to open a Donatos Pizza franchise?
The total investment required to open a Donatos Pizza franchise ranges from $457,000 to $990,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Donatos Pizza franchise?
A Donatos Pizza franchise requires an ongoing royalty fee of 4% of net sales. Additionally, franchisees contribute 0.75% to the National Marketing Fund and may pay 1% to 4% for cooperative advertising, based on local cooperative agreements. These fees support national and local marketing efforts, ensuring brand consistency and quality.
What are the financial requirements to become a Donatos Pizza franchisee?
To qualify as a Donatos Pizza franchisee, you are required to have a minimum net worth of $1 million and at least $200,000 in liquid capital.
These financial thresholds ensure that franchisees possess the necessary resources to support the initial investment and ongoing operational expenses associated with establishing and running a Donatos Pizza restaurant.
How much can a Donatos Pizza franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Donatos Pizza franchise are approximately $0.96 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.96 million yearly revenue can result in $144,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Donatos Pizza?
Donatos Pizza is a family-owned business founded in 1963 by Jim Grote. After a period under McDonald’s ownership from 1999 to 2003, the Grote family repurchased the company. Currently, Jim Grote serves as the owner, with his daughter, Jane Grote Abell, holding the positions of Executive Chairwoman and Chief Purpose Officer.
Disclaimer
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