Godfather’s Pizza Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Godfather’s Pizza is a prominent American pizza chain founded in 1973 in Omaha, Nebraska, by William Theisen.

Headquartered in Omaha, the company began franchising in 1974, rapidly expanding its presence. As of 2021, Godfather’s Pizza operates approximately 445 locations across the United States.

Renowned for its generously topped pizzas, the brand differentiates itself by offering a hearty, flavorful experience that emphasizes quality ingredients piled high, ensuring every bite is satisfying.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a Godfather’s Pizza franchise? It costs on average between $153,000 – $1,159,000 to start a Godfather’s Pizza franchised restaurant.

This includes expenses for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating costs. The exact amount varies based on factors such as the type of location chosen, the specific area, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or purchase the property. Godfather’s Pizza offers 4 types of franchises:

Business TypeInitial Investment Range
Godfather’s Pizza Full-Service Restaurant$607,300 to $1,159,300
Convenience Store or Other Non-Traditional Location$153,200 to $356,400
Delivery/Carryout Location$428,300 to $775,600
Purchase an Existing Company-Operated Location$158,200 to $645,800

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Godfather’s Pizza Full-Service Restaurant. For more information on costs required to start a Godfather’s Pizza franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of ExpenditureAmount
Development Fee$3,000 per unit
Initial Franchise Fee$0-$25,000
Site Submission Deposit$3,000
Continuing Fee Deposit$0-$5,000
Advertising$2,000-$10,000
Equipment$150,000-$285,000
Opening Inventory$9,000-$13,000
Lease of Real Estate (3 months)$12,000-$50,000
Leasehold Improvements$300,000-$500,000
Insurance$7,800-$24,000
Misc. Opening Costs$12,500
Signs$7,500-$15,000
Initial Training$4,500-$7,800
Additional Funds (3 months)$90,000-$200,000
Total$607,300-$1,159,300

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a Godfather’s Pizza franchise? A Godfather’s Pizza franchised restaurant makes on average $501,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

This compares to $970,000 yearly revenue for similar pizza franchises. Below are a few Godfather’s Pizza competitors as a comparison:

Godfather's Pizza franchise competitors

Godfather’s Pizza Franchise Disclosure Document

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Godfather’s Pizza locations are there?

As of the latest data, Godfather’s Pizza operates approximately 445 locations across the United States.

What is the total investment required to open a Godfather’s Pizza franchise?

The total investment required to open a Godfather’s Pizza franchise ranges from $153,000 to $1,159,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Godfather’s Pizza franchise?

For a Godfather’s Pizza franchise, the ongoing royalty fee is 6% of gross sales. In addition to the royalty fee, franchisees are required to contribute to a marketing fund, which is typically around 2% of gross sales.

What are the financial requirements to become a Godfather’s Pizza franchisee?

To become a Godfather’s Pizza franchisee, the financial requirements include a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid capital of at least $100,000. These financial qualifications ensure that franchisees have the necessary resources to manage and operate the franchise successfully.

How much can a Godfather’s Pizza franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a Godfather’s Pizza franchise are approximately $0.50 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.50 million yearly revenue can result in $75,000 EBITDA annually.

Who owns Godfather’s Pizza?

Godfather’s Pizza is owned by Godfather’s Pizza, Inc., which is privately held. The company has had various ownership groups over the years, and it is currently owned by Repowered Brands, a private equity firm.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

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