Godfather’s Pizza Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
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 $163,000 - $1,344,000 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 has 4 franchise investment categories, depending on the restaurant format selected:
| Type of Franchise | Initial Investment |
|---|---|
| Full Service Restaurant | $736,450 to $1,344,340 |
| Convenience Store or Other Non-Traditional Location | $163,025 to $366,000 |
| Delivery/Carryout Restaurant | $545,450 to $903,075 |
| Existing Company-Operated Restaurant | $184,850 to $652,840 |
To review the full investment details for each Godfather’s Pizza franchise type, see the Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 7.
The table below outlines the primary estimated costs for opening a Full Service Restaurant.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Site Submission Deposit | $3,000 |
| Continuing Fee Deposit | $0 to $5,000 |
| Advertising | $2,000 to $10,000 |
| Equipment | $225,000 to $400,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $34,000 to $73,000 |
| Lease of Real Estate – 3 Months | $12,000 to $50,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $300,000 to $500,000 |
| Insurance | $9,450 to $29,040 |
| Misc. Opening Costs | $12,500 |
| Signs | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Initial Training | $4,500 to $7,800 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $90,000 to $200,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $736,450 to $1,344,340 |
Godfather's Pizza Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Godfather’s Pizza franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Godfather’s Pizza’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans for real estate. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure to reduce debt service. See SharpSheets’ financial model hub for funding guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Godfather’s Pizza franchise investment?
Payback periods for franchises in Godfather’s Pizza’s category typically run 3-7 years, depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
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.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: June 2026
Disclaimer
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Research Godfathers Pizza franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → Godfathers Pizza FDD Review.
