Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is a family-oriented franchise that has been delighting customers with memorable dining experiences since 1972. Founded by Lawrence Joseph “Happy Joe” Whitty in Davenport, Iowa, the brand was built around a fun and inviting atmosphere that brings together two beloved American favorites: pizza and ice cream.
With its headquarters still in Davenport, Iowa, Happy Joe’s quickly embraced franchising in its founding year, enabling the brand to grow and share its unique blend of entertainment and dining in multiple locations.
The franchise is widely recognized for its signature pizzas, including the well-known Taco Joe Pizza, as well as its dedication to fostering a strong sense of community. This commitment is evident in its various charitable efforts, particularly through the Happy Joe’s Kids Foundation, which supports children and families in need.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream franchise? It costs on average between $323,000 – $1,359,000 to start a Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. Happy Joe’s Pizza offers 2 types of franchises:
| Franchise Type | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Happy Joe’s Full-Size Restaurant | $546,693 to $1,358,853 |
| Happy Joe’s DELCO Facility | $322,862 to $780,137 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Happy Joe’s Full-Size Restaurant. For more information on costs required to start a Happy Joe’s Pizza franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount (Low – High) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Rent | $15,750 – $45,360 |
| Lease and Utility/Security Deposits | $7,875 – $23,625 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $136,500 – $367,500 |
| Initial Inventory | $12,390 – $29,400 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $210,000 – $472,500 |
| Insurance | $2,888 – $6,563 |
| Training | $27,000 – $43,500 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $10,000 – $100,000 |
| Signage | $10,500 – $42,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $83,790 – $153,405 |
| Liquor License | $0 – $35,000 |
| TOTAL | $546,643 – $1,358,853 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Happy Joe’s Pizza locations are there?
As of the latest available data, Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream operates approximately 32 locations across the United States and internationally. This includes both company-owned and franchised establishments.
What is the total investment required to open a Happy Joe’s Pizza franchise?
The total investment required to open a Happy Joe’s Pizza franchise ranges from $323,000 to $1,359,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Happy Joe’s Pizza franchise?
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream requires franchisees to pay an ongoing royalty fee of 6% of gross sales. In addition, franchisees contribute 1.5% of gross sales to the National Advertising Fund and are expected to allocate a minimum of 2% of gross sales towards local advertising efforts. These fees support the continuous development and marketing of the brand.
Who owns Happy Joe’s Pizza?
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is owned by Dynamic Restaurant Holdings.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. 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.
