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 $287,000 – $1,164,000 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 | $486,850 – $1,164,250 |
Happy Joe’s DELCO Facility | $287,250 – $639,535 |
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 Range |
---|---|
Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 – $30,000 |
Rent | $5,000 – $14,400 |
Lease and Utility/Security Deposits | $7,500 – $22,500 |
Leasehold Improvements | $130,000 – $350,000 |
Initial Inventory | $11,800 – $28,000 |
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $200,000 – $450,000 |
Insurance | $2,750 – $6,250 |
Training | $15,000 – $30,000 |
Grand Opening Advertising | $5,000 – $12,000 |
Signage | $10,000 – $40,000 |
Additional Funds (3 months) | $79,800 – $146,100 |
Liquor License | $0 – $35,000 |
Total (Assumes Rental of Premises) | $486,850 – $1,164,250 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream franchise? A Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream franchised restaurant makes on average $902,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $970,000 yearly revenue for similar pizza franchises. Below are a few Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream competitors as a comparison:
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream 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 50 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 $287,000 to $1,164,000.
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.
What are the financial requirements to become a Happy Joe’s Pizza franchisee?
To qualify as a Happy Joe’s Pizza franchisee, individuals are typically required to have a minimum net worth of $450,000 and at least $150,000 in liquid assets. These financial prerequisites help ensure that franchisees possess the necessary resources to establish and operate a Happy Joe’s Pizza franchise successfully.
How much can a Happy Joe’s Pizza franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Happy Joe’s Pizza franchise are approximately $0.9 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.9 million yearly revenue can result in $146,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Happy Joe’s Pizza?
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is owned by Dynamic Restaurant Holdings.
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