Hungry Howie’s Pizza Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Hungry Howie’s was founded in 1973 as a small hamburger shop in Taylor, Michigan. Jim Hearn transformed it into a pizza carry-out and delivery service. Steve Jackson, who started as a delivery driver, later became Hearn’s business partner, helping to grow the brand.
The company introduced its famous Flavored Crust® pizza nationwide in 1985, setting it apart in the competitive pizza market.
Hungry Howie’s began franchising in 1983, and by 2004, it was named “Chain of the Year” by Pizza Today, solidifying its industry reputation.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Hungry Howie’s franchise? It costs on average between $292,000 – $567,000 to start a Hungry Howie’s 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.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $12,500 – $25,000 |
| Franchise Grand Opening Fee | $15,000 |
| Real Estate | $1,525 – $4,300 per month |
| Security Deposits | $1,525 – $8,607 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $148,000 – $275,999 |
| Architectural Drawings & Local Plan Review Fees | $4,300 – $17,300 |
| Equipment and Fixtures | $83,948.19 – $179,768.79 |
| Point of Sale System – Hardware Subscription | $3,579 – $3,678 |
| Point of Sale System – Software-As-A-Service Subscription | $444 – $567 |
| Opening Inventory | $12,000 – $19,000 |
| Insurance | $705 – $3,698 |
| Security Deposits – Utilities | $0 – $1,000 |
| Exterior Signage | $4,103 – |
| Digital Displays | $2,400 – $3,900 |
| Travel and Living Expenses During Training | $0 – $4,800 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $2,100 – $20,000 |
| Total | $292,129 – $567,248 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Hungry Howie’s franchise? A Hungry Howie’s franchised restaurant makes on average $805,000 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 Hungry Howie’s competitors as a comparison:
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Hungry Howie’s locations are there?
As of the latest data, Hungry Howie’s operates 518 locations across the United States, the majority of which are franchise-owned. The franchise has a strong presence in states like Michigan and Florida, which together account for a significant portion of its outlets.
What is the total investment required to open a Hungry Howie’s franchise?
The total investment required to open a Hungry Howie’s franchise ranges from $292,000 to $567,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Hungry Howie’s franchise?
Hungry Howie’s franchisees are required to pay a 6% royalty fee on gross sales for all locations. In addition, there is a marketing/advertising fee of up to 7% of gross sales, which covers national and regional advertising campaigns. These fees help franchisees benefit from the broader brand visibility and operational support provided by the franchisor.
What are the financial requirements to become a Hungry Howie’s franchisee?
To qualify as a Hungry Howie’s franchisee, you need a minimum net worth of $300,000 and at least $100,000 in liquid assets. These financial requirements are designed to ensure that potential franchisees have the necessary resources to successfully launch and operate their business.
How much can a Hungry Howie’s franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Hungry Howie’s franchise are approximately $0.81 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.81 million yearly revenue can result in $121,500 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Hungry Howie’s?
Hungry Howie’s is owned by Steve Jackson, the company’s CEO, and James Hearn, the founder. James Hearn originally started Hungry Howie’s in 1973 in Taylor, Michigan, transforming a hamburger stand into a pizzeria.
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