What makes Pier 49 Pizza so special?
Pier 49 Pizza is not your average pizza shop. It stands apart from the rest, starting at the bottom…the crust. Every crust of every pizza from Pier 49 Pizza is made from scratch daily, and each one is made from a very special secret signature sourdough blend. The crust really makes the pizzas stand out, but the difference doesn’t stop there. Customers choose from 9 different sauces to top off their pizza, and then have a choice of gourmet ingredients that you won’t find at most pizza joints…sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, shrimp, crab…just to name a few. With customer service as top priority and food quality that makes customers say “Wow!” – Pier 49 Pizza stands apart from the rest.

Is this a public or private company?
Each Pier 49 Pizza restaurant is independently owned and operated. The Pier 49 Pizza concept, operating system, rights, logo, trademarks, recipes, and all other related marks are owned by Pier 49 Pizza, Inc. which is a privately held company.

How much does it cost to build a Pier 49 Pizza restaurant?
The estimated initial investment required per restaurant, including certain additional funds necessary for the first three months of operation, ranges from approximately $190,000 to $300,000 for a standard Pier 49 Pizza restaurant. A unit of 1600 square feet, located in a strip center, costs approximately $225,000. This amount will vary depending on the size of the unit, the geographical area, and owner preferences.

What is the franchise fee?
The initial U.S. franchise fee is $25,000 per license for a standard Pier 49 Pizza territory.

What is the royalty fee?
An ongoing royalty fee of 5% of net sales is due on a weekly basis.

What are the marketing and advertising fees?
Marketing Fund Contribution*- The current marketing fund contribution for support of Pier 49 Pizza’s national advertising is 2% of net sales, collected on a weekly basis.

* Pier 49 Pizza’s Franchise Offering Circular includes more detailed information regarding marketing and advertising fees.

How much cash or liquid assets are required to acquire a franchise?
Depending on the number of units you wish to open, cash or liquid asset requirements are approximately between $190,000 to $300,000 per restaurant. In addition, personal net worth requirements must be met. Please refer to the Franchisee Requirements page of this website for more information.

If I don’t meet the financial or operational criteria to become a franchisee, can I partner with someone who does?
Yes. You must supply us with a resume and personal financial statement for each member of your potential franchise group.

Does Pier 49 Pizza provide financing for restaurant development?
We will provide information on lending institutions, including SBA sources, willing to provide financing to prospective franchisees. However, Pier 49 Pizza does not offer financing.

What is an UFOC?
Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. This legal disclosure document explains the key points of the franchise relationship, including obligations and franchise agreements.

Do I have to work in my restaurant?
If you have restaurant or other qualified management experience, you may wish to act as the Principal Operator. If you do not have management experience, an experienced Principal Operator must be hired to operate your restaurant.

Do I need previous restaurant experience to qualify?
Previous restaurant experience is very helpful, but it is not a requirement. The Pier 49 Pizza Franchise Training Team will teach and train you to manage and operate your store. They also provide ongoing support and assistance.

What type of return can I expect to make on my investment?
Pier 49 Pizza does not provide earnings claim information. We do, however, encourage our prospective franchisees to conduct significant due diligence during the discovery process and contact existing franchisees with questions on marketing, finances, sales volumes, operations, etc. The amount of profit or loss is dependent on a number of factors, including the ability of the franchisee to manage the business, drive sales volume and control operating costs. Contacting existing operators begins after you have provided Pier 49 Pizza, Inc. with the UFOC acknowledgment, financial disclosures, and obtained their approval.

Does Pier 49 Pizza select the site where I’ll build my restaurant?
Pier 49 Pizza, Inc. will offer expertise in selecting the site, and must approve all locations in advance.

What kind of support can I expect from Pier 49 Pizza on the build-out of my restaurant?
Pier 49 Pizza will provide you with assistance to open your restaurant. Upon approval of a location, your Franchise Representative will assist you through the architectural plans, layout of the restaurant, and equipment purchasing.

What other type of ongoing support does Pier 49 Pizza provide?
The Pier 49 Pizza Staff possess years of management, marketing and operations experience in the food service industry. Franchise representatives are carefully selected to ensure that they are not only familiar with the concepts associated with your success, but also have real world experience, often gained within our own franchise system.

What kind of training requirements will I be expected to meet?
Before opening the first restaurant, a franchisee must have an approved Principal Operator in place. The Principal Operator must complete the Management Training Program. The training combines hands-on operations and classroom information for the Pier 49 Pizza concept. Total Pre-Store Opening training time is two weeks with and additional two weeks after the restaurant has opened.

How soon can I open my Pier 49 Pizza restaurant?
Allowing sufficient time for preparation of necessary documents, business registrations, financing, site-selection, lease negotiation, obtaining permits, training, leasehold construction and pre-opening activities, the typical time frame is 90 to 180 days from the date you are awarded your Pier 49 Pizza franchise license.

I want to become a Pier 49 Pizza franchisee. What are the next steps?
First, please read all of the information on the franchise pages of this website, paying particular attention to the U.S. franchisee requirements and fees. If you believe you meet Pier 49 Pizza’s requirements and wish to become part of our franchise family, please complete the U.S. Franchisee Request for Consideration form.