1959
40
$864,000
$49,000
$1,198,000
No
Aurelio's Is Pizza stands as a cornerstone of American pizzerias, offering a rich blend of tradition, quality, and community. Founded in 1959 by Joe Aurelio in Homewood, Illinois, the brand has grown from a modest four-table eatery to a beloved institution known for its signature thin-crust pizza. In 1974, Aurelio's became the first Chicago pizzeria to franchise its concept, marking a significant milestone in its expansion .
With over 40 locations across six states, Aurelio's has become synonymous with family-friendly dining and exceptional pizza. The brand's commitment to using fresh ingredients, homemade sausage, and a secret pizza sauce has garnered a loyal customer base and national recognition. Notably, Aurelio's was even featured in a heartwarming moment when Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, received his favorite pepperoni pizza from the franchise during a visit to the Vatican .
Investing in an Aurelio's Is Pizza franchise offers:
Proven Business Model: Benefit from a time-tested concept with decades of success.
Brand Recognition: Leverage a well-established brand with a loyal customer base.
Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing assistance to ensure your success.
Community Impact: Join a brand that values community engagement and customer satisfaction.
Established Year & Founding:
Aurelio’s Is Pizza was founded in 1959 by Joe Aurelio in Homewood, Illinois. It began as a small, family-operated pizzeria serving Chicago-style thin-crust pizza. The original concept was centered on quality ingredients, homemade pizza sauce, and a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.
Franchise Launch:
In 1974, Aurelio’s became the first Chicago pizzeria to offer franchising. This milestone allowed the brand to expand beyond its original location while maintaining its unique recipes, service standards, and community-focused philosophy.
Founders & Ownership:
Founder: Joe Aurelio
Ownership: Still family-owned and operated, ensuring that the original values, recipes, and customer service standards are maintained across all locations.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
Aurelio’s operates over 40 franchise units across the United States, mainly concentrated in Illinois, Florida, and a few other states.
Known for its thin-crust pizza, the brand has developed a strong reputation as a Chicago-style pizza icon.
The franchise model allows entrepreneurs to operate independently while leveraging the brand’s established identity and loyal customer base.
Brand Journey & History:
Started as a single-location, family-run pizzeria.
Over the decades, Aurelio’s expanded regionally and nationally through franchising.
The brand has been featured in national media for its authentic pizza experience, including notable mentions of Pope Leo XIV enjoying Aurelio’s pizza, highlighting the brand’s cultural and culinary recognition.
Continues to innovate menu items while staying true to its original recipes, ensuring both tradition and modern appeal.
Industry Category:
Aurelio’s operates in the restaurant and food service industry, specifically in quick-service and casual dining pizza restaurants.
Its niche is Chicago-style pizza, which distinguishes it from other national pizza chains.
Other Information:
Aurelio’s emphasizes community engagement and often participates in local events and charity initiatives.
Franchisees benefit from brand reputation, operational support, and marketing resources, making it a stable investment for entrepreneurs passionate about the food and hospitality industry.
Aurelio’s Is Pizza offers comprehensive support and training to ensure franchisees can successfully operate and grow their businesses. The support covers pre-launch, operational, marketing, academic, and ongoing assistance.
Before opening a franchise, Aurelio’s provides guidance to set up the business efficiently:
Site Selection Assistance: Support in choosing high-traffic, profitable locations based on demographics and market analysis.
Lease Negotiation Guidance: Expert advice to secure favorable lease terms.
Restaurant Design & Build-Out: Assistance with layout, kitchen setup, and branding to meet Aurelio’s operational standards.
Equipment Procurement: Help sourcing ovens, kitchen appliances, and POS systems.
Regulatory Compliance: Guidance on local health codes, permits, and licenses.
Franchisees receive hands-on training to run day-to-day operations:
On-Site Training: Practical training at an existing Aurelio’s location, covering pizza preparation, food safety, and quality control.
Kitchen & Service Procedures: Standardized methods for preparing menu items, managing inventory, and maintaining hygiene.
Staff Training Program: Templates and training modules to onboard and train restaurant staff effectively.
Operational Manuals: Comprehensive guides covering all aspects of running the franchise efficiently.
Aurelio’s helps franchisees attract and retain customers through marketing strategies:
Grand Opening Support: Assistance with launch promotions and events to build local awareness.
National Marketing Campaigns: Access to campaigns that enhance brand recognition.
Local Marketing Guidance: Tips and materials for social media, community engagement, and local advertising.
Promotional Material: Templates for flyers, menus, digital content, and in-store signage.
Aurelio’s provides resources to enhance the business skills of franchisees:
Business Management Training: Guidance on financial management, payroll, and inventory control.
Customer Service Training: Focus on building customer loyalty and delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Operational Analytics: Training to track sales, optimize menu performance, and improve profitability.
Support doesn’t stop after the restaurant opens. Aurelio’s ensures continuous guidance:
Field Support Visits: Experienced franchise consultants visit to provide operational advice and identify improvement opportunities.
Performance Monitoring: Assistance with financial and operational metrics to help franchisees achieve growth goals.
Menu Development & Innovation: Updates and recommendations on new items or seasonal offerings.
Franchise Network: Access to a community of franchisees for shared learning, best practices, and support.
The ideal Aurelio's Is Pizza franchisee:
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Possesses a strong desire to own and operate a business.
Customer-Centric: Values exceptional customer service and community engagement.
Business Acumen: Has experience or interest in restaurant operations and management.
Financial Capability: Can meet the financial requirements for investment and operations.
Location Preference: Interested in establishing a presence in family-oriented communities.
| Financial Category | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $49,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $864,000 – $1,198,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $864,000 |
| Working Capital | $100,000 – $120,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 2 – 3 years depending on location and management |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, carry-out, delivery, catering services, merchandise sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Included in total initial investment (varies based on location, size, and equipment) |
| Expected ROI | Dependent on location; typically achievable within 3 – 5 years |
