Established
1959
Franchise Units
40
Minimum Investment
$864,000
Franchise Fee
$49,000
Total Investment Range
$1,198,000
Home Based
No
Description
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 .
💼 Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in an Aurelio's Is Pizza franchise offers:
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Proven Business Model: Benefit from a time-tested concept with decades of success.
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Brand Recognition: Leverage a well-established brand with a loyal customer base.
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Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing assistance to ensure your success.
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Community Impact: Join a brand that values community engagement and customer satisfaction.
Background
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:
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Founder: Joe Aurelio
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Ownership: Still family-owned and operated, ensuring that the original values, recipes, and customer service standards are maintained across all locations.
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Franchise Units & Market Presence:
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Aurelio’s operates over 40 franchise units across the United States, mainly concentrated in Illinois, Florida, and a few other states.
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Known for its thin-crust pizza, the brand has developed a strong reputation as a Chicago-style pizza icon.
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The franchise model allows entrepreneurs to operate independently while leveraging the brand’s established identity and loyal customer base.
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Brand Journey & History:
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Started as a single-location, family-run pizzeria.
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Over the decades, Aurelio’s expanded regionally and nationally through franchising.
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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.
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Continues to innovate menu items while staying true to its original recipes, ensuring both tradition and modern appeal.
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Industry Category:
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Aurelio’s operates in the restaurant and food service industry, specifically in quick-service and casual dining pizza restaurants.
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Its niche is Chicago-style pizza, which distinguishes it from other national pizza chains.
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Other Information:
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Aurelio’s emphasizes community engagement and often participates in local events and charity initiatives.
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Franchisees benefit from brand reputation, operational support, and marketing resources, making it a stable investment for entrepreneurs passionate about the food and hospitality industry.
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Support Training
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.
1. Pre-Launch Support
Before opening a franchise, Aurelio’s provides guidance to set up the business efficiently:
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Site Selection Assistance: Support in choosing high-traffic, profitable locations based on demographics and market analysis.
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Lease Negotiation Guidance: Expert advice to secure favorable lease terms.
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Restaurant Design & Build-Out: Assistance with layout, kitchen setup, and branding to meet Aurelio’s operational standards.
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Equipment Procurement: Help sourcing ovens, kitchen appliances, and POS systems.
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Regulatory Compliance: Guidance on local health codes, permits, and licenses.
2. Operational Training
Franchisees receive hands-on training to run day-to-day operations:
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On-Site Training: Practical training at an existing Aurelio’s location, covering pizza preparation, food safety, and quality control.
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Kitchen & Service Procedures: Standardized methods for preparing menu items, managing inventory, and maintaining hygiene.
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Staff Training Program: Templates and training modules to onboard and train restaurant staff effectively.
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Operational Manuals: Comprehensive guides covering all aspects of running the franchise efficiently.
3. Marketing & Brand Support
Aurelio’s helps franchisees attract and retain customers through marketing strategies:
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Grand Opening Support: Assistance with launch promotions and events to build local awareness.
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National Marketing Campaigns: Access to campaigns that enhance brand recognition.
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Local Marketing Guidance: Tips and materials for social media, community engagement, and local advertising.
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Promotional Material: Templates for flyers, menus, digital content, and in-store signage.
4. Academic & Business Training
Aurelio’s provides resources to enhance the business skills of franchisees:
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Business Management Training: Guidance on financial management, payroll, and inventory control.
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Customer Service Training: Focus on building customer loyalty and delivering exceptional dining experiences.
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Operational Analytics: Training to track sales, optimize menu performance, and improve profitability.
5. Ongoing Support
Support doesn’t stop after the restaurant opens. Aurelio’s ensures continuous guidance:
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Field Support Visits: Experienced franchise consultants visit to provide operational advice and identify improvement opportunities.
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Performance Monitoring: Assistance with financial and operational metrics to help franchisees achieve growth goals.
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Menu Development & Innovation: Updates and recommendations on new items or seasonal offerings.
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Franchise Network: Access to a community of franchisees for shared learning, best practices, and support.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Aurelio's Is Pizza franchisee:
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Entrepreneurial Spirit: Possesses a strong desire to own and operate a business.
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Customer-Centric: Values exceptional customer service and community engagement.
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Business Acumen: Has experience or interest in restaurant operations and management.
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Financial Capability: Can meet the financial requirements for investment and operations.
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Location Preference: Interested in establishing a presence in family-oriented communities.
Financial Detail
| Financial Category | Details / Range |
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| 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 |