1979
19
$300,000
$10,000
$280,000
No
Benito’s Pizza is a family-owned and operated pizza chain that has been serving high-quality, handcrafted pizzas since 1979. Founded by Italian immigrant Benito Mautone in Belleville, Michigan, the brand has grown from a single take-out/delivery location to a thriving franchise with multiple units across Michigan and Arizona. Known for its commitment to old-world quality and customer satisfaction, Benito’s Pizza offers a diverse menu that includes Detroit deep-dish, hand-tossed round, and specialty pizzas, along with calzones, subs, wings, pasta, salads, and more. The brand's dedication to using only the freshest ingredients and maintaining a family-friendly environment has earned it a loyal customer base and a strong reputation in the competitive pizza industry.
Proven Track Record: With over 40 years in business, Benito’s Pizza has established itself as a trusted name in the pizza industry.
Strong Customer Loyalty: Over 70% of customers order from Benito’s Pizza more than once a month, and over 80% are long-time loyal customers.
Diverse Menu Offerings: The brand offers a wide range of menu items, catering to various customer preferences and dietary needs.
Comprehensive Training & Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support to ensure operational success.
Veteran Incentives: Benito’s Pizza offers financial incentives for veterans, including discounts on franchise fees and marketing support.
1. Established Year:
Benito’s Pizza was founded in 1979 by Benito Mautone, an Italian immigrant who brought his passion for authentic Italian pizza to the United States. The brand began as a single take-out and delivery location in Belleville, Michigan.
2. Founders and Ownership:
The founder, Benito Mautone, established the brand with a focus on high-quality, handcrafted pizzas. Today, Benito’s Pizza remains a family-owned and operated business, with the Mautone family actively involved in the operations and franchise management.
3. Brand Journey:
1979: The first Benito’s Pizza location opens, offering Detroit-style pizza and classic Italian recipes.
1980s-1990s: The business grows locally, building a reputation for quality, freshness, and excellent customer service.
Early 2000s: The menu expands beyond pizza to include calzones, subs, wings, pasta, salads, bread, and appetizers. This diversification helps the brand cater to broader tastes and increase customer loyalty.
2010s-Present: Benito’s Pizza transitions into a franchise model, opening locations in Michigan and Arizona. The franchise emphasizes consistency, support, and brand recognition.
4. Market Presence in the USA:
Benito’s Pizza currently operates 19 franchise locations across Michigan and Arizona. The brand is recognized for its Detroit-style deep-dish pizza, as well as hand-tossed round pizzas and specialty menu items. It competes in the Pizza & Italian cuisine category, positioning itself as a family-friendly, community-focused brand.
5. Industry Category and Competitiveness:
Benito’s Pizza is part of the fast-casual pizza industry, which has seen consistent growth in the USA. The brand distinguishes itself through:
Authentic Italian recipes and high-quality ingredients.
A diverse menu appealing to families, students, and professionals.
Focused regional expansion, maintaining control over quality and brand reputation.
6. Notable Achievements:
Over 40 years of consistent operations, highlighting brand stability.
Loyal customer base with high repeat-order rates.
Special incentives for veterans to encourage franchise ownership.
Recognition as a family-oriented and quality-driven pizza franchise in the Midwest.
Operational Support: Ongoing assistance with day-to-day operations, staff training, and quality control.
Marketing Support: Guidance on local marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, and brand development.
Technology Support: Access to proprietary software for order management, inventory tracking, and financial reporting.
Veteran Support: Specialized support for veterans transitioning into franchise ownership, including mentorship and networking opportunities.
Investing in a Benito’s Pizza franchise requires a combination of financial capability, passion for the food industry, and dedication to operational excellence. The ideal franchisee should align with the brand’s values and be prepared to actively manage and grow the business.
Experience in restaurant management, food service, or small business ownership is preferred but not mandatory.
Understanding of day-to-day operations, staff management, and customer service is beneficial.
Ability to follow proven operational systems while adapting to local market needs.
A strong passion for the food and hospitality industry, particularly pizza and Italian cuisine.
Commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences and maintaining high-quality standards.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to learn, implement, and grow the franchise successfully.
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate staff and engage with the local community.
Minimum required cash investment: $300,000
Minimum net worth: $400,000
Ability to cover the total investment range ($141,500 – $280,000) including franchise fees, infrastructure, working capital, and marketing budget.
Preparedness to manage operational costs and maintain adequate working capital during the initial months of operation.
Interest in operating in Michigan, Arizona, or other areas where Benito’s Pizza has available territories.
Willingness to research and understand local market demographics, ensuring the restaurant meets community demand.
Focused on building long-term customer loyalty through community engagement and consistent quality.
Committed to upholding Benito’s Pizza’s family-friendly, community-oriented brand identity.
Open to following corporate guidelines and franchise systems, including operational standards, marketing strategies, and menu consistency.
Passionate about sustaining the reputation of Benito’s Pizza as a trusted and high-quality pizza brand.
| Category | Details / Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $141,500 – $280,000 |
| Minimum Cash Required | $300,000 |
| Net Worth Required | $400,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $10,000 |
| Royalty Fees | Not specified |
| Advertising Fund / Marketing Fee | $5,000 (for Grand Opening marketing and promotions, including veteran incentives) |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Included in total investment, varies by location and size |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment |
| Expected ROI | Stores average over $12,000 in weekly sales |
| Break-Even Time | Not specified |
| Revenue Streams | In-store sales, delivery, catering, online ordering |
| Franchise Units | 19 locations (Michigan & Arizona) |
