2011
20
$50,000
$30,000
$533,500
No
Benny's Pizza is redefining the American pizza experience with its oversized slices, unique branding, and community-focused approach. Born from a passion for quality and simplicity, Benny’s offers a straightforward menu featuring 28-inch pizzas and a variety of toppings, all crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The brand has rapidly expanded across Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, becoming a beloved staple in college towns, historic districts, and vibrant neighborhoods.
What sets Benny’s apart is its commitment to personalization. Each franchise location carries its own unique name and story, reflecting the local community's character while maintaining the brand's cohesive identity. This blend of individuality and consistency has fostered a loyal customer base and positioned Benny’s as a standout in the competitive pizza industry.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Proven Business Model: With a focus on simplicity and quality, Benny’s has streamlined operations, making it accessible even to those without prior restaurant experience.
Strong Brand Identity: The unique branding and community engagement strategies have cultivated a dedicated following, ensuring sustained customer loyalty.
Scalable Growth Potential: The brand's expansion into multiple states demonstrates its scalability and adaptability to various markets.
Supportive Franchise Network: Benny’s provides comprehensive training and ongoing support, empowering franchisees to succeed and grow within the system.
1. Established Year & Origins:
Benny’s Pizza was founded in 2011 in Blacksburg, Virginia by Chris Brown and Zach Toth. The founders’ vision was to create a pizza experience that was fun, community-centered, and focused on quality. They introduced the concept of oversized 28-inch pizzas, emphasizing both value and novelty, which quickly gained attention in college towns and local communities.
2. Franchising History:
The brand began franchising in 2019, allowing entrepreneurs to bring the Benny’s Pizza experience to other locations. Since then, it has expanded steadily across multiple states, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
3. Franchise Units & Growth:
Benny’s Pizza has over 20 franchise units. Each franchise location maintains the core branding of Benny’s while incorporating local elements in its name and identity, creating a sense of community ownership and engagement. The model has proven scalable and adaptable, particularly in areas with high foot traffic such as college towns and vibrant neighborhoods.
4. Ownership & Corporate Structure:
Benny’s Pizza is privately owned by Benny’s Franchising LLC. The corporate team provides ongoing support, operational guidance, and marketing resources to ensure that each franchise adheres to brand standards while thriving locally.
5. Market Presence & Industry Category:
Benny’s operates in the Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) industry, specifically focusing on pizza. Its unique product offering, which includes the signature oversized slices, combined with strong community ties, has positioned Benny’s as a standout brand in the competitive pizza market in the USA.
6. Brand Journey & Philosophy:
From its humble beginnings in Blacksburg, Benny’s Pizza has grown into a recognized regional brand. The brand emphasizes:
Community Engagement: Each location reflects its local community through branding and menu options.
Customer Experience: Fun, friendly service paired with unique pizza offerings.
Sustainability & Quality: Locally sourced ingredients and fresh preparation.
7. Industry Recognition & Reputation:
Benny’s Pizza has built a strong reputation for consistency and quality. Its franchising model focuses on creating a loyal customer base, making it an attractive opportunity for investors looking for a proven, community-focused pizza brand.
Benny's offers a robust support system to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and store design tailored to the local market.
Comprehensive Training: In-depth training covering operations, customer service, inventory management, and marketing strategies.
Operational Guidance: Ongoing support in daily operations, staff training, and quality control to maintain brand standards.
Marketing Assistance: Access to proven marketing materials and strategies to drive local awareness and customer engagement.
Continuous Development: Regular updates on industry trends, menu innovations, and best practices to keep franchises competitive.
Benny’s Pizza is designed for entrepreneurs who are passionate about food, community, and business growth. The ideal franchisee is someone who can uphold the brand’s standards while engaging with their local market. Below is a breakdown of the key characteristics:
1. Entrepreneurial Spirit:
Motivated self-starters who are driven to build and grow their own business.
Comfortable with taking initiative and making strategic decisions to optimize store performance.
Able to balance operational tasks with long-term business development.
2. Leadership & Management Skills:
Capable of leading and motivating a team of employees.
Strong people management skills to foster a positive work culture.
Able to implement Benny’s operational standards consistently across staff and shifts.
3. Community Engagement:
Enthusiastic about participating in local events and initiatives to strengthen community ties.
Understands the importance of personalized local marketing to drive customer loyalty.
Values creating a welcoming environment where customers feel a sense of connection to the brand.
4. Financial Capability:
Has the financial resources to meet franchise investment requirements, including franchise fees, startup costs, and working capital.
Understands the importance of financial planning and cash flow management for sustainable growth.
Willing to invest in the brand’s marketing and operational excellence.
5. Passion for the Food Industry:
Enthusiastic about the restaurant and quick-service food sector.
Committed to quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
Open to learning operational best practices, menu preparation, and customer service protocols.
6. Location Preference:
Best suited for those interested in college towns, historic districts, or vibrant neighborhoods where the brand resonates with both students and local residents.
Ideally located in areas with high foot traffic, visibility, and strong community presence.
7. Personal Attributes:
Strong work ethic, resilience, and adaptability.
Customer-focused mindset with excellent interpersonal skills.
Passionate about creating a fun, memorable, and community-oriented experience for customers.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $169,800 – $533,500 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $50,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fund Fee | 0% – 2% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| Average Unit Revenue | Approx. $499,706 per year |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 18 – 24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store dining, takeout, delivery, catering, branded merchandise |
| Franchise Units | 20+ locations across VA, NC, SC, PA, and WV |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | Included in total investment; varies by location and size |
| Training & Support Costs | Included in franchise fee; covers pre-launch, operational, and marketing support |
| Additional Fees | Optional upgrades, local advertising, or equipment may incur extra costs |
