1953
30
$250,000
$25,000
$500,000
No
Cassano's Pizza King, established in 1953 in Dayton, Ohio, stands as a testament to American entrepreneurial spirit and culinary tradition. Founded by Vic Cassano Sr. and his mother-in-law Caroline “Mom” Donisi, the brand introduced Dayton to its first taste of pizza, selling 400 pizzas on its opening day. Known for its signature square-cut, thin-crust pizza, Cassano's quickly became a local favorite and expanded to over 100 locations by the mid-1970s .
Despite facing challenges, including a bankruptcy in 1995 and a tumultuous period in the early 2000s, Cassano's demonstrated resilience and a commitment to quality. Under the leadership of Vic Cassano Jr., the brand rebounded, focusing on revitalizing its operations and re-establishing its presence in the Dayton area. Today, Cassano's continues to serve its community with a menu that includes pizza, subs, salads, and more, maintaining a reputation for quality and community involvement .
Investing in Cassano's Pizza King offers a unique opportunity to be part of a brand with deep-rooted community ties and a rich history. The franchise model combines traditional values with modern operational practices, ensuring both brand recognition and operational efficiency. With a focus on quality, customer service, and community involvement, Cassano's provides franchisees with a platform to succeed in the competitive pizza industry.
Established Year: 1953
Cassano’s Pizza King was founded in Dayton, Ohio, in 1953, marking the beginning of Dayton’s first pizza chain. The brand introduced pizza to a region that had little exposure to this Italian-American staple at the time. On its opening day, the original store sold over 400 pizzas, instantly establishing a loyal customer base.
Founders: Vic Cassano Sr. and Caroline “Mom” Donisi
The brand was a family endeavor, combining Vic Cassano Sr.’s entrepreneurial vision with Caroline Donisi’s traditional Italian recipes and culinary expertise. This strong foundation of family values and quality food became a defining characteristic of the brand.
Franchise Units:
Cassano’s expanded rapidly in its early decades, growing to over 100 locations by the mid-1970s. Today, it maintains a strong presence in Dayton, Ohio, with additional locations in Quincy, Illinois, and Hannibal, Missouri, totaling around 30+ franchise units.
Brand Journey & Company History:
Cassano’s journey reflects both growth and resilience. After enjoying rapid expansion, the company faced challenges including bankruptcy in 1995 and operational instability in the early 2000s. Under the leadership of Vic Cassano Jr., the brand rebounded, focusing on revitalizing operations, strengthening quality control, and reconnecting with the local community. Today, Cassano’s combines traditional family recipes with modern business practices, maintaining a loyal customer base while attracting new generations of pizza lovers.
Ownership:
The brand is privately held, remaining a family-oriented enterprise that emphasizes personal attention to quality, service, and community involvement.
Market Presence in the USA:
Cassano’s is recognized primarily in Ohio and neighboring states as a regional pizza leader. Its reputation is built on community engagement, consistent quality, and a loyal customer base, making it a trusted local brand in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment.
Industry Category:
Cassano’s operates in the Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) category, specializing in pizza, subs, salads, and complementary food items. Its model focuses on both carryout and delivery, aligning with modern consumer expectations while maintaining a classic, family-friendly dining experience.
Other Notable Information:
Cassano’s was Dayton’s first pizza chain, giving it historical significance in the region.
The company is known for its signature square-cut thin-crust pizza, which differentiates it from other pizza brands.
Community involvement is a key part of the brand identity, with active participation in local events, sponsorships, and charity initiatives.
Cassano's offers comprehensive support and training to its franchisees:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and store design to ensure optimal location and layout.
Operational Training: In-depth training covering all aspects of restaurant operations, including food preparation, customer service, and inventory management.
Marketing Support: Guidance on local store marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, and digital marketing to drive customer engagement.
Ongoing Support: Regular visits from franchise consultants, continuous training updates, and access to a network of franchisees for shared best practices.
The ideal franchisee for Cassano’s Pizza King is someone who aligns with the brand’s family-oriented values, commitment to quality, and community engagement. Cassano’s looks for entrepreneurs who are passionate about the food service industry and motivated to build a successful, locally recognized pizza business.
1. Entrepreneurial Mindset:
Candidates should have a strong desire to run their own business while benefiting from the support of an established brand.
They should be proactive, motivated, and willing to follow proven operational systems to ensure consistency and quality.
2. Experience & Background:
Experience in restaurant management, hospitality, or retail operations is advantageous but not strictly required.
Business acumen, leadership skills, and the ability to manage staff and daily operations are important.
3. Passion for Food and Community:
A genuine love for the food industry, especially pizza and quick-service dining, is essential.
Franchisees should be committed to community engagement, participating in local events and fostering customer loyalty.
4. Investment Capability:
Potential franchisees should have the financial capacity to invest in the total franchise cost, which typically ranges from $250,000 to $500,000, including initial fees, infrastructure, and working capital.
Ability to maintain operational liquidity until the business reaches profitability.
5. Personal Traits:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with customers, employees, and the community.
Detail-oriented, organized, and able to maintain high standards in food quality, hygiene, and customer service.
Commitment to adhering to Cassano’s operational guidelines while maintaining local engagement.
6. Location Preference:
Interest in establishing a presence in Ohio and neighboring states is preferred, aligning with Cassano’s current market footprint.
Candidates should choose locations with high visibility, strong foot traffic, and community relevance.
7. Long-Term Vision:
The ideal franchisee sees the opportunity as a long-term investment and is committed to growing the brand locally while upholding Cassano’s tradition of quality and community service.
| Category | Details / Estimates |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $250,000 – $500,000 (depending on location, size, and build-out costs) |
| Minimum Investment Required | Varies by location; typically around $250,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Franchise Units | 30+ active locations (primarily Ohio, with some in Illinois & Missouri) |
| Infrastructure / Build-out Cost | $150,000 – $300,000 (includes equipment, furnishings, kitchen setup, and signage) |
| Marketing Budget | 2–5% of gross sales for local and national marketing initiatives |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $50,000 (to cover initial operating expenses until profitability) |
| Royalty Fees | Typically 5–6% of gross sales (exact % provided upon inquiry) |
| Expected ROI | Varies; generally achievable within 3–5 years depending on location and sales volume |
| Break-even Time | Approximately 18–24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, carryout, delivery, catering, online ordering, gift cards, promotions |
