270
1985
$695,000
$30,000
$1,020,000
No
Cicis Pizza is a beloved American brand that has redefined the pizza dining experience since 1985. Famous for its "Unlimited Pizza, Pasta, Salad & Dessert" buffet, Cicis offers families and pizza enthusiasts a fun, value-packed dining experience. With over 270 locations across 20+ states, the brand has become a staple in the "eatertainment" industry, blending delicious food with entertainment elements like game rooms and innovative menu items.
In recent years, Cicis has undergone a revitalization, embracing technology with features like the MyCicis app, delivery services, and curbside pickup. Collaborations with brands like Eggo have further fueled its appeal, introducing unique offerings such as the Chicken and Eggo Waffles Pizza. This dynamic approach positions Cicis as a forward-thinking franchise opportunity in the competitive pizza market.
Proven Business Model: Cicis' buffet concept has consistently attracted a broad customer base, ensuring steady foot traffic and repeat business.
Brand Recognition: With decades of operation and a strong presence in the U.S., Cicis is a trusted name in the pizza industry.
Innovative Offerings: The brand's willingness to experiment with new menu items and partnerships keeps the dining experience fresh and exciting.
Comprehensive Support: Cicis provides extensive training and ongoing support to franchisees, ensuring they are well-equipped to succeed.
Established Year:
Cicis Pizza was founded in 1985, in Plano, Texas.
Founders:
The brand was created by Joe Croce and Mike Cole, who envisioned a family-friendly, all-you-can-eat pizza buffet that combined quality food with a fun dining experience.
Brand Journey & Company History:
Cicis started as a single pizza buffet restaurant in Plano, Texas, focusing on unlimited pizza, pasta, salad, and dessert.
Over the years, it expanded rapidly across the United States, building a reputation for value, family dining, and variety.
The company faced challenges in the 2010s, including financial restructuring, but it successfully emerged stronger, focusing on innovation, digital ordering, and delivery.
Cicis has embraced collaborations, like the Eggo waffle pizza partnership, to create unique offerings and attract younger, trend-conscious consumers.
Ownership:
Cicis is currently owned by Cicis Enterprises, LP, which oversees the franchise network, brand strategy, marketing, and operational standards.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
Cicis operates over 270 locations across 20+ U.S. states, with strong concentration in Texas, Georgia, Virginia, and Kentucky.
The brand targets family-oriented neighborhoods, malls, and suburban areas with high foot traffic.
Industry Category:
Cicis operates in the Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) segment, specializing in pizza buffet dining. It is often positioned under the “eatertainment” niche due to its combination of dining and entertainment (game rooms, themed promotions).
Reputation & Market Positioning:
Cicis is recognized for offering affordable, family-friendly dining.
Known for its “Unlimited Pizza, Pasta, Salad & Dessert” concept, it appeals to repeat customers and group dining.
The brand maintains a strong online presence via the MyCicis app, delivery partnerships, and social media marketing.
Notable Achievements:
Survived a restructuring period and emerged with renewed growth strategies.
Expanded the menu to include innovative items and seasonal promotions to stay competitive in the pizza industry.
Maintains a loyal customer base through quality, variety, and family-friendly experiences.
Cicis provides a comprehensive support system designed to help franchisees succeed before, during, and after launching their stores. This includes operational guidance, marketing assistance, training programs, and ongoing franchise support.
Before opening, Cicis helps franchisees set up the business for success:
Site Selection: Assistance in choosing high-traffic, family-friendly locations that maximize customer reach.
Lease Negotiation & Construction: Guidance in negotiating favorable leases, store layout planning, and overseeing construction or remodeling to meet brand standards.
Licensing & Permits: Support with obtaining necessary local, state, and federal permits and compliance requirements.
Menu & Equipment Setup: Guidance on kitchen equipment, buffet setup, and menu implementation for optimal efficiency.
Cicis provides structured, in-depth training to ensure franchisees and their teams can run the restaurant effectively:
Initial Training: A comprehensive 5-week program at the Cicis Support Center in Dallas, Texas. This includes:
Classroom training covering operations, marketing, HR, and financial management.
Hands-on, in-store training for real-world experience in food preparation, customer service, and inventory management.
Employee Training: Programs to train restaurant staff in food safety, quality standards, and customer service.
Ongoing Education: Continuous learning resources and updated training modules to address new technologies, menu items, or operational improvements.
Cicis provides continuous guidance to streamline daily operations:
Store Management: Assistance with staffing, scheduling, and performance management.
Inventory Management: Tools and advice to optimize inventory, reduce waste, and maintain quality standards.
Operational Audits: Periodic reviews to ensure each franchise maintains the brand’s high standards.
Cicis ensures franchisees benefit from brand recognition and strategic marketing campaigns:
National Marketing Campaigns: Franchisees have access to professionally designed campaigns, advertising materials, and social media strategies.
Local Marketing Support: Guidance for local promotions, community engagement, and events to drive store traffic.
Digital Marketing Tools: Integration with the MyCicis app, online ordering platforms, and loyalty programs to increase visibility and sales.
Cicis leverages modern tools to keep franchisees competitive:
Digital Ordering & Delivery Platforms: Assistance in integrating with online ordering and third-party delivery apps.
Point-of-Sale Systems: Support with installing and maintaining POS systems for efficient operations and reporting.
Customer Engagement Tools: Guidance on loyalty programs, email campaigns, and mobile app promotions.
Even after launch, Cicis provides continuous support to maximize profitability:
Field Support: Visits from brand representatives to evaluate store performance and provide improvement strategies.
Consulting & Advice: Ongoing consultation for operations, marketing, and expansion opportunities.
Community & Networking: Opportunities to connect with other franchisees through conferences, webinars, and peer networking.
Cicis seeks motivated entrepreneurs who are passionate about food, customer service, and business growth. The ideal franchisee combines financial capability with operational skills and a strong commitment to the brand.
Experience in Foodservice or Retail: Preferably a background in restaurant management, multi-unit operations, or hospitality, but new entrepreneurs with a strong business acumen are also considered.
Leadership Skills: Ability to manage teams, motivate staff, and maintain high operational standards.
Operational Understanding: Comfortable with inventory control, budgeting, and day-to-day restaurant management.
Brand Enthusiasm: Franchisees must believe in the Cicis brand, its buffet concept, and family-friendly approach.
Customer Focus: A dedication to providing excellent customer service, creating a welcoming environment for families, and engaging the local community.
Growth Mindset: Interest in expanding operations and exploring opportunities like catering, delivery, or multiple store ownership.
Minimum Net Worth: $500,000
Liquid Assets: At least $250,000 available for investment.
Willingness to Invest: Ready to commit to a total initial investment of $695,000 to $1.02 million, covering franchise fees, construction, equipment, and working capital.
Financial Planning Skills: Ability to manage operating costs, marketing budgets, and payroll efficiently to achieve profitability.
Preferred Locations: High-traffic areas with family-oriented demographics, shopping centers, suburban neighborhoods, or near schools and recreation centers.
Community Engagement: Enthusiastic about participating in local events, sponsorships, and promotions to strengthen brand presence.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Self-motivated and driven to grow the business while adhering to brand standards.
Team-Oriented: Able to recruit, train, and retain staff, fostering a positive workplace culture.
Adaptable: Willing to embrace new technologies, menu innovations, and marketing strategies.
Resilient & Problem-Solving: Capable of navigating challenges and making quick, effective operational decisions.
Summary:
The ideal Cicis franchisee is a motivated entrepreneur with financial stability, operational experience or willingness to learn, and a passion for delivering an exceptional dining experience. They are committed to growing the business, engaging the community, and maintaining the brand’s reputation for quality and family-friendly entertainment.
| Financial Component | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $695,000 – $1,020,000 |
| Real Estate & Construction | $350,000 – $600,000 (varies by location and size) |
| Equipment & Furniture | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Marketing Budget / Advertising | 3% of gross sales (local and national marketing support) |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% – 6% of gross sales |
| Minimum Net Worth Requirement | $500,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $250,000 |
| Break-Even Time | 2 – 3 years |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually (varies by location and operational efficiency) |
| Revenue Streams | Buffet sales, game rooms, delivery & takeout, catering, seasonal promotions |
| Franchise Units in USA | Over 270 locations across 20+ states |
