1946
7
$250,000
$25,000
$500,000
No
Cloverleaf Pizza, established in 1946, is the birthplace of the iconic Detroit-style square pizza. Founded by Gus Guerra, the original Motor City Square has become a beloved institution, renowned for its crispy, cheesy crust and rich, savory toppings. Over the decades, Cloverleaf has perfected its craft, earning accolades such as being named one of the '101 Best Pizzas in America' by The Daily Meal.
Now, Cloverleaf Pizza is expanding its legacy through franchising opportunities across Michigan. This is a chance to join a brand with a rich history, a loyal customer base, and a proven business model. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a passionate food lover, owning a Cloverleaf Pizza franchise means becoming part of a family that values tradition, quality, and community.
Proven Business Model: With decades of operation, Cloverleaf has honed its processes, ensuring efficiency and consistency across locations.
Award-Winning Product: The original Detroit-style square pizza, crafted with proprietary recipes, sets Cloverleaf apart in the competitive pizza market.
Strong Brand Recognition: Cloverleaf's longstanding presence and reputation in Michigan provide a solid foundation for new franchisees.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, covering operations, marketing, and more.
Protected Territories: Each franchisee is granted a protected territory, minimizing internal competition and maximizing market potential.
Established Year & Founders:
Cloverleaf Pizza was founded in 1946 by Gus Guerra in Eastpointe, Michigan. Gus Guerra created the brand with a vision to craft a unique, square-style pizza that would stand out in Detroit’s growing pizza market. The signature Detroit-style square pizza with its thick, cheesy, caramelized crust quickly became the hallmark of the brand.
Franchise Units / Locations:
As of 2025, Cloverleaf Pizza operates seven locations across Michigan, including:
Chesterfield
Eastpointe
Grosse Pointe
Macomb
Roseville
St. Clair Shores
Sterling Heights
The company is actively expanding through franchising, aiming to bring its original Detroit-style square pizza to more communities throughout Michigan and potentially beyond.
Brand Journey & Reputation:
Over nearly 80 years, Cloverleaf Pizza has built a strong regional presence and a loyal customer base. It has earned a reputation for:
High-quality, made-from-scratch pizza
Friendly customer service
Being a staple of Michigan’s local food scene
Recognition as one of the ‘101 Best Pizzas in America’ by The Daily Meal
Company History & Ownership:
Cloverleaf Pizza has remained family-owned and operated by the Guerra family since its inception. This continuity in ownership has allowed the brand to maintain its traditional recipes, high-quality standards, and community focus while expanding operations thoughtfully.
Market Presence & Industry Category:
Cloverleaf Pizza belongs to the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, specifically specializing in Detroit-style pizza. Its market presence is strongest in Michigan, with a growing interest in franchising opportunities to expand within the state.
Other Information:
Awards & Recognition: Cloverleaf has been recognized nationally for its pizza quality, including features in regional and national publications.
Community Engagement: Each location emphasizes a connection with the local community through events, sponsorships, and consistent customer engagement.
Expansion Plans: The brand is looking for motivated franchisees to extend its footprint while maintaining the quality and authenticity that customers love.
Cloverleaf Pizza offers comprehensive support and training programs to ensure every franchisee has the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed for a successful launch and ongoing operations. Their support is structured across multiple phases:
Before a franchise opens, Cloverleaf provides hands-on assistance in areas critical to a successful launch:
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation: Guidance to identify high-traffic, strategically advantageous locations, including assistance with lease agreements.
Restaurant Design & Buildout: Expertise in designing the layout and interior to match Cloverleaf’s operational and brand standards.
Permits & Licensing: Support navigating local regulations and health department requirements.
Franchisees receive a structured, in-depth training program covering every aspect of restaurant operations:
Operational Training: Step-by-step instruction on food preparation, cooking techniques, inventory management, and kitchen workflows.
Customer Service Training: Best practices to ensure consistent, high-quality service that aligns with Cloverleaf’s brand reputation.
Management Skills: Guidance on staff hiring, scheduling, performance management, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Technology & POS Systems: Training on Cloverleaf’s point-of-sale systems, ordering platforms, and reporting tools.
Franchisees receive ongoing marketing guidance to help drive traffic and grow sales:
Local Marketing Campaigns: Assistance with local promotions, grand opening campaigns, and community engagement.
Digital Marketing Support: Access to Cloverleaf’s social media templates, email campaigns, and online advertising strategies.
Branding Guidelines: Ensure consistent visual and brand identity across all locations.
Cloverleaf Pizza provides continuous support throughout the life of the franchise:
Field Support: Experienced franchise operations managers provide on-site visits and assistance during the initial weeks and beyond.
Remote Assistance: Phone, email, and video consultations to troubleshoot challenges and share best practices.
Performance Monitoring: Guidance on sales analysis, inventory tracking, and operational efficiency to maximize profitability.
Continuous Learning: Periodic updates, training refreshers, and access to new operational techniques and menu innovations.
Each franchisee is granted a protected territory, reducing the risk of internal competition.
Cloverleaf provides guidance for future growth opportunities and additional unit development.
The ideal Cloverleaf Pizza franchisee is:
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Motivated individuals with a passion for the food industry and a desire to manage their own business.
Business Acumen: Experience in management or ownership of a business, with a strong understanding of financials and operations.
Community-Oriented: A commitment to becoming an active and engaged member of the local community, fostering customer loyalty and brand recognition.
Investment Capability: Ability to meet the financial requirements for franchise ownership and sustain operations during the initial phase.
Location Preference: Interest in establishing a presence in Michigan, with flexibility to explore various communities within the state.
| Financial Item | Details / Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $250,000 – $500,000 (including buildout, equipment, signage, initial inventory) |
| Minimum Investment Required | $250,000 |
| Infrastructure / Buildout Costs | $150,000 – $350,000 (dependent on location size and requirements) |
| Marketing Budget | 2% – 4% of gross sales allocated to local and regional marketing |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $75,000 (to cover staff salaries, utilities, inventory, and operational expenses) |
| Royalty Fees | 5% – 6% of gross sales (paid monthly to franchisor) |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 30% annually (varies by location and management efficiency) |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 36 months (depends on sales volume and market conditions) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, carry-out, delivery, catering services, merchandise sales |
| Franchise Units (Current Number) | 7 locations across Michigan (Chesterfield, Eastpointe, Grosse Pointe, Macomb, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights) |
