1945
15
$127,000
$30,000
$233,000
No
DiCarlo's Pizza offers a unique and profitable franchise opportunity rooted in tradition and innovation. Founded in 1945 by Italian immigrants in Steubenville, Ohio, the brand introduced a distinctive square, thin-crust pizza topped with cold cheese—a style now beloved as Ohio Valley-Style Pizza. With over 15 franchise locations across the U.S., DiCarlo's continues to expand, bringing its iconic flavors to new communities.
Investing in DiCarlo's Pizza means aligning with a brand that:
Offers a Unique Product: The cold cheese pizza is a standout in the crowded pizza market, attracting a loyal customer base.
Has a Proven Business Model: With over 15 franchise units, the brand has demonstrated scalability and profitability.
Provides Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing assistance to ensure success.
Is Part of a Growing Trend: The demand for unique, regional food experiences is on the rise, positioning DiCarlo's for continued growth.
Established Year: 1945
Founders: Italian immigrant family in Steubenville, Ohio
Brand Journey & History:
DiCarlo's Pizza began as a family-run pizzeria introducing a unique Ohio Valley-Style Pizza, known for its square shape, thin crust, and cold cheese topping. Over the decades, the brand built a loyal customer base by emphasizing quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and exceptional customer service. This focus on authenticity helped DiCarlo’s grow from a single family-owned restaurant to a recognized regional pizza brand.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
Today, DiCarlo's Pizza operates 15+ franchise units across the U.S., including Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Tennessee. The brand has steadily expanded while maintaining its distinct regional pizza identity, making it an attractive opportunity for franchisees seeking a proven and unique pizza concept.
Ownership & Management:
DiCarlo's remains privately owned, with family involvement spanning generations. This ensures that the brand retains its core values, quality standards, and community focus, while continuing to innovate within the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) pizza market.
Industry Category:
Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) – Pizza, specializing in regional and specialty pizza varieties.
Other Information:
Recognized for its signature cold cheese pizza, a unique product in the pizza industry.
Maintains a strong local and regional brand loyalty, which helps new franchise locations gain immediate traction.
Positioned as a heritage brand with growth potential, appealing to both customers and potential franchise investors.
DiCarlo's Pizza ensures that every franchisee receives comprehensive support and training to maximize the chances of success. The support system is structured to cover all stages of franchise development, from pre-launch to ongoing operations.
Site Selection Assistance: Franchisees receive guidance in selecting high-potential locations, considering demographics, traffic patterns, and competition.
Lease Negotiation & Build-Out: Support includes advice on negotiating leases, store layout design, and construction planning to meet DiCarlo’s operational standards.
Initial Training Program: Intensive training covers menu preparation, kitchen operations, food safety, customer service, and management practices before opening.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Detailed SOPs ensure consistent quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction across all locations.
Inventory & Supply Chain Assistance: Guidance on sourcing quality ingredients and managing inventory efficiently to maintain profitability.
Technology & POS Support: Training and technical assistance for point-of-sale systems, reporting, and order management.
Grand Opening Assistance: Franchisees get help with launch marketing campaigns, promotions, and local PR events to attract initial customers.
Ongoing Marketing Programs: Access to brand-approved marketing materials, social media support, and national campaigns to maintain visibility and customer engagement.
Community Engagement Strategies: Guidance on local sponsorships, events, and partnerships to build brand loyalty.
Continuous Education: Franchisees and staff have access to regular training updates, new menu introductions, and operational improvements.
Field Support: Experienced franchise consultants and support managers conduct regular visits to review operations, offer recommendations, and ensure adherence to DiCarlo’s standards.
Franchise Network Collaboration: Franchisees benefit from being part of a community of owners, sharing best practices and learning from each other’s experiences.
Financial & Administrative Guidance: Assistance with budget planning, cash flow management, and local regulatory compliance.
Customer Service Excellence: Ongoing coaching on enhancing customer experience and building repeat business.
Innovation & Menu Development: Support for introducing new products and seasonal promotions to stay competitive in the QSR pizza market.
Summary:
DiCarlo's Pizza provides a holistic franchise support system that ensures each franchisee is well-prepared, equipped with the right tools, and continuously guided to operate a profitable and successful pizza business. From site selection to ongoing operations, the franchise model emphasizes quality, consistency, and growth, giving franchisees confidence to thrive.
DiCarlo's Pizza is looking for dedicated, passionate, and business-savvy individuals to join its growing franchise network. The ideal franchisee embodies a combination of entrepreneurial drive, love for food, and commitment to community engagement.
A genuine love for pizza and Italian cuisine, with an appreciation for DiCarlo’s unique Ohio Valley-style pizza.
Commitment to quality and consistency, ensuring every customer receives an authentic DiCarlo’s experience.
Experience in managing or operating a business is preferred but not mandatory; a strong willingness to learn and follow proven systems is essential.
Ability to oversee daily operations, manage finances, and lead a team effectively.
Comfortable with data-driven decision-making to optimize sales, marketing, and operational efficiency.
A self-motivated, goal-oriented individual ready to invest time, energy, and resources into building a successful business.
Willingness to adapt to a proven business model while incorporating local insights to grow the franchise.
Resilience to overcome challenges, with a focus on long-term success.
Sufficient capital to cover the franchise fee, initial investment, and working capital.
Ability to manage ongoing operational expenses, including staffing, marketing, and inventory costs.
Interest in building a sustainable, profitable business rather than seeking a short-term venture.
Desire to connect with the local community, supporting events, sponsorships, and initiatives.
Strong customer service skills and dedication to creating a welcoming environment for patrons.
Open to operating in high-traffic urban areas, suburban communities, or untapped regional markets where DiCarlo’s Pizza can establish a strong presence.
Willing to actively engage with local marketing and outreach efforts to build brand recognition.
The ideal DiCarlo’s Pizza franchisee is someone who combines passion for food with business savvy, has financial readiness, and is committed to upholding the brand’s values. By partnering with DiCarlo’s, franchisees can leverage a proven business model, comprehensive support system, and strong brand reputation to achieve long-term success in the growing pizza industry.
| Financial Component | Details / Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $127,000 – $233,000 |
| Initial Cash Investment | $18,500 |
| Royalty Fee | Not publicly disclosed (varies by location; consult FDD) |
| Marketing & Advertising Fee | Not publicly disclosed (franchise-supported local & national marketing) |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $75,000 – $150,000 (including kitchen equipment, furnishings, signage, and renovation) |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $40,000 (for initial operations, staffing, inventory, and cash flow) |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; typically 18–30% within 2–3 years |
| Break-Even Time | 12–24 months (depending on location, traffic, and market conditions) |
| Revenue Streams | - In-store dine-in sales - Carry-out & delivery services - Catering & local events |
| Franchise Units | 15+ units across the U.S., with room for expansion in untapped markets |
| Other Costs | Licenses, permits, insurance, and employee training |
Notes:
These figures are estimates based on industry standards and publicly available data.
Exact numbers are detailed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which should be reviewed before investment.
The financial model is designed to support profitability while maintaining high-quality ingredients, operational efficiency, and strong customer experience.
