1981
80
$180,000
$20,000
$350,000
No
Figaro’s Pizza is one of America’s most established and trusted pizza franchises, delivering a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and community-driven entrepreneurship. Known for its “We Bake or You Bake” concept, Figaro’s has redefined convenience dining by offering customers the freedom to enjoy fresh, oven-ready pizzas at home or hot from the store. This unique positioning — alongside a menu crafted from premium ingredients and authentic recipes — has earned Figaro’s a loyal following across the nation.
Since its inception, the brand has consistently focused on quality, freshness, and customer experience, making it a beloved name in the competitive pizza industry. Today, Figaro’s stands as a fast-casual franchise leader, appealing to modern consumers who value flavor, flexibility, and authenticity. For aspiring franchisees, it represents a powerful opportunity to own a proven, scalable business backed by decades of operational excellence and national brand recognition.
Why Invest in the Figaro’s Pizza Franchise?
Investing in Figaro’s Pizza means joining a legacy brand with deep roots in America’s $46 billion pizza industry. With a proven business model that balances simplicity and profitability, franchisees benefit from strong brand equity, streamlined operations, and comprehensive support systems.
Unlike many quick-service pizza brands, Figaro’s prioritizes freshness and customization — a competitive advantage that resonates with today’s health-conscious and convenience-seeking customers. The dual “Bake or Take & Bake” model allows stores to serve dine-in, carryout, and at-home baking customers, diversifying revenue streams and boosting profitability.
Additionally, Figaro’s corporate team provides extensive marketing, training, and technology support to ensure that every franchise partner thrives. From small-town entrepreneurs to multi-unit investors, this franchise adapts seamlessly to different markets and investment scales, making it an accessible opportunity for passionate business owners.
Established Year: 1981
Founder: Corkey Gourley
Headquarters: Salem, Oregon, USA
Industry Category: Fast-Casual / Quick-Service Pizza Franchise
Current Franchise Units: 80+ (across the United States and select international markets)
Figaro’s Pizza was founded in 1981 in Salem, Oregon, with a simple yet powerful vision — to create a pizza that customers could either bake fresh at home or enjoy hot out of the oven in-store. This innovative “We Bake or You Bake” concept made Figaro’s one of the first pizza brands in the United States to combine convenience, freshness, and quality in one offering.
Over the decades, the brand has grown from a single local pizzeria into a nationally recognized franchise system, earning a strong reputation for handcrafted pizzas made with 100% real cheese, freshly sliced vegetables, and premium meats — never frozen, never compromised.
The company operates under Figaro’s Italian Pizza, Inc., which also oversees other popular food service brands, reflecting its broader expertise in the quick-service and fast-casual restaurant space. Each Figaro’s location stays true to the brand’s founding promise: to serve great-tasting pizza prepared with fresh ingredients, designed for families and busy professionals who value both quality and flexibility.
With more than four decades of proven operations, Figaro’s continues to expand strategically across the USA, targeting suburban and mid-sized metropolitan markets. The franchise’s enduring success lies in its ability to evolve — embracing online ordering, delivery integration, and digital marketing while maintaining the personal touch and community focus that have defined the brand since day one.
Figaro’s Pizza has positioned itself as a trusted, family-friendly pizza franchise, offering entrepreneurs a chance to join a legacy brand that blends traditional values with modern business systems. Its stability, loyal customer base, and strong franchise infrastructure make it one of the most reliable franchise investments in the American pizza segment today.
Figaro’s Pizza is known for its hands-on franchisee support structure, ensuring every new owner is well-equipped from day one. Franchisees receive end-to-end guidance through every stage of their business journey, including:
Pre-Launch Support:
Assistance with site selection and lease negotiation
Store layout, design, and construction guidance
Vendor relationships and equipment procurement support
Initial marketing plan and local launch strategy
Comprehensive Training:
3-4 weeks of classroom and in-store operational training
Employee management, inventory control, and POS system training
Food preparation, quality control, and customer service modules
Ongoing refresher sessions and management workshops
Ongoing Support:
Regular operational audits and field support
National and regional marketing campaigns
Access to new menu innovations and promotional rollouts
Continuous digital marketing and social media guidance
Franchise advisory council for collaborative growth input
Figaro’s corporate team remains deeply invested in franchise success, fostering a close-knit community of owners who share ideas and best practices across the network.
The Figaro’s Pizza franchise opportunity is best suited for driven, community-minded entrepreneurs who share the brand’s passion for quality food and exceptional service. Figaro’s seeks individuals who are not just looking to invest in a business but who want to build a legacy within their local community — someone who takes pride in serving families, schools, and neighborhoods with fresh, made-from-scratch pizza that people genuinely love.
Ideal Candidate Traits:
Entrepreneurial Spirit: A self-motivated individual with the ambition to own and grow a profitable business using a proven system.
Community Focused: Someone who values local engagement, enjoys connecting with customers, and believes in supporting local events, fundraisers, and schools.
Hands-On Leadership: Willingness to be involved in daily operations initially to ensure high standards of service and product quality.
Strong People Skills: The ability to manage and motivate a team, create a welcoming environment, and maintain strong customer relationships.
Financial Stability: A candidate with the financial resources to support the business through the early stages and reinvest for growth.
Preferred Background:
While previous restaurant or franchise experience is beneficial, it’s not mandatory. Many successful Figaro’s franchisees come from diverse professional backgrounds — including business management, hospitality, sales, retail, or even corporate leadership — but they all share a dedication to teamwork, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.
Investment Capability:
Minimum liquid capital: $75,000 – $100,000
Net worth: $250,000+
Ability to finance or self-fund the total investment of $180,000 – $350,000
Location Preference:
Ideal franchisees target suburban or mid-sized urban markets where families and professionals drive steady demand for takeout and delivery options. Figaro’s Pizza performs particularly well in communities that appreciate locally owned, quality-driven dining options with strong brand backing.
In Summary:
The perfect Figaro’s Pizza franchise owner is someone who is passionate about good food, values consistency, and wants to be part of a respected national brand with local charm. If you are committed to delivering an authentic experience and want a business with scalability and heart, Figaro’s Pizza is an ideal franchise match.
Below is a detailed financial breakdown to help potential franchisees understand the investment requirements and cost structure of owning a Figaro’s Pizza franchise in the USA. These figures represent typical estimates and may vary depending on location, store size, and local market conditions.
| Expense Category | Low Estimate (USD) | High Estimate (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $25,000 | One-time fee granting rights to operate under the Figaro’s Pizza brand and system. |
| Initial Leasehold Improvements | $50,000 | $120,000 | Construction, remodeling, and customization of the restaurant space. |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $50,000 | $80,000 | Includes ovens, prep tables, refrigeration units, POS systems, and signage. |
| Initial Inventory | $5,000 | $10,000 | Starting supply of dough, ingredients, packaging, and disposables. |
| Technology & POS System | $3,000 | $7,000 | Software, hardware, and installation for order management and reporting. |
| Training Expenses | $3,000 | $6,000 | Travel and living costs during franchisee training sessions. |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $5,000 | $10,000 | Local advertising, social media, and promotional campaigns for launch. |
| Professional Fees (Legal/Accounting) | $2,000 | $5,000 | Costs related to forming the business entity, legal contracts, and accounting setup. |
| Working Capital (3 Months) | $15,000 | $25,000 | Cash reserves for staffing, utilities, rent, and other operating expenses. |
| Insurance, Licenses, and Permits | $2,000 | $5,000 | Required business insurance coverage and local government permits. |
| Signage & Branding | $5,000 | $10,000 | Exterior and interior signage, menu boards, and brand décor. |
| Total Estimated Investment | $180,000 | $350,000 | Total estimated start-up investment range. |
Ongoing Fees & Financial Performance
| Type | Amount / Description |
|---|---|
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Renewal Fee | 25% of current franchise fee |
| Franchise Term | 10 years (renewable) |
| Average Break-Even Point | 18 – 24 months (location dependent) |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, “Take & Bake” pizzas |
