This is our international website

Stay here Change to indiaIndia

Home > Franchise For Sale > Food & Restaurants Franchise > Grand Traverse Pie Company Opportunity

Grand Traverse Pie Company Opportunity

See Cities,
See States,
USA & CAN

Established

1996

Franchise Units

15

dollar

Minimum Investment

$350,000

dollar

Franchise Fee

$35,000

dollar

Total Investment Range

$575,000

Home Based

No

Description

The Grand Traverse Pie Company is more than just a bakery—it’s a slice of pure Americana. Founded in Traverse City, Michigan, this franchise celebrates the art of hand-crafted pies, wholesome comfort food, and genuine hospitality. With a strong reputation for quality ingredients, warm service, and a deep community connection, Grand Traverse Pie Company (GTPC) has built a loyal following across the Midwest and beyond.

Each café embodies a welcoming, small-town feel, offering not only its famous fruit pies but also soups, sandwiches, pot pies, salads, and breakfast favorites. The brand’s unique “Pie Warmth” concept focuses on creating an inviting experience that makes guests feel right at home—something that resonates strongly in today’s market where customers crave authenticity and comfort.

As the demand for scratch-made, locally inspired food continues to rise, the Grand Traverse Pie Company franchise presents a profitable and emotionally rewarding opportunity for investors who want to be part of an established, community-driven brand that represents American tradition and hospitality.

Why Invest in This Franchise?

Investing in a Grand Traverse Pie Company franchise means becoming part of a brand that blends tradition, craftsmanship, and strong business fundamentals.

  • Proven Brand Legacy: With more than two decades of success, GTPC has earned a trusted name in the bakery café segment.

  • High Customer Loyalty: Pies and comfort foods drive repeat business—customers return for birthdays, holidays, and everyday treats.

  • Community-Driven Culture: The brand thrives on local engagement, supporting schools, charities, and local farms.

  • Diverse Menu Offerings: Beyond pies, the menu includes breakfast, lunch, and catering options—broadening revenue potential throughout the day.

  • Strong Supply Chain: Centralized pie dough and fruit filling production ensures consistent quality across all locations.

  • Flexible Store Models: Locations can thrive in suburban communities, downtown districts, or college towns with varied footprints and investment levels.


Background

Established Year: 1996
Founders: Mike and Denise Busley
Headquarters: Traverse City, Michigan, USA
Industry: Bakery Café / Fast Casual Dining
Franchise Units: Over 15 locations across Michigan and Indiana

The Grand Traverse Pie Company began in 1996 when Mike and Denise Busley decided to bring back the joy of homemade pie using locally sourced Michigan fruits—especially the region’s famous cherries. What started as a small bakery in downtown Traverse City soon grew into a statewide sensation, thanks to its focus on high-quality ingredients, old-fashioned recipes, and a welcoming environment.

Today, GTPC has evolved into a recognized brand with a loyal regional following and growing national recognition. The company continues to celebrate Michigan’s agricultural heritage, supporting local growers and using regional produce whenever possible. Each café reflects the brand’s Midwestern values of family, community, and genuine service.

The franchise operates under GT Pie Company, LLC, maintaining its family-inspired roots while providing modern systems, marketing, and operational frameworks for franchisees nationwide.


Support Training

The Grand Traverse Pie Company franchise system provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure franchisees are well-equipped from day one:

  • Pre-Launch Support:

    • Assistance with site selection and lease negotiation

    • Café design and layout planning

    • Construction and equipment guidance

    • Initial inventory setup and vendor onboarding

  • Comprehensive Training Program:
    Franchisees and key staff attend in-depth training at the corporate training facility in Traverse City, covering everything from daily operations and product preparation to customer service, HR management, and financial performance tracking.

  • Marketing Support:

    • Grand opening campaigns with local press and social media promotions

    • Access to digital marketing templates and seasonal promotional materials

    • National branding support for holiday and event campaigns

    • In-house marketing team guidance on local store promotions

  • Operational Support:

    • Continuous menu innovation and R&D

    • Field consultants offering ongoing business coaching

    • Proprietary recipes, food preparation systems, and operational manuals

    • Technology support for POS, inventory, and supply chain management

The GTPC franchise team is dedicated to helping each partner replicate the success of its flagship stores while maintaining the brand’s signature warmth and quality.


Ideal Candidate

The ideal Grand Traverse Pie Company franchisee is not just an investor—they’re a community builder and food lover. The brand seeks passionate entrepreneurs who understand hospitality, teamwork, and local engagement.

Ideal candidate traits include:

  • A strong interest in food service, hospitality, or retail operations

  • Leadership skills and a commitment to community involvement

  • Financial capacity to invest in and manage a bakery café

  • A hands-on management style and customer-first attitude

  • Desire to operate multiple units or expand regionally over time

Whether you’re a first-time business owner or a seasoned restaurateur seeking a family-oriented brand with heart, Grand Traverse Pie Company provides the perfect blend of profitability and purpose.

Preferred Locations:
Suburban neighborhoods, college towns, downtown shopping districts, and high-traffic community hubs throughout the Midwest and expanding U.S. regions.


Financial Detail

Franchise Investment BreakdownEstimated Cost (USD)
Total Initial Investment$350,000 – $575,000
Minimum Cash Required$150,000
Franchise Fee$35,000
Royalty Fee5% of gross sales
Marketing Fee2% of gross sales (national and local combined)
Equipment & Build-Out$200,000 – $350,000
Initial Inventory$10,000 – $15,000
Working Capital$25,000 – $50,000
Training & Support CostsIncluded in franchise fee
Average Unit RevenueVaries by location; top-performing cafés exceed $1M annually
ROI PeriodTypically 2 – 3 years
Break-Even Timeframe12 – 18 months


The revenue streams extend beyond in-store dining. Franchisees can boost profitability through catering services, take-home pies, seasonal gift boxes, and online ordering.


Also you may like

D.P. Dough Franchise Opportunity in the USA

$105,980

Big Kahuna Wings USA Franchise For Sale

$563,100

Angry Crab Shack USA Franchise Opportunity

$392,000


This site is protected by Google reCAPTCHA

Grand Traverse Pie Company Opportunity

This site is protected by Google reCAPTCHA