1991
1000
$80,000
$15,000
$250,000
No
Hot Stuff Pizza is one of America’s most recognized quick-service pizza brands, offering a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to invest in a proven, flexible, and highly profitable food concept. Established within the convenience store and quick-serve industry, Hot Stuff Pizza has built a strong reputation for delivering delicious, high-quality pizzas, calzones, breadsticks, and other grab-and-go menu options that appeal to customers seeking both convenience and flavor.
This franchise stands out for its operational simplicity, strong brand heritage, and the ability to integrate seamlessly into existing businesses such as gas stations, truck stops, and c-stores. Hot Stuff Pizza has established its presence across multiple states, leveraging a proven business model that combines low overhead costs, efficient inventory management, and broad consumer appeal. The franchise offers investors the chance to capitalize on America’s growing love for pizza—an industry valued at over $46 billion annually—while being backed by the support of a trusted, experienced franchisor.
Hot Stuff Pizza represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for individuals and business owners seeking to enter the booming fast-food and quick-service restaurant (QSR) market. Here’s why this franchise stands out:
Strong Brand Legacy: With decades of operational success, Hot Stuff Pizza is a trusted name in convenience dining.
Flexible Footprint Options: Suitable for c-stores, travel centers, and standalone locations, allowing scalability based on your market and investment capacity.
Proven Menu Appeal: The franchise’s diverse menu—featuring pizzas, calzones, wings, breakfast items, and sandwiches—caters to all-day dining needs.
Low Overheads & Easy Operations: Streamlined equipment packages, minimal staffing requirements, and efficient kitchen layouts make daily operations manageable and cost-effective.
Corporate Support: Backed by a parent company with decades of franchise management experience, providing guidance every step of the way.
High Consumer Demand: Pizza remains one of the top-selling food items in the USA, ensuring steady customer flow and repeat business.
Founded: 1991
Headquarters: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Founder: Jeff Harmening (original concept under Orion Food Systems)
Franchise Units: Over 1,000 locations across the United States and international markets
Hot Stuff Pizza is a part of Orion Food Systems, a leading provider of turnkey foodservice solutions for convenience stores, retailers, and food outlets. Since its inception, Hot Stuff Pizza has grown from a single idea—to make premium pizza accessible anywhere—to a nationwide franchise network. The brand revolutionized how pizza is served in convenience environments by offering customizable menu options, simplified cooking equipment, and efficient inventory systems.
Today, Hot Stuff Pizza continues to expand its presence across the USA and beyond, offering a well-established model for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the growing QSR segment. The brand’s focus on quality, speed, and customer satisfaction has earned it a loyal customer base and a solid reputation in the industry.
Hot Stuff Pizza provides one of the most comprehensive support systems in the industry, designed to set franchisees up for long-term success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, kitchen design, layout planning, and store setup to ensure smooth opening.
Initial Training: In-depth training for owners and staff covering operations, food preparation, customer service, and safety standards.
Marketing Support: Franchisees receive national and regional marketing materials, in-store branding resources, social media guidance, and promotional campaigns to boost visibility.
Ongoing Operational Support: Continuous coaching, business reviews, and operational audits to help maximize efficiency and profitability.
Supply Chain & Vendor Management: Simplified sourcing through Orion’s established distribution network, ensuring consistent product quality and cost control.
Technology & Management Tools: Franchisees are equipped with POS systems, inventory management tools, and performance dashboards to streamline day-to-day operations.
With this robust support framework, franchise owners can focus on growing their business while the corporate team ensures they have everything needed for success.
The Hot Stuff Pizza franchise opportunity is designed for entrepreneurs who want to combine a love for great food with a smart, scalable business model. Whether you’re an experienced restaurateur, a c-store owner looking to add a profitable food concept, or a first-time investor eager to enter the quick-service market, Hot Stuff Pizza provides the tools and support you need to succeed.
Here’s what makes the ideal Hot Stuff Pizza franchisee:
Ideal candidates are motivated self-starters who thrive in a fast-paced environment. You don’t necessarily need restaurant experience—but you do need strong business sense, leadership skills, and a desire to grow a thriving operation.
Franchisees who succeed with Hot Stuff Pizza genuinely care about delivering great-tasting, high-quality food and ensuring every guest leaves satisfied. That passion for customer satisfaction and consistency helps build loyal repeat customers and strong local brand reputation.
Running a food franchise requires daily oversight and a commitment to excellence. The best franchisees are hands-on, detail-oriented, and willing to follow the proven Hot Stuff Pizza operating system to maintain consistency and quality across every order.
Prospective franchisees should be financially prepared to invest in their business, with the ability to meet initial investment requirements and working capital needs. A total investment typically ranges from $80,000 to $250,000, depending on setup type and location size.
Successful Hot Stuff Pizza owners understand their community and choose high-traffic, convenient locations—such as gas stations, travel plazas, universities, or shopping centers. They see the value in becoming part of their local area and serving their neighbors quality, fast food options.
Hot Stuff Pizza appeals to franchisees who are eager to expand. Many start with one store and quickly move on to open multiple units or integrate the concept into existing retail or fuel businesses for additional revenue streams.
Total Investment: $80,000 – $250,000 (depending on location and setup type)
Minimum Investment Required: $80,000
Franchise Fee: $15,000 – $25,000
Royalty Fee: 5% of gross sales
Marketing Fee: 2% (national and regional marketing fund contribution)
Working Capital: $10,000 – $25,000 recommended
Expected ROI: Typically within 2 – 3 years of operation
Break-Even Point: Estimated within 12 – 18 months
Potential Revenue Streams:
Dine-in and carry-out sales
Delivery and online ordering
Co-branding opportunities within c-stores or partner retail setups
Catering and local partnerships
With its flexible model and affordable startup cost, Hot Stuff Pizza offers an attainable path to business ownership backed by a nationally recognized brand. Franchisees can benefit from strong margins, repeat customers, and corporate systems designed to optimize profitability.
