Established
2004
Franchise Units
30
Minimum Investment
$175,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$350,000
Home Based
No
Description
Kono Pizza has reimagined one of America’s favorite foods by introducing a fresh, portable, and profitable twist on traditional pizza. Known for its signature “pizza in a cone,” the brand combines authentic Italian flavors with modern convenience, creating a product that appeals to families, busy professionals, students, and food-on-the-go consumers. As the demand for fast-casual dining and unique culinary concepts continues to rise across the United States, Kono Pizza has quickly become a standout brand positioned at the intersection of taste, innovation, and lifestyle dining.
With its eye-catching product, streamlined operations, and fun brand identity, Kono Pizza has carved a strong niche within the fast-casual pizza market. Franchisees benefit from a concept that is easy to operate, simple to scale, and highly adaptable to different environments including malls, kiosks, food trucks, ghost kitchens, and traditional storefronts. For entrepreneurs seeking a memorable, engaging, and profitable franchise opportunity in the booming food sector, Kono Pizza offers a concept that feels fresh, exciting, and built for today’s consumer habits.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Kono Pizza offers a compelling franchise model that blends strong branding with simplicity and versatility. Its unique cone-shaped pizza experience gives franchisees a competitive edge in a crowded market, attracting customers who want something fun, convenient, and Instagram-worthy. The menu is engineered for speed, allowing franchisees to serve high volumes efficiently without requiring massive kitchen space or complex staff structures.
Low overhead, compact footprints, and flexible formats make Kono Pizza an attractive opportunity for seasoned food operators and first-time entrepreneurs alike. The brand is backed by strong operational systems, a proven marketing framework, and national brand recognition. In an industry where differentiation is everything, Kono Pizza stands out as a concept with strong consumer appeal and long-term growth potential.
Background
Established Year: 2004
Founders: Antonio “Kono” Parziale & Carlo “Rossy” Soccodato
Origin: Italy (expanded to USA market)
Industry Category: Fast Casual, Pizza, Quick-Service Restaurants
Franchise Active Units (Current): ~30+ locations across the U.S. and international markets
Kono Pizza was founded in 2004 by two Italian entrepreneurs with a vision to create a more convenient way to enjoy high-quality, artisanal pizza. Inspired by the grab-and-go culture of Italy’s bustling cities, they developed the now-iconic pizza cone—made with imported Italian ingredients, baked in a patented oven, and served as a convenient handheld meal.
The brand entered the U.S. market with a mission to modernize pizza consumption, partnering with American franchise operators to expand across malls, universities, city centers, and mobile formats. Today, Kono Pizza continues to grow through a franchise network built on innovation, authenticity, and consumer excitement. The company remains privately owned, maintaining control over product quality, brand standards, and franchise support systems.
Support Training
Kono Pizza ensures every franchisee has the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to operate at high performance from day one:
Pre-Launch Support
• Site selection guidance and territory strategy
• Store design, layout, and architectural planning
• Vendor sourcing, equipment procurement, and kitchen setup
• Step-by-step opening checklist and timeline
• Assistance securing licensing, permits, and inspections
Operational Training
• Comprehensive multi-day training at a certified Kono Pizza training location
• Hands-on instruction for recipes, equipment, inventory, and quality control
• Employee training modules and onboarding resources
• POS setup, customer service standards, and workflow optimization
Marketing & Growth Support
• Grand opening marketing plan
• Professionally designed digital content and brand assets
• National and regional branding campaigns
• Social media strategy and product photography
• Seasonal menu promotions and limited-time offers
Ongoing Support
• Field support visits and performance reviews
• Quarterly business consultation
• Online training portal with updated resources
• Technology support, operational updates, and menu development
• Continuous R&D to keep the brand current and competitive
Ideal Candidate
The Kono Pizza franchise model is built for individuals who want to operate a fun, modern food business without the complexity of a full-service restaurant. The ideal franchisee possesses:
• A passion for food and customer-focused service
• The ability to lead teams and maintain operational standards
• A hands-on or semi-absentee ownership approach
• Strong business acumen and comfort with fast-paced environments
• Adequate financial capability to invest and scale
• Interest in owning high-traffic sites such as malls, tourist areas, campuses, or mobile units
Kono Pizza is also well-suited for multi-unit owners, investors diversifying their portfolio, and foodservice operators seeking a compact, scalable addition to their existing ventures.
Financial Detail
Total Investment Required: $175,000 – $350,000+ (varies by model: kiosk, inline store, food truck, mobile trailer)
Minimum Investment Required: ~$100,000 liquid capital
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Royalty Fees: 6% of gross sales
Marketing/Brand Fund: 2% of gross sales
Franchise Units: ~30+ operating units globally (USA + international)
Infrastructure Costs: Build-out, signage, equipment, POS system, décor, installation
Marketing Budget: $10,000 – $20,000 for grand opening and launch
Working Capital: $15,000 – $30,000
Expected ROI: Typically 12–24 months depending on foot traffic and format
Break-Even Time: Usually within 6–18 months (location-dependent)
Revenue Streams:
• Pizza cone menu (classic, gourmet, specialty)
• Breakfast cones
• Dessert cones
• Beverages & add-ons
• Catering services
• Food truck events & festivals
• Delivery and third-party apps