Established
1961
Franchise Units
130
Minimum Investment
$700,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$1,200,000
Home Based
No
Description
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery is a well-established, full-service and fast-casual Italian restaurant franchise with deep roots in the American dining landscape. Known for its made-from-scratch pizzas, hearty pasta dishes, calzones, sandwiches, and signature Ranch dressing, Mazzio’s has built a loyal following across multiple generations of diners.
What sets Mazzio’s apart in the highly competitive pizza and Italian restaurant segment is its strong brand heritage combined with a flexible operating model. The concept successfully bridges the gap between quick-service convenience and sit-down quality, allowing franchisees to serve dine-in, carryout, and delivery customers efficiently. With evolving store formats, modernized interiors, and technology-driven ordering systems, Mazzio’s continues to stay relevant while honoring its classic Italian-American appeal.
Backed by decades of operational experience, a centralized supply chain, and a proven menu that performs well in suburban and mid-sized markets, Mazzio’s Italian Eatery offers franchise partners an opportunity to own a recognizable restaurant brand with strong consumer trust and scalable growth potential across the United States.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Mazzio’s Italian Eatery franchise means aligning with a brand that has stood the test of time in the restaurant industry—one of the most competitive franchise categories in the U.S.
Mazzio’s offers franchisees a balanced combination of brand recognition, menu diversity, and operational flexibility. The menu appeals to families, working professionals, and group dining, which helps stabilize sales throughout the week. Its ability to generate revenue from dine-in, delivery, catering, and online ordering creates multiple income streams under one roof.
From an operational standpoint, franchisees benefit from standardized recipes, strong vendor relationships, and a support system designed to simplify restaurant ownership. The brand’s focus on continuous improvement, marketing innovation, and franchisee collaboration allows operators to grow confidently while maintaining consistency and quality.
Background
Brand Name: Mazzio’s Italian Eatery
Industry Category: Quick-Service / Fast-Casual Italian & Pizza Restaurant
Established Year: 1961
Founder: Ken Selby
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery was founded in 1961 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by entrepreneur Ken Selby. What began as a single pizza restaurant quickly evolved into a regional favorite, driven by a commitment to quality ingredients, generous portions, and customer-focused service.
Over the decades, Mazzio’s expanded steadily through franchising, establishing a strong footprint across multiple U.S. states. The brand became particularly known for its buffet model in select markets, innovative pizza recipes, and signature Ranch dressing that developed a cult-like following among customers.
Today, Mazzio’s operates over 130 active franchise locations across the United States. The brand continues to modernize its store designs, menu offerings, and digital ordering platforms while maintaining the authentic Italian-American flavors that built its reputation.
Support Training
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery offers a comprehensive support system designed to guide franchisees from initial onboarding through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, lease evaluation, restaurant layout, and kitchen design to ensure operational efficiency and brand compliance. The corporate team supports franchisees through permitting, construction coordination, and vendor sourcing.
Training Programs
New franchise owners and key management staff undergo structured training that covers food preparation, kitchen operations, customer service, staffing, inventory control, and financial management. Training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in operating restaurants.
Operational Support
Ongoing operational guidance includes access to proven systems, standardized recipes, POS integration, supply chain management, and cost-control strategies. Field support teams provide periodic evaluations and hands-on assistance to help franchisees optimize performance.
Marketing & Advertising Support
Mazzio’s provides brand-level marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, digital assets, and local store marketing guidance. Franchisees benefit from national brand recognition while retaining flexibility to execute community-based marketing initiatives.
Ongoing Franchisee Support
Continuous support includes menu innovation, technology upgrades, operational refinements, and franchisee advisory input. Mazzio’s emphasizes long-term partnership and open communication with its franchise network.
Ideal Candidate
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery is well-suited for entrepreneurs and investors who are passionate about food service and customer experience.
The ideal franchisee may be:
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An experienced restaurant operator looking to expand into a proven Italian and pizza concept
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A multi-unit franchise owner seeking a complementary brand
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A hands-on entrepreneur interested in managing daily operations
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A semi-absentee owner with a strong management team in place
Strong candidates typically possess solid leadership skills, financial discipline, and the ability to manage staff in a fast-paced environment. While prior restaurant experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory, as Mazzio’s provides structured training and operational support.
Mazzio’s performs particularly well in suburban, family-oriented communities and mid-sized markets where value, portion size, and consistency drive repeat business.
Financial Detail
Below is an overview of the typical investment range associated with opening a Mazzio’s Italian Eatery franchise in the USA. Actual figures may vary based on location, size, and build-out requirements.
| Financial Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $700,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $250,000 – $300,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Launch | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of gross sales |
| Advertising Fund | ~3% of gross sales |
| Expected Break-Even Period | 24 – 36 months |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, carryout, delivery, online orders, catering |
With disciplined operations, strong local marketing, and effective cost controls, franchisees can work toward consistent cash flow and long-term scalability within the Mazzio’s system.