Established
1966
Franchise Units
25
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$700,000
Home Based
No
Description
Me-N-Ed’s Pizzeria is a well-established American pizza brand known for its signature California-style pizza, fresh dough made daily, and a loyal multigenerational customer base. Built on consistency, simplicity, and quality, Me-N-Ed’s has carved out a strong regional presence by delivering handcrafted pizzas in a casual, family-friendly environment that appeals to dine-in, takeout, and delivery customers alike.
Unlike trend-driven pizza concepts, Me-N-Ed’s focuses on operational efficiency and a proven menu that has stood the test of time. The brand’s emphasis on freshly prepared ingredients, in-house dough production, and a streamlined kitchen model allows franchise owners to maintain food quality while controlling labor and operating costs. This balance between quality and efficiency has helped Me-N-Ed’s remain competitive in a crowded pizza market.
For entrepreneurs seeking a recognizable, established pizza franchise with strong brand loyalty, Me-N-Ed’s offers an opportunity to step into a business model refined over decades. Its approachable price point, broad customer appeal, and scalable operations make it a compelling option for both first-time franchisees and experienced multi-unit operators looking to expand within the fast-casual and quick-service restaurant space.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Me-N-Ed’s stands out in the pizza segment by combining brand heritage with a straightforward, operator-friendly system. The concept is not built on gimmicks or constantly changing menus; instead, it thrives on repeat business, community engagement, and reliable execution.
The pizza category continues to be one of the most resilient segments in the U.S. foodservice industry, benefiting from consistent demand across all age groups and economic cycles. Me-N-Ed’s positions franchisees to capitalize on this demand with a menu that travels well for takeout and delivery while still encouraging in-store dining.
From an investment perspective, Me-N-Ed’s appeals to owners who value process, consistency, and hands-on involvement. The brand’s operational simplicity allows franchisees to focus on local marketing, team development, and customer experience rather than complex menu management. With strong name recognition in its core markets and room for growth in new territories, Me-N-Ed’s presents a solid long-term business opportunity.
Background
- Established Year: Me-N-Ed’s Pizzeria was founded in 1966, giving the brand nearly six decades of operating history
- Founders: The concept was created by Ed and Margaret Stoner, who envisioned a neighborhood pizzeria focused on fresh ingredients, generous portions, and consistent quality.
- Brand Journey & Company History: What began as a single pizzeria in California grew steadily through word-of-mouth and customer loyalty. Over the years, Me-N-Ed’s refined its recipes, standardized operations, and developed a repeatable store model that could be franchised without compromising product quality. The brand’s longevity is a testament to its disciplined approach to growth and commitment to its original values.
- Franchise Active Units – Current Number: Today, Me-N-Ed’s operates approximately 25 locations, primarily across California, with a mix of franchised and company-supported stores.
- Ownership & Market Presence: Me-N-Ed’s remains a U.S.-based brand with strong regional roots and a loyal customer following. Its stores are commonly found in suburban and small-city markets where community presence and repeat visitation drive consistent sales.
- Industry Category:Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) / Fast-Casual Pizza Franchise
Support Training
Me-N-Ed’s offers a comprehensive support system designed to guide franchisees from initial onboarding through day-to-day operations and long-term growth.
Pre-Launch Support:
Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, lease evaluation, store layout guidance, and equipment specifications. The franchisor helps ensure that each location meets brand standards while remaining efficient and cost-effective to operate.
Training Program:
New franchise owners and key managers participate in structured training that covers food preparation, dough production, kitchen workflows, inventory management, customer service, and point-of-sale systems. Training blends classroom instruction with hands-on, in-store experience to prepare operators for real-world execution.
Operational Support:
Ongoing operational guidance includes process updates, best-practice sharing, and access to experienced support staff. Franchisees benefit from standardized recipes, supplier relationships, and proven procedures that reduce trial-and-error at the store level.
Marketing & Brand Support:
Me-N-Ed’s supports franchisees with brand-approved marketing materials, promotional strategies, and guidance on local store marketing. Owners are encouraged to build strong community ties through school programs, fundraisers, and neighborhood engagement initiatives.
Ongoing Support:
As the business matures, franchisees continue to receive support related to operations, quality control, and performance optimization, helping ensure consistency across the system.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Me-N-Ed’s franchisee is a hands-on operator who values consistency, teamwork, and community involvement. Prior restaurant experience is helpful but not mandatory; what matters most is a willingness to follow proven systems and actively manage the business.
Successful franchisees typically have:
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Strong people-management and leadership skills
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A passion for food quality and customer service
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The ability to work within established brand standards
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Financial stability to support startup and early operations
Me-N-Ed’s is well-suited for owner-operators, family-run businesses, and multi-unit franchisees seeking a dependable pizza concept with repeat customer appeal. Preferred locations include suburban neighborhoods, strip centers, and community hubs with strong residential density and steady foot traffic.
Financial Detail
| Cost / Fee Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $700,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | ~$150,000+ |
| Net Worth Requirement | ~$300,000+ |
| Leasehold Improvements | $120,000 – $300,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & POS Systems | $80,000 – $150,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Signage | $40,000 – $90,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Opening Marketing & Promotion | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing / Ad Fund Contribution | ~1% – 2% of Gross Sales (local & brand marketing) |
| Average Unit Size | 1,200 – 2,500 sq. ft. |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Expected ROI (Stabilized Units) | Varies by market & operations |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Catering |