Established
1976
Franchise Units
90
Minimum Investment
$1,800,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$3,200,000
Home Based
No
Description
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is a well-established American casual dining brand that blends handcrafted pizzas, an expansive craft beer selection, and a relaxed taproom atmosphere into a scalable, full-service restaurant concept. Known for its signature deep-dish pizzas, extensive beer menus, and sports-friendly environment, the brand appeals to a broad demographic—from families and working professionals to beer enthusiasts and social diners.
Positioned at the intersection of pizza, craft beer, and casual sports dining, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom stands out in a competitive restaurant landscape by offering an experience rather than just a meal. The concept is designed for high dwell time, repeat visits, and strong community engagement, making it an attractive franchise investment for operators seeking a proven brand with nationwide recognition.
With a flexible menu, bar-driven revenue streams, and strong brand systems behind it, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom offers franchisees an opportunity to operate a premium casual dining restaurant with multiple profit centers under one roof.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Recognized National Brand – Decades of brand equity and customer loyalty across the U.S.
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Multiple Revenue Streams – Dine-in, bar sales, takeout, delivery, catering, and special events
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Craft Beer Differentiation – Large rotating beer selection drives higher check averages
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Proven Casual Dining Model – Designed for suburban, urban, and lifestyle center locations
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Strong Unit Economics – Alcohol sales and group dining support attractive margins
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Scalable Operations – Systems and processes built for multi-unit ownership
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All-Day Appeal – Lunch, dinner, late-night, and weekend traffic
Background
Established Year: 1976
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Founders: Concept originally developed by Randy Miller and partners
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Industry Category: Casual Dining / Pizza & Craft Beer Restaurant
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Franchise Active Units: 90+ locations across the United States
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Ownership: Operated under a multi-brand restaurant portfolio with national infrastructure
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom began in Boulder, Colorado, with a vision to create a neighborhood pizza joint that celebrated bold flavors and great beer. Over time, the brand evolved into a full-scale casual dining destination, expanding across multiple U.S. states while refining its menu, service model, and bar program.
The brand’s journey has been marked by continuous menu innovation, strong beer partnerships, and an emphasis on community-centric dining. Today, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom enjoys strong market presence in the Midwest, Southwest, and Southern U.S., serving as a go-to destination for casual meals, sports viewing, and social gatherings.
Support Training
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to help owners launch, operate, and grow successfully.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market analysis
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Restaurant design, layout, and build-out specifications
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
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Pre-opening staffing and hiring assistance
Training Programs
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In-depth initial training for owners and managers
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Kitchen operations, food preparation, and quality control
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Bar operations and responsible alcohol service
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POS systems, inventory management, and cost controls
Operational Support
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Standardized operating procedures and manuals
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Ongoing field support and performance reviews
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Food safety, compliance, and brand standards audits
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional marketing campaigns
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Digital marketing, loyalty programs, and promotions
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Local store marketing strategies and grand-opening support
Ongoing Assistance
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Menu innovation and seasonal offerings
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Technology upgrades and operational tools
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Continuous training and leadership development
Ideal Candidate
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is best suited for experienced operators or well-capitalized entrepreneurs who are passionate about hospitality and team leadership.
Ideal Candidates Typically Have:
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Restaurant, bar, or hospitality management experience (preferred)
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Strong people-management and leadership skills
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Ability to oversee large teams and high-volume operations
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Financial capability to invest in a full-service restaurant
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Commitment to brand standards and guest experience
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Interest in multi-unit expansion over time
Location Preference
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High-traffic suburban corridors
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Lifestyle centers and retail hubs
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Dense residential or mixed-use developments
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $1,800,000 – $3,200,000 |
| Minimum Investment | ~$1,800,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | ~$40,000 |
| Restaurant Size | 6,000 – 8,500 sq. ft. |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build-Out | $900,000 – $1,600,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | $400,000 – $700,000 |
| Kitchen & Bar Equipment | $250,000 – $450,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $40,000 – $75,000 |
| Opening Inventory & Supplies | $50,000 – $90,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Training & Pre-Opening Costs | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of Gross Sales |
| National Advertising Fee | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 24 – 36 months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in food, alcohol & craft beer sales, takeout & delivery, catering, group events |
| Expansion Potential | Single-unit or multi-unit ownership |