Established
2010
Franchise Units
6
Minimum Investment
$500,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
Paulie Gee’s is a cult-favorite artisan pizza brand that has redefined neighborhood pizzerias across the United States. Known for its hand-crafted dough, wood-fired ovens, and creative topping combinations, the brand blends old-world Neapolitan traditions with modern American culinary creativity. What began as a single Brooklyn pizzeria has evolved into a nationally respected pizza franchise with a fiercely loyal following.
The Paulie Gee’s franchise stands out in the crowded pizza segment by focusing on quality over gimmicks. Each location is designed to feel local, personal, and authentic—never corporate. The menu balances classic Neapolitan pizzas, inventive seasonal specials, and the popular “Slice Shop” model that caters to fast-casual demand without compromising craftsmanship.
From urban food hubs to suburban growth markets, Paulie Gee’s appeals to today’s consumers who value authenticity, premium ingredients, and memorable dining experiences. For entrepreneurs looking to own a respected, culture-driven pizza brand in the USA, Paulie Gee’s offers a powerful combination of brand equity, operational systems, and long-term growth potential.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Proven Brand with Cult Following – Paulie Gee’s has built organic brand loyalty through word-of-mouth, media features, and social buzz.
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Flexible Store Models – Full-service Neapolitan pizzeria or fast-casual Slice Shop format to suit different markets and budgets.
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Premium Pizza Segment – Positioned above commodity pizza chains, allowing stronger margins and differentiated pricing.
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Strong Unit Economics – Streamlined menus, focused operations, and efficient labor models.
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Growing Demand for Artisan Dining – Consumers continue shifting toward authentic, chef-driven food concepts.
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Scalable Expansion Opportunity – Ideal for single-unit operators and multi-unit franchise developers.
Background
Established Year: 2010
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Founder: Paul Giannone
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Franchise Active Units : 6+ locations across the USA and select international markets
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual / Casual Dining – Artisan Pizza
Paulie Gee’s was founded in Brooklyn, New York, by Paul Giannone, who set out to create a neighborhood pizzeria rooted in craftsmanship, hospitality, and community. The original location quickly gained national attention for its creative pizzas, wood-fired techniques, and unapologetically personal approach.
As demand grew, the brand expanded carefully, choosing franchise partners who aligned with its values rather than rapid mass expansion. This intentional growth strategy has preserved brand integrity while allowing Paulie Gee’s to enter key U.S. markets. Today, the franchise operates multiple formats and continues expanding in high-potential territories across the country.
Support Training
Paulie Gee’s offers hands-on, comprehensive support designed to help franchisees launch confidently and operate successfully long term.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market analysis
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Restaurant design standards and kitchen layout planning
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Vendor sourcing and equipment specifications
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Assistance with permits, build-out, and pre-opening timelines
Training & Operations
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In-depth training at an operating Paulie Gee’s location
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Dough preparation, fermentation, and pizza-making mastery
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Front-of-house service standards and guest experience training
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Inventory control, food cost management, and labor optimization
Marketing & Brand Support
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Grand-opening marketing strategy and launch planning
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Brand guidelines, menu development, and promotional assets
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Social media and local marketing playbooks
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Ongoing brand-level marketing initiatives
Ongoing Support
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Continuous operational coaching
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Menu innovation updates and seasonal offerings
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Supply chain support and vendor relationships
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Franchisee collaboration and best-practice sharing
Ideal Candidate
Paulie Gee’s is best suited for passionate, hands-on entrepreneurs who value food quality, culture, and community.
Ideal candidates include:
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Owner-operators or experienced multi-unit restaurant investors
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Hospitality professionals or food-driven entrepreneurs
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Individuals passionate about artisan pizza and guest experience
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Operators comfortable managing teams and maintaining quality standards
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Investors seeking long-term brand value over short-term volume
Location Preferences:
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Urban neighborhoods, lifestyle centers, and dense suburbs
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Markets with strong food culture and demand for premium dining
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Areas suited for dine-in, takeout, and delivery demand
Financial Detail
| Cost Component | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $500,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $500,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure | $250,000 – $500,000 |
| Equipment & Ovens | $100,000 – $180,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Brand Fund | 2% of gross sales |
| Expected ROI | Strong potential with efficient operations |
| Break-Even Time | Approximately 24–36 months |