Established
1964
Franchise Units
200
Minimum Investment
$150,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$850,000
Home Based
No
Description
Rosati’s Pizza is one of America’s most recognized names in authentic Chicago-style pizza, bringing decades of tradition, flavor, and family values to communities across the nation. With its roots in old-world Italian recipes and a commitment to quality, Rosati’s has become a household name for families craving delicious pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and more.
As a franchise opportunity, Rosati’s Pizza offers entrepreneurs the chance to partner with a proven, reputable brand that has thrived in the competitive pizza and casual dining industry. With strong consumer loyalty, a scalable business model, and a well-structured franchise support system, Rosati’s has carved out its position as a leader in the multi-billion-dollar U.S. pizza market. Whether in bustling cities, suburban neighborhoods, or small-town communities, Rosati’s Pizza delivers both exceptional taste and profitable business potential.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Established Brand Legacy – Over 55 years of trusted history in the U.S. food and beverage industry.
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Strong Market Demand – Pizza is one of America’s most consumed foods, with consistent year-round demand.
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Scalable Business Model – Options for carryout, delivery, and dine-in operations tailored to market needs.
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Comprehensive Franchise Support – From pre-launch to ongoing operations, franchisees receive extensive guidance.
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High Customer Loyalty – Generations of families choose Rosati’s for authentic Chicago-style flavors.
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Proven ROI Potential – Competitive franchise costs with strong revenue opportunities in both established and emerging markets.
Background
Established Year: 1964
Founder: Ferdinand Rosati and the Rosati family
Franchise Since: 1979
Franchise Units (USA): 200+ locations nationwide
Industry Category: Food & Beverage – Pizza, Casual Dining, Quick Service
Company History: Rosati’s Pizza began with one family’s passion for authentic Italian cuisine and quickly became a neighborhood staple in Chicago. By the late 1970s, the family launched its franchising model, making Rosati’s one of the pioneers in the pizza franchise category. Today, it is one of the largest family-owned pizza franchises in the U.S., proudly serving customers in over 200 communities.
Ownership: Privately held, family-owned brand with strong community focus.
Market Presence: Strong nationwide presence with a concentration in Midwest markets, expanding across the U.S.
Support Training
Dedicated training days at certified training store, training materials and onsite training with operations team members.
Daily Task Checklists
Franchise Owner-Operators: Daily Checklist
Pre-Opening Duties
Hands-on preparation plus management oversight to ensure a smooth start.Facility & Equipment
- Unlock store, disarm alarms, and turn on lights and music.
- Turn on ovens, fryers, and other cooking equipment; verify temperatures.
- Inspect dining area and restrooms for cleanliness; restock supplies.
- Inspect exterior: signage, parking lot, trash bins, and windows.
Food Prep
- Portion dough balls and set up proofing trays.
- Shred cheese and prepare toppings.
- Slice fresh vegetables and prep proteins according to recipes.
- Label, date, and rotate ingredients using the FIFO method.
- Check delivery truck orders and receive vendor shipments.
Staff Prep & Scheduling
- Lead a pre-shift huddle: discuss sales targets, daily specials, and upsell opportunities.
- Assign prep tasks, station coverage, and delivery routes.
- Handle last-minute call-outs by adjusting the schedule or covering a station.
Active Service & Operations
The busiest portion of the day, where the owner-operator wears many hats.Hands-On Kitchen Work
- Roll dough, assemble pizzas, and run the make-line during peak hours.
- Bake pizzas, pasta, and appetizers while monitoring ticket times.
- Expedite orders to ensure accuracy and quality before leaving the kitchen.
- Prepare salads, sandwiches, and appetizers as needed.
Customer-Facing Roles
- Greet customers, answer questions, and handle special requests.
- Bus tables, wipe down surfaces, and reset dining areas promptly.
Semi-Absentee Franchise Owners: Daily Checklist
Morning Check-Ins
- Review previous day's sales reports from the POS.
- Check labor cost percentage against weekly/monthly targets.
- Confirm deposits from the prior day match register reports.
- Quick text/email with GM or manager to confirm:
- Any major issues from yesterday (complaints, equipment, staffing).
- Prep levels and readiness for today.
- Daily promotions or specials being executed.
Operational Oversight
- Monitor online order platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats) for unresolved issues.
- Check delivery refunds and credits for patterns.
- Review inventory usage reports and proprietary ingredient orders.
- Verify waste logs submitted by the GM.
- Confirm vendors are invoicing correctly; resolve any shortages.
Managerial Communication
- Daily check-in with GM on staffing and shift coverage.
- Approve or review schedules prepared by the GM.
- Review employee timecards and resolve punch errors.
- Discuss training needs or performance concerns.
- Support GM in addressing unexpected staffing call-outs.
Payroll Oversight
- Approve employee hours weekly (or bi-weekly per payroll cycle).
- Ensure all overtime hours are approved and intentional.
- Monitor daily labor percentage vs. sales to meet KPIs.
- Confirm payroll export deadlines so employees are paid on time.
- Address punch corrections or missing shifts flagged by the GM before submission.
Ideal Candidate
Rosati’s Pizza is more than just a restaurant – it’s a family-driven brand built on tradition, quality, and customer loyalty. To carry this legacy forward, the franchise is looking for dedicated and motivated entrepreneurs who can blend business sense with a passion for hospitality.
The ideal Rosati’s Pizza franchisee should have:
1. Passion for Food & Hospitality
A strong interest in the food and beverage industry, particularly pizza and casual dining.
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Commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences and upholding the Rosati’s reputation for authentic Chicago-style flavors.
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A “people-first” mindset to build lasting relationships with both staff and customers.
2. Business & Management Skills
Prior experience in restaurant operations, retail, or team management is helpful but not mandatory.
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Strong leadership qualities with the ability to hire, train, and manage a motivated team.
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Financial acumen to oversee budgets, control costs, and maximize profitability.
3. Financial Capacity & Investment Readiness
Ability to meet the minimum investment requirements of $250,000 – $850,000 depending on the model and location.
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Access to adequate working capital for operations, staffing, and marketing during the initial ramp-up phase.
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Long-term vision to reinvest profits into business growth and expansion.
4. Entrepreneurial Drive & Commitment
A self-starter mindset with the discipline to follow Rosati’s proven systems and operational standards.
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Willingness to be actively involved in day-to-day operations, especially in the early stages.
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Determination to succeed in a competitive market by leveraging Rosati’s brand recognition and proven strategies.
5. Community-Oriented Personality
Genuine interest in becoming a part of the local community by supporting schools, events, and charitable causes.
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Strong interpersonal skills to build customer loyalty and repeat business.
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Dedication to keeping Rosati’s Pizza a family-friendly, community-focused brand.
6. Location & Market Focus
Preference for high-traffic areas such as suburban neighborhoods, family-oriented communities, city centers, and college towns.
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Flexibility to adapt to different models (delivery/carryout vs. full-service dine-in) depending on the market.
Financial Detail
| Franchise Investment Breakdown | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Required | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Total Investment Range | $250,000 – $850,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure & Equipment Costs | $120,000 – $300,000 |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Marketing Budget (Local Launch) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Average Break-Even Timeline | 18–24 months |
| Expected ROI | Competitive, varies by location |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, carryout, delivery, catering, online ordering |