Established
1996
Franchise Units
20
Minimum Investment
$750,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,600,000
Home Based
No
Description
Rotolo’s Pizzeria has carved out a unique position in the competitive U.S. pizza market by blending authentic, handcrafted pizza with a full-service, craft-beer-driven dining experience. Unlike traditional pizza takeout brands, Rotolo’s delivers a polished casual-dining atmosphere where fresh ingredients, innovative recipes, and community-focused hospitality come together under one roof.
The brand is best known for its Craft & Crust™ concept—an elevated pizzeria model that pairs gourmet pizzas, calzones, pastas, salads, and shareables with an extensive selection of local and national craft beers. This hybrid positioning allows Rotolo’s to compete not only with pizza franchises, but also with casual dining restaurants, sports bars, and neighborhood hangouts.
For franchisees, Rotolo’s Pizzeria offers a scalable, proven restaurant model supported by strong brand systems, menu versatility, and a growing demand for experiential dining. With dine-in, bar service, takeout, and delivery revenue streams, the brand is well-aligned with modern consumer expectations while maintaining the soul of a neighborhood pizzeria.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Rotolo’s Pizzeria franchise means entering a resilient food category with a brand that stands out from crowded pizza chains.
Key reasons franchisees are drawn to Rotolo’s include:
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Differentiated Concept – Combines pizza, full bar, and casual dining, increasing average ticket size
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Strong Consumer Appeal – Appeals to families, young professionals, sports fans, and craft-beer enthusiasts
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Multiple Revenue Channels – Dine-in, bar sales, takeout, delivery, catering, and group events
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Established Systems – Proven operational playbook refined across multiple locations
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Brand Loyalty – Community-driven positioning with repeat local customers
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Scalable Growth – Works well in suburban, urban, college-area, and mixed-use developments
Background
- Established Year: 1996
- Founders: Mitch Rotolo
- Industry Category: Pizza Franchise / Casual Dining Restaurant
- Business Model: Full-service pizzeria with craft beer and bar program
- Franchise Active Units : 20+
Rotolo’s Pizzeria was founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a mission to serve high-quality, handcrafted pizza in a welcoming, neighborhood-focused environment. What began as a local pizzeria evolved into a refined casual-dining brand as customer demand grew for a more elevated experience without losing authenticity.
Support Training
Rotolo’s Pizzeria offers comprehensive end-to-end franchise support designed to guide owners from site selection through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market analysis
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Lease negotiation and restaurant layout planning
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Kitchen design, equipment specifications, and vendor sourcing
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Construction and build-out coordination
Training Programs
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Classroom and hands-on operational training
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Food preparation, recipe execution, and quality control
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Bar operations and alcohol compliance training
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POS systems, inventory management, and labor scheduling
Operational Support
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Opening-day launch assistance
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Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and manuals
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Ongoing field support and performance reviews
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Supply-chain access and approved vendors
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and local marketing strategy guidance
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Grand opening marketing campaigns
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Digital marketing, social media, and loyalty programs
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Creative assets, promotions, and seasonal campaigns
Ideal Candidate
Rotolo’s Pizzeria is well-suited for both experienced restaurant operators and motivated multi-unit investors.
The ideal franchisee typically has:
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A passion for food, hospitality, and community engagement
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Strong leadership and people-management skills
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Restaurant, retail, or multi-unit business experience (preferred, not mandatory)
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Ability to follow systems while executing locally
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Financial capability to fund build-out and operations
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Interest in developing one or multiple locations over time
Hands-on owner-operators often perform exceptionally well, though the model can also support semi-absentee ownership with the right management team in place.
Financial Detail
| Cost Head | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $750,000 – $1,600,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $250,000+ |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build-Out | $400,000 – $900,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Fixtures | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Furniture, POS & Technology | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening Spend | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Training & Pre-Opening Costs | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fee | ~2% of Gross Sales |
