Established
1954
Franchise Units
288
Minimum Investment
$1,300,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$2,500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Few restaurant brands in America can claim the kind of heritage, nostalgia, and brand recognition that Shakey’s Pizza enjoys. Often credited as one of the original pizza restaurant concepts in the United States, Shakey’s built its reputation around handcrafted pizzas, family-friendly dining, and a lively casual atmosphere long before pizza chains became mainstream. Today, the brand blends its classic roots with a modernized dine-in and take-out model that appeals to families, sports groups, and value-driven consumers.
Shakey’s is best known for its thin-crust pizzas, signature Mojo® Potatoes, fried chicken, and relaxed, communal dining experience. Unlike fast-casual pizza concepts that focus solely on speed, Shakey’s positions itself as a social destination—ideal for group gatherings, birthday parties, team celebrations, and casual family outings. This positioning gives franchisees multiple revenue opportunities beyond standard walk-in traffic.
For entrepreneurs seeking a proven, heritage-driven restaurant franchise with strong emotional brand equity, Shakey’s stands out in the competitive U.S. pizza segment. Its scalable restaurant format, established supply chain, and recognizable menu make it an attractive option for both first-time franchisees and experienced multi-unit operators.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Shakey’s is about more than opening a pizza restaurant—it’s about owning a brand with decades of customer trust and repeat business.
Key reasons investors are drawn to Shakey’s include:
• Legacy Brand Recognition – Shakey’s is one of the most recognizable legacy pizza brands in America, reducing the learning curve for new markets.
• Differentiated Menu – Thin-crust pizza, Mojo® Potatoes, fried chicken, and shareable sides create strong add-on and upsell opportunities.
• Family & Group Focus – Built-in appeal for parties, schools, sports teams, and community events drives higher average ticket sizes.
• Dine-In + Takeout Model – Balanced revenue streams help stabilize performance across economic cycles.
• Operationally Proven – Decades of refinement in kitchen layout, menu engineering, and restaurant operations.
• Multi-Unit Potential – Ideal for area developers and experienced operators seeking clustered territories.
Background
Established Year: 1954
Founders: Sherwood “Shakey” Johnson and Ed Plummer
Shakey’s began in Sacramento, California, in 1954 and is widely regarded as one of the first pizza restaurant chains in the United States. The founders introduced pizza to a broader American audience at a time when it was still a novelty, helping shape the modern pizza industry.
Over the decades, Shakey’s evolved from a small neighborhood pizzeria into an internationally recognized brand. While the concept expanded globally, the United States remains a core market, with restaurants operating across multiple states and strong opportunities for further domestic development.
Ownership & Brand Journey:
Shakey’s has changed ownership over the years but has consistently preserved its core identity—great pizza, fun atmosphere, and community connection. The brand has successfully modernized store designs, menus, and marketing while retaining the nostalgic appeal that long-time customers love.
Industry Category:
• Pizza Restaurant Franchise
• Casual Dining / Family Dining
• Quick-Service Hybrid
Market Presence in the USA:
Shakey’s operates a solid footprint of franchised and company-influenced locations, primarily concentrated in key regional markets. The brand continues to seek qualified franchise partners for expansion in underserved U.S. territories.
Franchise
Active
Units (USA): 288+ locations
Support Training
Shakey’s offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to help operators launch confidently and scale efficiently.
Pre-Launch Support:
• Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
• Restaurant design standards and layout planning
• Construction and equipment specifications
• Vendor and supply chain onboarding
• Pre-opening marketing strategy and launch planning
Training Program:
• In-store operational training for owners and managers
• Kitchen systems, food preparation, and quality control
• POS systems and reporting tools
• Customer service and guest experience training
• Labor management and scheduling best practices
Operational Support:
• Ongoing field support and performance coaching
• Standard operating procedures and playbooks
• Menu updates and product innovation guidance
• Food cost control and margin optimization support
Marketing & Brand Support:
• National brand marketing initiatives
• Local store marketing programs and templates
• Digital marketing guidance and promotions
• Seasonal campaigns and limited-time offers
Ongoing Support:
• Franchisee advisory resources
• Continuous operational updates
• Refresher training and leadership development
• Access to peer franchisee network
Ideal Candidate
Shakey’s is well-suited for both hands-on operators and semi-absentee owners with the right management structure.
Ideal candidates typically include:
• Entrepreneurs with a passion for food and hospitality
• Multi-unit restaurant operators seeking a legacy brand
• Investors with strong people-management skills
• Community-oriented owners who enjoy local marketing and events
• Candidates with sufficient liquidity and access to capital
Business Background:
Restaurant experience is helpful but not mandatory. Strong leadership, financial discipline, and a willingness to follow proven systems are more important than prior pizza experience.
Location Preference:
• Suburban and family-oriented trade areas
• High-traffic retail corridors
• Markets with strong youth sports, schools, and community activity
• Mid-size to large metro areas with limited direct Shakey’s competition
Financial Detail
| Cost / Financial Component | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $1.3M – $2.5M |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$1.3M |
| Leasehold Improvements | $500,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Fixtures | $300,000 – $600,000 |
| Furniture, Signage & Décor | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| POS & Technology Systems | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5%–6% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Brand Fund | ~2%–3% of gross sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 24–36 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, online orders, catering, events |