Established
1990
Franchise Units
14
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$550,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Original Italian Pie is a classic Italian-American pizza franchise built on authenticity, consistency, and neighborhood appeal. Inspired by traditional family recipes and old-world preparation methods, the brand delivers New York–style pizza, Italian comfort foods, and a welcoming, no-frills dining experience that connects with customers of all ages.
Positioned within the highly resilient quick-service and fast-casual pizza segment, the concept stands out for its focus on quality ingredients, handcrafted dough, signature sauces, and a menu designed for everyday affordability. Its offerings appeal to families, students, professionals, and late-night diners, making it adaptable to a wide range of U.S. markets.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Operates in the high-demand pizza and Italian food category with year-round appeal
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Strong brand identity centered on authenticity, consistency, and value pricing
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Straightforward, repeatable operating system suitable for owner-operators and multi-unit investors
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Multiple revenue streams including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering
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Lower operational complexity compared to full-service Italian restaurants
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Flexible footprint adaptable to urban, suburban, and college-town locations
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High repeat customer potential driven by comfort food and habitual ordering behavior
Background
Established Year: 1990
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Founders: Italian-American entrepreneurs with a passion for traditional pizza-making
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Brand Journey & History:
The brand began as a family-owned neighborhood pizzeria focused on authentic Italian flavors and time-tested cooking techniques. As customer demand increased, the concept expanded into franchising while preserving its original culinary standards. Growth has been intentional, prioritizing consistency, quality control, and local market success over rapid expansion. -
Ownership Structure: Privately owned, franchise-driven system
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Market Presence in the USA: Operating across multiple states with continued regional expansion plans
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Industry Category: Quick-Service and Fast-Casual Pizza & Italian Restaurant
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Franchise Active Units: 14
Support Training
The franchise offers a comprehensive support framework designed to guide franchisees from pre-opening through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and trade-area evaluation
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Restaurant design, layout, and equipment planning
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain coordination
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Assistance with permits, licensing, and pre-opening requirements
Training & Academic Support
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In-depth initial training covering food preparation, kitchen systems, and quality standards
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POS systems, order flow, and inventory control training
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Hiring, onboarding, and staff management guidance
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Food safety, sanitation, and compliance education
Operational Support
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Standardized recipes and operating procedures
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Cost control and inventory management systems
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Ongoing operational guidance and performance reviews
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Access to proven best practices from the franchise network
Marketing & Brand Support
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Brand-approved marketing materials and local store marketing strategies
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Grand opening marketing planning and execution guidance
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Digital marketing support including online ordering visibility
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Ongoing promotional and seasonal marketing campaigns
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Continuous system updates and operational enhancements
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Ongoing training resources and franchisee communication
Ideal Candidate
The Original Italian Pie is well suited for hands-on operators and disciplined investors who value consistency and customer experience.
Best Fit Candidates:
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Entrepreneurs seeking a proven pizza franchise with broad market appeal
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Multi-unit operators expanding within the QSR or food service sector
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Owner-operators committed to daily operations and local marketing
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Individuals passionate about food quality, hospitality, and community engagement
Preferred Skills & Background:
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Restaurant or hospitality experience preferred but not required
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Strong leadership, team management, and operational discipline
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Financial capability to support startup costs and early working capital
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Willingness to follow established brand systems and standards
Location Preferences:
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Urban and suburban retail corridors
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College towns and family-oriented neighborhoods
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High-traffic commercial areas
Financial Detail
All figures are approximate and may vary by location and market conditions.
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Total Investment Required: Approximately $250,000 – $550,000
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Minimum Investment / Liquid Capital: Approximately $100,000 – $150,000
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Franchise Fee: Approximately $25,000 – $35,000
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Infrastructure & Build-Out Costs: $150,000 – $300,000
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Equipment & Fixtures: $50,000 – $100,000
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Initial Marketing Budget: $10,000 – $20,000
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Working Capital: $25,000 – $50,000
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Royalty Fees: Ongoing percentage of gross sales
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Expected ROI: Strong potential for owner-operators with effective cost controls
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Estimated Break-Even: Typically 18–30 months
