Established
1943
Franchise Units
49
Minimum Investment
$1,400,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$2,500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Few restaurant brands in America can genuinely claim to have shaped an entire food category. Uno Pizzeria & Grill is one of them. As the original home of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Uno has built a powerful legacy that blends heritage, crave-worthy comfort food, and full-service casual dining.
For decades, Uno Pizzeria & Grill has been a go-to destination for families, sports fans, office gatherings, and pizza lovers seeking something more substantial than fast-casual slices. The brand combines iconic deep-dish pizza with an expansive menu that includes thin-crust pizzas, burgers, pasta, salads, appetizers, desserts, and a strong beverage program—making it a true all-day, all-occasion restaurant.
In a competitive U.S. restaurant landscape, Uno stands apart with its heritage positioning, recognized name, and flexible restaurant formats. Franchisees benefit from national brand recognition, refined systems, and a menu designed to drive dine-in traffic, off-premise sales, and repeat visits. For operators seeking a proven casual-dining pizza franchise with real history and strong emotional connection, Uno Pizzeria & Grill represents a compelling investment opportunity.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Iconic Brand Legacy – Uno is globally recognized as the originator of Chicago deep-dish pizza, giving it instant credibility and consumer trust.
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Proven Casual Dining Model – A balanced mix of dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering revenue streams.
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Broad Customer Appeal – Families, professionals, tourists, and sports fans all connect with the brand.
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Menu Diversity – Beyond pizza, the menu supports higher average tickets and frequent visits.
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Adaptable Footprint – Works in urban, suburban, lifestyle center, and tourist-driven locations.
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Experienced Franchisor Support – Systems refined over decades of multi-unit restaurant operations.
Background
- Established Year: 1943
- Founders: Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo
- Origin: Chicago, Illinois
- Industry Category: Casual Dining | Pizza Restaurant Franchise
- Franchise Active Units (USA): 49
Uno Pizzeria & Grill was founded in Chicago in 1943 and quickly gained fame for introducing a bold new pizza style—deep-dish pizza baked in a pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and robust tomato sauce. What started as a single neighborhood pizzeria evolved into an international brand and a defining symbol of Chicago cuisine.
Over the years, Uno expanded beyond its flagship deep-dish offering to become a full-service casual dining restaurant. The brand has successfully navigated changing consumer trends by modernizing menus, adding lighter options, and expanding off-premise dining.
Today, Uno Pizzeria & Grill operates 49 franchised locations across the United States .
Support Training
Uno Pizzeria & Grill offers franchisees comprehensive, end-to-end support designed to reduce risk and accelerate ramp-up:
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market evaluation
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Restaurant layout, kitchen design, and brand-approved build-out support
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
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Pre-opening project management assistance
Training Programs
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In-depth initial training for owners and management
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Hands-on kitchen and food preparation training
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Front-of-house service standards and guest experience systems
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Financial controls, inventory management, and labor optimization
Operational Support
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Proven operating manuals and standardized procedures
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Ongoing field support and performance coaching
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New product rollouts and menu innovation guidance
Marketing & Brand Support
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National brand marketing and promotional campaigns
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Digital marketing, loyalty programs, and local store marketing tools
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Grand opening and relaunch support
Ongoing Support
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Continuous training updates
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Franchisee performance reviews and benchmarking
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Access to a collaborative franchise network
Ideal Candidate
Uno Pizzeria & Grill is best suited for experienced operators and serious investors who value structured systems and brand standards.
Ideal candidates typically include:
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Multi-unit restaurant operators or hospitality professionals
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Entrepreneurs with strong people-management and financial skills
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Investors capable of meeting build-out and working capital requirements
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Owners committed to hands-on oversight or hiring strong management teams
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Franchisees seeking suburban, urban, or high-traffic lifestyle locations
A passion for hospitality, operational discipline, and community engagement are key traits for long-term success with the Uno brand.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $1.4 million – $2.5 million |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $600,000+ |
| Net Worth Requirement | $1.5 million+ (estimated) |
| Restaurant Size | 4,000 – 6,000 sq. ft. |
| Leasehold Improvements | $600,000 – $1.1 million |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | $350,000 – $550,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Signage & Décor | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Smallwares | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Grand Opening & Local Marketing | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Training Expenses | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Ad Fund Fee | ~2% of gross sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 24 – 36 months |
| Expected ROI | Location & operations dependent |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, alcohol sales |