Established
2010
Franchise Units
5
Minimum Investment
$673,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$895,500
Home Based
No
Description
In a world of conveyor-belt crusts and uninspired toppings, We The Pizza stands as a manifesto for what a neighborhood pizzeria should be: chef-driven, community-focused, and unapologetically high-quality. Founded by celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn—of Top Chef and Iron Chef fame—and the Mendelsohn family, this isn't just another pizza joint. It is a culinary experience that blends the nostalgic charm of a 1940s American soda fountain with a modern, high-volume kitchen.
Since its debut on Capitol Hill, We The Pizza has earned a reputation as a "power player" in the food industry, famously serving everyone from local students to former presidents and members of Congress. Our menu is a curated gallery of New York-style pies, featuring hand-tossed dough made from 100% white whole wheat flour and a legendary tomato sauce sourced from the Pastini family. Beyond the slice, we’ve mastered the art of "kettle-sizzled" wings, garden-fresh salads, and hand-spun Italian gelato shakes.
Investing in a We The Pizza franchise means more than just opening a restaurant; it’s about joining a lifestyle brand. We occupy a unique "premium fast-casual" niche, bridging the gap between low-cost delivery chains and expensive sit-down trattorias. For an entrepreneur, this means a business model built on high-traffic potential, a strong brand identity, and a product that people actually crave.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Chef-Driven Credibility: Benefit from the star power and culinary expertise of Chef Spike Mendelsohn, providing instant brand recognition and trust.
Diverse Revenue Streams: Unlike standard pizzerias, our model excels in dine-in, carry-out, high-volume delivery, and premium catering.
Premium Quality, Fast-Casual Speed: Our focus on high-quality ingredients allows for higher price points and better margins while maintaining the efficiency of a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR).
Proven Resilience: From the bustling streets of D.C. to sunny Clearwater, Florida, the model has proven successful in varied markets and high-pressure environments.
Strong Community Ties: Our brand is built on "Pizza, Love, and Happiness," a philosophy that drives deep customer loyalty and local community integration.
Background
Established Year: 2010
Founders: Spike Mendelsohn and the Mendelsohn Family (Sunnyside Restaurant Group)
Active Units: Currently operating 5+ core locations with a strategic expansion plan across the USA.
Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
Brand Journey: What started as a single shop next to the iconic Good Stuff Eatery on Capitol Hill has evolved into a nationally recognized brand. The company is family-owned and operated, ensuring that the "soul" of the business remains intact even as it scales. It has been featured extensively in national media and remains a staple for the D.C. political elite and locals alike.
Support Training
We The Pizza provides a "white-glove" support system to ensure your slice of the pie is successful from day one:
Pre-Launch Support: Expert assistance with site selection using demographic analytics, lease negotiation, and a comprehensive kitchen design/build-out package.
Initial Training: A rigorous immersive training program at our corporate headquarters and flagship locations. This covers everything from the "secret" dough fermentation process to point-of-sale (POS) management.
Marketing & Branding: Access to our national marketing fund, professional social media assets, and local store marketing (LSM) playbooks to build buzz before your doors even open.
Operational Excellence: Ongoing field support with regular audits, supply chain logistics to ensure ingredient consistency, and access to our proprietary "Soda Jerk" fountain and gelato programs.
Ideal Candidate
We aren't just looking for investors; we’re looking for brand ambassadors. The ideal candidate should have:
Entrepreneurial Spirit: A self-starter who understands the "hustle" required in the hospitality industry.
Experience: While not strictly required, a background in food service or retail management is highly preferred.
Community Connection: Someone who wants to be the "mayor" of their neighborhood, building relationships with local schools, businesses, and organizations.
Financial Readiness: The ability to meet the liquid capital requirements and a commitment to multi-unit growth if the market allows.
Passion for Product: You must truly love great pizza. Our reputation relies on the quality of every single slice.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount / Rate |
| Minimum Cash Liquid Required | $150,000+ |
| Minimum Net Worth | $500,000+ |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $673,000 – $895,500 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing/Brand Fund | 2% – 3% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Time | 18 – 36 Months (Varies by location) |
