Best Restaurant Franchises: Top Italian Restaurants of 2024

A recent study found that Italian food is the most popular cuisine globally, favored by 84% of people worldwide. Italian is always a popular dining option, whether it’s consumed at a full-service family style restaurant, a quick service pasta-focused franchise concept or at home via the 19.8 billion dollar pizza delivery industry. 

While starting a business in the restaurant industry has a known reputation for being challenging and risky, established franchises often come with strong brand recognition, a proven business model and comprehensive support in areas such as marketing, training and operations. This combination of a beloved culinary tradition and robust franchise support can enhance profitability and reduce the risks associated with starting a new restaurant venture.

If you’re looking for your next investment in the Italian restaurant industry, check out these 15 brands. 

Rosati’s

• Initial Investment: $147,200 - $1,249,000
• Unit Count: 127

Rosati’s offers a variety of build-out options, including a sports pub model, carryout & delivery, and fast-casual. The brand supports franchisees in site selection, typically opting for a location near strip shopping centers for increased visibility and accessibility.

Maggiano's Little Italy

• Initial Investment: $3,825,000 - $5,835,000
• Unit Count: 52

Maggiano’s, which first opened in Chicago in 1991, has made a name for itself with its “family-style” service, where dishes are ordered and shared with the entire table. The casual dining concept offers franchisees training and ongoing support as well as diverse revenue streams through dine-in, catering and banquet services.

Fazoli's

• Initial Investment: $809,000 - $2,300,000
• Unit Count: 207

Fazoli’s is a fast-food Italian restaurant chain that exists under the FAT Brands Inc. umbrella. Fazoli’s has carved out a niche within the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, with few competitors serving Italian cuisine. The franchisor values franchisee input and offers robust support. 

Olive Garden

• Initial Investment: Not publicly available.
• Unit Count: 893

Olive Garden has great name recognition and is franchised in South and Central America, the U.S., Canada and the Philippines. The brand recently started offering franchise opportunities with U.S. airports.

Romano's Macaroni Grill

• Initial Investment: $1,307,000 - $4,624,500
• Unit Count: 31

This concept offers franchisees multiple revenue streams through dine in, catering, pickup and delivery options. Romano’s is known for its open-kitchen design, with each location also containing a dining room, game room and banquet room for events or parties.

Buca di Beppo

• Initial Investment: $1,500,000 - $3,000,000
• Unit Count: 86

In 1993, Buca di Beppo opened its first location in the basement of a Minneappolis apartment building; since then, this Italian concept has since grown to over 86 locations around the world. Buca di Beppo restaurants are typically known for their themed rooms, eclectic decor and family-style service.

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza

• Initial Investment: $810,000 - $1,239,500
• Unit Count: 59

In November 2021, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza was acquired by BurgerFi, who then launched a franchising program for the brand. The ideal franchisees for this brand have previous franchising experience and value community engagement. 

Grimaldi's Pizzeria

• Initial Investment: $1,374,800 - $1,755,000
• Unit Count: 47

This pizza restaurant brand has 44 company owned locations and 3 franchised locations across 12 states, with plans for continued expansion. Grimaldi’s is looking for experienced operators to join its franchise network. Grimaldi’s signature dish is New York style pizza, which is prepared in an open kitchen so guests can enjoy watching the process. 

Mellow Mushroom

• Initial Investment: $1,661,000 - $4,616,000
• Unit Count: 170

Mellow Mushroom is known for more than just its pizza; the restaurants are decorated with neon and psychedelic artwork, making for a unique dining experience. Mellow Mushroom locations are known for offering karaoke, trivia or bingo nights, serving up a large beer selection and providing plant based options. 

Vapiano

• Initial Investment: $1,179,000 - $2,012,000
• Unit Count: 155

Vapiano first opened in Hamburg and now has locations in the U.S., Europe, Australia and Africa. Consumers love the signature hand-made pasta and franchisees benefit from high profile locations. The brand offers franchisees international marketing support and 20 year franchise agreement contracts.

La Porchetta

• Initial Investment: $600,000+
• Unit Count: 48

La Porchetta is an Australian and New Zealand-based concept offering a family-friendly atmosphere. The brand has been around for over three decades. Franchisees receive training in various aspects of the business, such as recruitment, suppliers, customer service, marketing and more. 

East Side Mario's

• Initial Investment: $1,300,000 - $1,600,000
• Unit Count: 1,200+

East Side Mario’s, a well-known and loved concept across Canada, has been serving up traditional Italian dishes and All-You-Can-Eat soup, salad and garlic bread since 1987. The brand is managed by Recipe Unlimited Corporation, which manages 10 brands in total. East Side Mario’s is committed to supporting local charities, such as The Boys and Girls Club. 

Villa Italian Kitchen

• Initial Investment: $297,000 - $894,000
• Unit Count: 54

Many of Villa Italian Kitchen’s locations are within shopping malls, airports and casinos. The brand is part of the Villa Restaurant Group and franchisees benefit from robust guidance with restaurant design, construction management and efficient daily operations thanks to the tried-and-true business model. 

Sbarro

• Initial Investment: $282,500 - $585,300
• Unit Count: 600+

Sbarro is a popular food court staple and comes with great brand recognition across the country and abroad. Sbarro seeks franchisees with a business acumen and a passion for pizza who are interested in operating multiple units, possess the necessary capital for restaurant development and have local expertise in marketing, operations, development and supply chain management.

Noodles & Company

• Initial Investment: $747,000 - $1,423,000
• Unit Count: 479

This pasta concept offers in-line counter service, as well as drive-thru and catering services. Noodles & Company seeks multi-unit franchise partners with significant operational experience and a commitment to ethical business practices. Franchisees are required to have a minimum of $500,000 in liquid capital.

Investing in a franchise in the Italian restaurant industry gives entrepreneurs a great opportunity to capitalize on excellent brand awareness with well-known franchises or to bring an emerging brand serving up universally loved food to any community.

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.