Franchise Deep Dive: Blaze Pizza’s Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: 2/2024

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://blazefranchising.com/

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 340+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $565,000 to $1.1 million

REPORTED ROI (Item 19):  $1,158,073 (2021 average) 

Founded in 2011, Blaze Pizza is a fast-casual pizza franchise headquartered in Los Angeles, with more than 340 restaurants across 38 states and six countries.

Entrepreneurs and spouses Elise and Rick Wetzel, who was also the co-founder of mall staple Wetzel's Pretzels, co-founded Blaze Pizza with the idea of creating “the Chipotle of pizza.” The pies are made to order, in an open kitchen behind a glass counter and cooked  within three minutes. 

The brand is known for its savory artisanal pizzas and a customizable, made-to-order menu featuring fresh, natural ingredients free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and sweeteners. The rapidly growing franchise has received numerous accolades, including Entrepreneur's Franchise 500, as well as the #1 spot on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers and Shakers and Franchise Times' Fast and Serious list.

How Many Locations Are There?

Blaze Pizza has more than 340 restaurants across 38 states and six countries. In 2022, the brand opened 13 restaurants and signed seven multi-unit development agreements. The development agreements over the past 12 months will add 27 restaurants across target markets such as Maryland, Georgia and Tennessee. 

In January of 2023, Blaze Pizza announced the appointment of a new president and chief executive officer, Beto Guajardo, who is expected to lead it through its next phase of growth with plans to expand the brand in target markets. Franchise opportunities remain across the U.S., including in Texas, Colorado, Virginia and key regions throughout the Northeast.

What Is the Business Model?

Blaze Pizza franchisees benefit from: 

Help finding and building out the perfect Blaze Pizza location: Real estate experts will help franchisees narrow down choices, factoring in demographics, traffic patterns, parking convenience, visibility, competition and more. Additionally, vendor relationships will get franchisees deals on furniture and fixtures, as well as all the fresh ingredients needed to create signature menu items.

Comprehensive pre-opening training: Franchisees will spend time at the corporate headquarters learning everything needed to open and operate a Blaze Pizza restaurant. Corporate will go over topics such as finding and hiring qualified staff, keeping accurate records, preparing the menu, marketing a franchise and more. 

Ongoing marketing help to get the word out: Franchisees will benefit from national campaigns and robust digital marketing efforts, while marketing experts stay on top of the latest advertising trends to develop market-specific plans.

How Much Can Blaze Pizza Owners Make?

Earnings are for Blaze Pizza Franchise owners are not directly available from the brand. However, Vetted Biz reported the below information based on the 2022 FDD. 

2020

• Average gross sales: $1,026,893
• Median gross sales: $959,422
• High gross sales: $2,349,150
• Low gross sales: $428,965

2021

• Average gross sales: $1,158,073
• Median gross sales: $1,102,616
• High gross sales: $2,853,608
• Low gross sales: $393,695

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Blaze Pizza Franchise?

The estimated total investment necessary to open a Blaze Pizza Franchise ranges from $565,000 to $1.1 million.

What Is the Franchise Fee for Blaze Pizza?

The franchise fee for Blaze Pizza is $30,000. 

Who Are the Leaders of Blaze Pizza?

• Beto Guajardo, CEO 
• Chris Demery, Chief Technology Officer
• Lance Salsman, Vice President of Franchise Operations
• Duncan Brammer Director, Operations Systems & Integrations
• Sonja Tilki, Vice President Marketing 

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More?

• These Founders Wanted to Create the 'Chipotle of Pizza.'
• Blaze Pizza's Growth Accelerated by Openings, Franchise Agreements in 2022
• Blaze Pizza Franchise Pays For Itself in 7 Years
• FAQ

Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves. 

Check out these three 1851 brands:

Southern Classic Chicken

• Franchise Development Page
• Number of Open Locations (as of 2/16/2024): 17 
• Investment Range: $777,500 - $1,235,500

Pollo Campero*

• Franchise Development Page
• Number of Open Locations (as of 2/16/2024): 370+
• Investment Range:  $1,287,250 - $2,491,500

Atomic Wings*

• Franchise Development Page
• Number of Open Locations (as of 2/16/2024): 23
• Investment Range:  $197,900 - $381,000

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.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.