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LAST UPDATED: 2/2024FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.donatospizzafranchise.com/NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 460REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $457,244 to $989,654REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1.23 million (AUV)In 1963,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donatospizzafranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Donatos Pizza</a> was founded in Columbus, Ohio when Jim Grote purchased the pizza shop he had been working for since he was a teenager. Grote decided to keep the original name, which comes from the Latin phrase “to give a good thing.” He began to slowly grow the brand over the next few decades. In 1991, Donatos began franchising. The first franchised location opened in Zanesville, Ohio.&nbsp;In 1999, Donatos was purchased by McDonald’s in an attempt from the fast food giant to enter the pizza market. However, this endeavor was not successful, and a majority interest in the pizza brand was repurchased by Grote and his daughter Jane in 2003.&nbsp;Since then, Donatos has mostly remained a regional chain. In 2019, it partnered with Red Robin to sell pizzas in their restaurants and became a national brand.&nbsp;<h3>How Many Locations Are There?</h3>Donatos has 460 locations in 29 states. The franchise and its partners operate more than 170 traditional restaurants in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Florida and Oklahoma more than 280 non-traditional locations.<h3>What Is the Business Model?</h3>Donatos focuses on delivering a premium experience to customers, featuring pizzas loaded with abundant toppings on their signature golden, crispy thin crust. They also prioritize prominent restaurant locations with appealing designs to enhance the overall customer experience.Key elements of their business model include:<ul><li>Consistency:&nbsp;Donatos ensures consistency in their product offerings across all locations with their motto "Same Pizza, Anytime, Anywhere." This commitment is supported by systems and processes that take the guesswork out of running a franchise.</li><li>Efficiency and Profitability:&nbsp;Donatos invests in efficient kitchens and predictive intelligence systems to meet peak demand and catering needs effectively. They also provide flexible restaurant designs, including drive-up windows, to enhance profitability.</li><li>Menu Innovation:&nbsp;Donatos constantly tests new menu options to stay on-trend and keep customers coming back for more. They provide a variety of crust options, premium toppings, and fresh ingredients to differentiate their offerings in the market.</li><li>Support and Training:&nbsp;Donatos offers comprehensive training and support to franchisees, including hands-on assistance from industry experts in areas such as marketing, operations, and ongoing training for staff. Franchisees benefit from the expertise developed through the operation of over 50 company-owned restaurants.</li></ul><h3>How Much Can Donatos Owners Make?</h3>Donatos'&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donatospizzafranchise.com/investment/how-much-can-i-make/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">average unit volume</a> is $1.23 million.&nbsp;<h3>How Much Does It Cost to Open a Donatos Franchise?</h3>The total estimated cost to open a Donatos is $457,244 to $989,654. Below is a breakdown of costs:&nbsp;<ul><li>Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000</li><li>Security Deposit Under Lease: $2,000 - $11,000</li><li>One Months' Lease Rent and Real Estate Expenses: $2,000 - $11,000</li><li>Leasehold Improvements and Construction: $35,500 - $454,000</li><li>Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment: $297,244 - $346,154</li><li>Computer System: $18,000 - $23,000</li><li>TRIO Software License Fee: $4,500</li><li>Liquor License: $0 - $10,000</li><li>Opening Inventory and Supplies: $15,000 - $20,000</li><li>Grand Opening Marketing Program and Initial Marketing Expenses: $25,000 - $30,000</li><li>Training Expenses: $1,000 - $15,000</li><li>Miscellaneous Opening Costs: $2,000 - $5,000</li><li>Additional Funds (3 Months): $25,000 - $30,000</li><li>Total: $457,244 - $989,654</li></ul>Qualified investors should also have the following:&nbsp;<ul><li>$200,000 in liquid capital&nbsp;</li><li>$1 million net worth&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>What Is the Franchise Fee for Donatos?</h3>The franchise fee for Donatos is $30,000.&nbsp;<h3>Who Are the Leaders of Donatos?</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-king-b57aa26/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kevin King, President&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomkrouse/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tom Krouse, CEO</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-capuano-1875ab117/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tony Capuano, Vice President of Franchise Operation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-thompson-452b5b47/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brian Thompson, Vice President of Company Operations</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyncullersbutler/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Carolyn Cullers Butler, Executive Director of Brand Marketing</a></li></ul><h3>What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More?</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.donatospizzafranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Development</a></li><li><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/donatos/329418?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Start a Donatos Pizza Franchise in 2024</a></li><li><a href="https://www.donatospizzafranchise.com/non-traditional-partnership/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Red Robin, Donatos Pizza Scale Up Non-Traditional Partnership</a></li></ul>Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.&nbsp;Check out these three 1851 brands:<a href="https://1851franchise.com/gregoire/info">Grégoire</a><ul><li><a href="https://1851growthclub.com/brands/gregoire/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">1851 Growth Club Page</a></li><li><a href="https://gfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Development Page</a></li><li>Number of Open Locations (as of 2/8/2024): 1</li><li>Investment Range: $240,794 - $357,370</li></ul><a href="https://1851growthclub.com/brands/pure-green-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pure Green</a><ul><li><a href="https://www.puregreenfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Development Page</a></li><li>Number of Open Locations (as of 2/8/2024): 100+</li><li>Investment Range: $171,000 - $426,000</li></ul><a href="https://1851franchise.com/beefobradys">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a><ul><li><a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Development Page</a></li><li>Number of Open Locations (as of 2/8/2024): 140+</li><li>Investment Range: $809,325 - $1,290,850,</li></ul>Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-donatos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721773" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> 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.

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