Franchise Deep Dive: Crust Pizza Co.’s Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

Crust Pizza Co. has become an emerging pizza restaurant franchise as a result of its high-quality ingredients, customizable pizzas and community-focused approach.

By Jeff DwyerStaff Writer

Updated 2:14PM • 09/01/23

LAST UPDATED: August 15, 2023
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://crustfranchise.com/
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 30+
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $766,500 to $1,426,250
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,640,211.07

Crust Pizza Co. is a quick-service pizza restaurant that specializes in Chicago-style, thin-crust pizza that is prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant’s menu also includes pastas, sandwiches and salads.

Crust Pizza Co. originated in The Woodlands, Texas in 2011 as a result of a partnership between childhood friends Mark Rasberry and Clint Price. Despite life taking them in different directions, the duo reunited with Mark’s business acumen and Clint’s restaurant expertise. Fueled by their mutual passion for pizza, the pair embarked on a joint business venture, and Crust Pizza Co. was born.

How Many Crust Pizza Co. Locations Are There?

As of August 2023, there are more than 30 Crust Pizza Co. locations open and in development throughout the United States. The brand aims to have over 130 open locations by 2025 and is actively offering franchise opportunities throughout the Southeast.

What Is Crust Pizza Co.’s Business Model?

Crust Pizza Co.’s business model is centered around providing customers with gourmet and specialty pizzas with standout flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients. The brand emphasizes customization and allows guests to choose from various crusts, sauces, cheeses and toppings. The brand boasts an “endless amount of ways to enjoy crust!”

In addition to its traditional sitdown style restaurant, Crust Pizza Co. also offers a wide variety of catering services, which you can learn more about here.

For its franchise owners, the brand does not require its operators to have prior restaurant experience. Instead, the franchise offers a six-week training program, as well as three weeks of onsite training to ensure owners are ready for their grand opening. Franchisees will also have access to real estate selection, construction and design, marketing, and technology, and ongoing support to ensure they’re on the right path.

How Much Can Crust Pizza Co. Franchise Owners Make?

According to Crust Pizza Co.’s consumer-facing website, the brand saw an average unit volume (AUV) in 2022 of $1,640,211.07 for all its restaurants that have been open for at least one year.

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Crust Pizza Co.?

The initial investment required to open a Crust Pizza Co. franchise ranges between $766,500 to $1,426,250. This investment is broken into the following costs:

Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000
Initial Training Fee: $15,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements: $320,000 to $700,000
Lease Deposits and Rent (Three Months): $9,500 to $36,250
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment: $235,000 to $305,000
Signage: $10,000 to $30,000
Computer, Software and Point of Sales System: $15,000 to $25,000
Grand Opening Marketing: $20,000
Initial Inventory: $15,000 to $25,000
Utility Deposits: $500 to $3,000
Insurance Deposits (Three Months): $3,000 to $10,000
Travel for Initial Training: $15,000 to $30,000
Professional Fees: $20,000 to $30,000
Licenses and Permits: $3,000 to $8,000
Office Equipment and Supplies: $500 to $4,000
Additional Funds (Three Months): $50,000 to $150,000

Interested candidates must also have at least $200K in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $800K.

What Is the Franchise Fee for a Crust Pizza Co.?

The franchise fee required to open a Crust Pizza Co. franchise is $35K. The brand also offers a 10% discount on its franchise fee for all qualified military personnel and first responders.

Franchise owners must also pay an ongoing royalty fee of 6% of sales and a 2% advertising fee.

Who’s On Crust Pizza Co.’s Leadership Team?

Clint Price — Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer
Mark Rasberry — Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer
Carl Comeaux — CEO
Nick Fontenot — Chief Technology Officer
Amber Treybig — Marketing and Sales Director
Omar Ramirez — Director of To Go Model

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Crust Pizza Co.?

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