If you have ever dreamed of owning your own business but want the added security of an established brand, opening a franchise may be your ideal path. But before diving in, there is one big question to answer: how much does it cost to open a franchise?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Franchise costs can range from under $300,000 to well over $1 million, depending on the industry, brand recognition, business model, and location.
In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs involved and explain how to open a franchise restaurant successfully. We’ll also spotlight some of the best restaurant franchises to own and use Slice House by Tony Gemignani as a prime example of a franchise brand that’s winning on all fronts.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Franchise Restaurant?
The cost of opening a franchise can be divided into two categories: initial startup costs and ongoing operational expenses. Let’s break those down.
Initial Franchise Costs
Franchise Fee: This is the upfront cost you pay to use the franchisor’s name, brand, business model, and support systems. Fees can range widely—anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more.
Real Estate and Construction: Depending on whether you are leasing a space or building from the ground up, real estate and build-out costs can easily hit six figures. You will also need to furnish and brand the interior according to franchise standards.
Equipment and Signage: For a restaurant franchise, this means ovens, refrigerators, prep tables, and digital menu boards. These can cost between $150,000 and $300,000 or more.
Licensing, Permits, and Insurance: Local, state, and federal regulations require a host of permits, especially in the food industry. Expect to spend $10,000 to $30,000+ depending on your area.
Initial Inventory: You will need to stock your location with food, beverages, packaging, and cleaning supplies—costing anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 for restaurants.
Training and Onboarding: Top-tier franchises often require training at headquarters and on-site. Slice House, for instance, provides thorough training to teach franchisees how to make award-winning pizzas up to Tony Gemignani’s high standards.
Grand Opening Marketing: Marketing is vital for a successful launch. A franchisor may require an initial advertising investment of $20,000 or more.
Ongoing Franchise Costs
Royalty Fees: Typically a percentage of gross sales (usually 4%–8%). These fees help the franchisor support the system and provide ongoing benefits.
Marketing Fund Contributions: Franchisees usually contribute to a national or regional marketing fund (1%–4% of sales).
Technology Fees: POS systems, online ordering platforms, and mobile apps often come with monthly charges.
Key Factors That Influence Franchise Startup Costs
- Brand Reputation: High-demand franchises often come with higher price tags but stronger returns.
- Location: Real estate costs vary significantly based on geography.
- Restaurant Size: Stadium kiosk? Fast-casual sit-down? Your layout affects total cost.
- Required Upgrades: Certain locations may need extra investment to meet franchise design specs.
The Best Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025
As food delivery, fast casual, and brand-driven dining continue to grow, restaurant franchises are proving to be smart investments. Pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and sweet treats remain staples of American cravings—and certain brands are leading the way.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
- Total Investment: $411,300 to $1,152,600
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $250,000
Slice House stands out for its flexible format—offering dine-in, delivery, carryout, and stadium kiosk models. With a menu curated by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, it offers New York, Sicilian, and Detroit-style pizzas made with craft-level precision. It’s a strong choice for franchisees seeking culinary credibility and versatility.
Chick-fil-A
Known for its remarkably high average unit volume, Chick-fil-A remains one of the most profitable quick-service restaurants. Based on this, the model is highly controlled—the franchisor owns the assets and makes many operational decisions—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with strict guidelines.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
With strong brand loyalty and a simple-to-operate model, Jersey Mike’s continues to expand rapidly. Franchisees benefit from robust corporate support and a proven playbook for success in the sandwich space.
Crumbl Cookies
Crumbl has exploded in popularity thanks to its social media savvy and ever-changing menu. The brand draws lines out the door and performs exceptionally well with younger demographics. Stemming from this, competition in the dessert segment is fierce, so differentiation and marketing execution are key.
Five Guys
With a focus on fresh ingredients and a stripped-down menu of burgers, fries, and milkshakes, Five Guys enjoys high customer satisfaction and loyalty. Its operational simplicity appeals to franchisees looking for a dependable model in the burger category.
These restaurant franchises offer strong consumer demand and brand power—making them top picks to own in 2025.
How to Open a Franchise Restaurant: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Do Your Research
Investigate industries, read franchise disclosure documents (FDDs), and consider your budget and lifestyle preferences. - Contact the Franchisor
Schedule an introductory call. For example, Slice House begins the process with a 30-minute intro conversation, followed by candidate profiling and FDD review. - Secure Financing
Most franchisees use SBA loans, personal savings, or investment partners. Slice House can introduce candidates to lending partners early in the process. - Choose a Location
Your franchisor may help with site selection, lease negotiation, and real estate analytics. Slice House works closely with owners to find locations aligned with brand goals. - Sign Franchise Agreement
After Discovery Day and mutual vetting, you’ll sign your franchise agreement and pay your fees. - Begin Training and Build-Out
You will learn the systems, recipes, and operations needed to run your store. - Open Your Doors!
With marketing support and operational training, you’ll be ready to launch your business with confidence.
Why Slice House Pizza Franchise Stands Out
If you’re concerned about “how much does it cost to open a franchise” in the pizza sector, Slice House provides one of the most cost-competitive and attractive opportunities. Here’s why:
- Celebrity Chef Leadership: Partner with Tony Gemignani, a globally recognized pizza master.
- Multiple Revenue Streams: Dine-in, delivery, carryout, and stadium kiosks.
- Proven Model: With 30+ locations across the Western US, Slice House has refined its scalable model.
- Comprehensive Support: From vendor relationships to opening day marketing, franchisees are supported every step of the way.
- Award-Winning Menu: Customers return again and again for artisan recipes created by a world champion.
With total investments between $411,300 and $1,152,600, and a liquid capital requirement of $250,000, Slice House is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for savvy investors.
Slice House Pizza Franchise: One of the Best Restaurant Franchises to Own
Opening a franchise is a significant investment—but for the right entrepreneur, it can be incredibly rewarding. Knowing how much it costs to open a franchise gives you the power to choose wisely and prepare financially.
If you are passionate about food, community, and growth, restaurant franchises—especially artisan pizza—are among the most promising sectors. Slice House by Tony Gemignani exemplifies what makes a restaurant franchise both financially viable and emotionally fulfilling: an award-winning product, flexible models, proven systems, and leadership that believes in your success.
Ready to own your slice of success? Now’s the time to invest in a brand that blends passion with profitability. Reach out to us and learn how to bring Tony Gemignani’s legendary pizza to your city. Call our dedicated franchise team today.