Big Mama’s & Papa’s Pizzeria (BMPP) is a full-service pizza restaurant brand founded in Los Angeles in 1992 by brothers Aro and Allen Agakhanyan. The company is headquartered in Glendale, California, and operates a dine-in, carry-out, and delivery model.

The brand began franchising in 2015, expanding its presence beyond its original Los Angeles locations. Big Mama’s & Papa’s Pizzeria offers a diverse menu featuring hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

What sets BMPP apart from competitors is its focus on unique pizza creations and its signature oversized pies, including the 36-inch “Big Papa” and the Guinness World Record-holding 54″ × 54″ “Giant Sicilian” pizza. The brand emphasizes a fun, family-friendly dining experience with a casual Southern California vibe.

Training

Big Mama’s & Papa’s Pizzeria provides a structured and multi-phase training program for franchisees to ensure consistency and operational readiness. Here is a breakdown of the training offered:

1. Initial Training and Orientation
   Franchisees and their General Manager must complete an initial training program in Los Angeles County, California, or at another operating location. This program typically spans 14 days and focuses on introducing franchisees to the operational systems, procedures, and business practices of the franchise. Training includes both classroom-style sessions and hands-on experience at an active outlet.
2. On-Site Training and Opening Support
   Part of the training also takes place at the franchisee’s own outlet. This segment may involve the Big Mama’s & Papa’s Opening Team visiting the location to provide practical support during the launch phase. The costs involved include travel, lodging, and wages for the team and the franchisee's staff.
3. Post-Opening Operational Support
   Following the outlet’s launch, the franchisor offers periodic visits and guidance via phone or email. These include administrative, sales, inventory, and accounting assistance. Optional ongoing training sessions, seminars, or conferences may also be offered, which franchisees can attend at an additional cost (up to $750 per day).
4. Mandatory Annual Meetings
   At least one Principal Equity Owner must attend an annual franchisee convention or system-wide meeting, typically held in California. Attendance is mandatory and all related travel expenses are borne by the franchisee.

Territory Protection

Big Mama’s & Papa’s Pizzeria provides territory protection to its franchisees through a defined “exclusive” territory model. Franchisees are granted exclusive rights to operate within a specified geographic area based on population density—typically ranging from a half-mile radius in urban zones to up to five miles in rural areas.

During the term of the agreement and as long as the franchisee meets their material obligations, the franchisor commits not to open additional outlets or authorize others to do so within that territory.

This exclusivity, however, does not shield the franchisee from all forms of competition. Franchisees may still face indirect competition from company-owned outlets or other franchisees located outside their protected territory, as well as from alternative distribution channels or brands under the franchisor’s control.