Founded in 1977 in St. Paul, Minnesota, Carbone’s Pizzeria has grown into a beloved regional pizza chain known for its family-recipe, high-quality offerings. It remains headquartered at 680 East Seventh Street, St. Paul, MN, operating as M & T Pizza, Inc.

Drawing on decades of community roots, Carbone’s delivers a nostalgic, family-friendly dining experience that resonates with local and franchise audiences alike.

The brand began franchising in 1977, expanding its footprint beyond company-owned locations. Carbone’s sells a full menu of pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and more, catering to dine-in, carry-out, and catering customers.

It differentiates itself through its secret family sauce recipe, fresh ingredients used since the 1950s, and a warm, locally-focused atmosphere. This blend of tradition, quality, and franchising momentum helps Carbone’s compete strongly in the casual pizza segment.

Training

Carbone’s Pizzeria offers a comprehensive training program for its franchisees to ensure uniform operational quality and adherence to the brand’s standards.

1. Initial Training Program
   Franchisees must complete the franchisor’s initial training program prior to opening their restaurant. This program is provided at no additional cost, though franchisees are responsible for all associated travel and accommodation expenses. The training is conducted at a location designated by the franchisor and includes both operational and marketing guidance.
2. Mandatory Participation
   The training is required for all owners and operations managers, or any staff with managerial responsibilities. Franchisees or their representatives do not receive compensation or reimbursement for time or expenses during training.
3. Refresher and Ongoing Training
   Carbone’s Pizzeria may also require franchisees to attend additional training programs or refresher courses to stay updated on system changes. These sessions may be held at the franchisee's restaurant and may involve a fee payable before attendance. The franchisor provides ongoing consultation during normal business hours to support continued success.

Territory Protection

Carbone’s Pizzeria grants franchisees a defined territory, generally with a radius of approximately 5 miles around the approved restaurant site. In more densely populated areas, this radius may be smaller, and while territories may overlap, the franchisor will not approve another Carbone’s Pizza restaurant within your territory as long as you remain in compliance.

However, Carbone’s Pizzeria does not grant exclusive territorial rights. The franchisor and its affiliates retain the right to operate or allow others to operate similar or even competing businesses within the territory, provided they do not use the Carbone’s Pizza or Pizzeria names.

Furthermore, they may sell similar products through alternative channels like the internet, catalog, and convenience stores, and may also authorize deliveries across territories that are not yet franchised to others.