Green Mill Restaurants Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

Green Mill Restaurants serves a variety of pizzas, pastas, and American dishes, offering a family-friendly dining experience with a focus on quality and flavor.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

-6%

Franchise fee

$45,000

Investment

$1,672,000 - $2,493,000

Revenue (AUV)

n.a.

Green Mill Restaurants is a full-service casual dining franchise known for its award-winning deep-dish pizza, pasta, wings, and beer. The brand was originally established as a soda fountain in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1935 and remains headquartered there.

Over the years, it evolved into a full-fledged restaurant known for quality food and a relaxed dining experience. The franchise began offering Chicago-style deep-dish pizza in 1975, which became its signature offering.

Green Mill started franchising shortly after and now operates multiple franchised locations primarily in Minnesota. In 2018, the company introduced “Green Mill On The Go,” a fast-casual, takeout-focused model to appeal to modern dining trends and busy consumers.

Green Mill offers a wide menu including pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and a full-service bar. The brand also provides catering services for both small gatherings and large events, earning a strong reputation in the catering space.

Its dedication to quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction continues to be a major draw for franchisees and guests alike. What sets Green Mill apart is its combination of deep-rooted Midwest heritage, diverse menu, and strong franchisee support.

Initial investment

The initial investment required for a Green Mill Restaurants franchise is $1,672,000 - $2,493,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$45,000
Training-Related Expenses	$90,000 to $115,000
Rent Security Deposit and First Month’s Rent	$0 to $17,000
Leasehold Improvements	$900,000 to $1,200,000
Equipment and Trade Fixtures	$450,000 to $850,000
Signage	$35,000 to $50,000
Opening Inventory and Smallwares	$50,000 to $70,000
Insurance	$10,000 to $20,000
Initial Advertising and Promotional Costs	$25,000
Miscellaneous Start-Up Costs	$10,000 to $16,000
Liquor License	$4,000 to $10,000
Quality Control Inspection Fee	$1,500 annually
Academy Fee	$1,200 annually
Additional Funds - 3 months	$50,000 to $75,000
TOTAL	$1,671,700 - $2,493,000

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$45,000
Training-Related Expenses	$90,000 to $115,000
Rent Security Deposit and First Month’s Rent	$0 to $17,000
Leasehold Improvements	$900,000 to $1,200,000
Equipment and Trade Fixtures	$450,000 to $850,000
Signage	$35,000 to $50,000
Opening Inventory and Smallwares	$50,000 to $70,000
Insurance	$10,000 to $20,000
Initial Advertising and Promotional Costs	$25,000
Miscellaneous Start-Up Costs	$10,000 to $16,000
Liquor License	$4,000 to $10,000
Quality Control Inspection Fee	$1,500 annually
Academy Fee	$1,200 annually
Additional Funds - 3 months	$50,000 to $75,000
TOTAL	$1,671,700 - $2,493,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Below is Green Mill Restaurants's 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

Green Mill Restaurants had 18 total units in 2023, of which 17 were franchised-owned and 1 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of

Green Mill Restaurants

key competitors in the

Pizza

sector.

Franchise

Upgrade

New

-6%

4.00%

$1,672,000

$2,493,000

n.a.

Pizza Hut

$200K - $500K

5214

New

-2%

6% - 6.5%

$462,000

$2,054,000

$969,000

n.a.

Patsy's Pizzeria

$200K - $500K

New

-29%

6.00%

$399,000

$766,000

n.a.

Big Mama's and Papa's Pizzeria

$200K - $500K

New

-17%

6.00%

$305,000

$764,000

n.a.

Aurelio's Pizza

$200K - $500K

New

-9%

5.00%

$438,000

$1,253,000

n.a.

Donatos Pizza

Over $500K

125

New

4.00%

$542,000

$1,038,000

$958,000

9.5%

Hangar 54 Pizza

Under $25K

162

New

57%

n.a.

$9,000

$644,000

n.a.

Training

Green Mill Restaurants provides an in-depth training program for its franchisees to ensure effective business operations. The following numbered programs outline the key components of the franchisor’s training:

Initial Management Training Program: This foundational training lasts at least ten weeks and is typically held in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota or another location designated by the franchisor. It is required for the franchisee or their on-site general manager, along with the kitchen manager, assistant kitchen manager, and dining room manager. All these individuals must complete the program prior to opening the restaurant.
Pre-Opening Support and Opening Team Assistance: Green Mill requires franchisees to engage four to six trainers—either employed by the franchisor or by other franchisees—to assist with training staff during the two weeks before and after the grand opening. These trainers help ensure the restaurant operates to brand standards from day one. The franchisee bears all associated costs, including labor, travel, and accommodations.
Ongoing and Supplemental Training: The franchisor may require attendance at periodic regional training or orientation seminars. Any new managers or assistant managers hired must also attend the same training program to maintain consistency in operations. These additional sessions are designed to reinforce standards and support long-term success.

Territory Protection

Green Mill Restaurants offers its franchisees a protected territory known as the "Designated Territory," which is mapped and included in the franchise agreement. Within this designated area, the franchisor agrees not to establish any company-owned or franchised Green Mill Restaurant locations, provided the franchisee complies with the agreement terms.

However, this protection does not constitute an exclusive territory, as overlaps with other franchisee areas or company service zones may occur due to population and geographic factors.

While franchisees have certain protections, Green Mill retains broad rights to operate or license restaurants under different marks, including those selling similar or competing products, both inside and outside a franchisee's Designated Territory.