Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is a renowned New York-style pizza franchise, celebrated for its coal-fired brick oven pizzas. Established in 2003 beneath the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, New York, Grimaldi’s has expanded to over 40 locations across the United States. The company is currently headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

In April 2019, Grimaldi’s launched its domestic franchise program, inviting qualified operators to join its growing network.

The franchise offers a menu featuring hand-crafted pizzas, calzones, salads, and house-made desserts, including its legendary cheesecakes. Each location features a coal-fired brick oven, delivering an authentic taste that sets Grimaldi’s apart.

Grimaldi’s differentiates itself through its commitment to tradition and quality. The brand uses a custom water system designed to replicate New York City water, essential for achieving its signature dough taste. The open kitchen concept allows guests to witness the pizza-making process, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Training

Grimaldi’s offers a comprehensive training program to ensure its franchisees and their teams are well-prepared to operate their restaurants. The training provided by the Franchisor includes the following structured components:

1. Initial Training Program: This mandatory training for the Operating Principal, General Manager, and other supervisory employees must be completed at least 60 days before opening. It spans up to six weeks, combining classroom and on-the-job training. Participants must also complete ServSafe and alcoholic beverage safety certifications beforehand. Those who pass are certified as Trainers.
2. Train the Trainer Program: Franchisee’s certified Trainers are responsible for preparing the restaurant’s staff. A complete staff must be trained at least 10 days prior to opening. Certification is granted only after an adequate number of employees are trained and verified by the Franchisor.
3. Opening Training: For the first or second restaurant, the Franchisor dispatches a representative for on-site support, including staff training and opening activities. This support extends up to 14 days and is provided without cost to the Franchisee.

Territory Protection

Grimaldi’s does not provide its franchisees with exclusive territorial rights under the standard Franchise Agreement. Each franchise is granted for a specific approved location, but the franchisor reserves the right to operate or license others to operate Grimaldi’s Restaurants in other locations, including non-traditional venues such as airports, casinos, and campuses.

Franchisees should also be aware that competition may come from other Grimaldi’s franchisees or company-owned locations in nearby areas.

Under the Development Agreement, franchisees may receive a form of limited exclusivity within a defined Development Territory, but this protection is conditional. The franchisor may revoke this exclusivity if the franchisee defaults on the agreement or fails to meet the development schedule.