Little Caesars Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Pizza chain known for its hot and ready pizzas at affordable prices, offering a variety of classic and specialty pizza options.

Little Caesars is a well-known brand in the pizza industry, offering a diverse menu that includes pizzas, sides, and other Italian-American fast food items. Established in 1959, it has grown to become the third-largest pizza chain in the United States, showcasing its strong presence and popularity in the fast-food sector.

Based in Detroit, Michigan, Little Caesars has built a reputation for delivering affordable, high-quality pizzas to customers worldwide.

One of the key factors that differentiate Little Caesars from its competitors is its emphasis on convenience and value.

The brand is famous for its "Hot-N-Ready" pizzas, which are available for immediate pickup without the need for pre-ordering, providing quick and efficient service for busy customers. This unique approach has helped Little Caesars secure a significant position in the competitive fast-food market.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount (Low) Amount (High)
Initial Franchise Fee $20,000 $20,000
Rent $1,500 $7,000
Leasehold Improvements $50,000 $1,000,000
Supplies and Equipment from Blue Line $250,500 $369,500
Other Fixtures, Equipment, and Signage $15,000 $158,000
Grand Opening Advertising $15,000 $15,000
Training Expenses $12,000 $16,500
Start-up Inventory and Supplies $63,000 $154,000
Insurance $500 $1,200
Utility Expenses $1,000 $9,000
Licenses and Permits $1,000 $20,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $17,000 $47,000
Total $446,500 $1,817,200
Type of Expenditure Amount (Low) Amount (High)
Initial Franchise Fee $20,000 $20,000
Rent $1,500 $7,000
Leasehold Improvements $50,000 $1,000,000
Supplies and Equipment from Blue Line $250,500 $369,500
Other Fixtures, Equipment, and Signage $15,000 $158,000
Grand Opening Advertising $15,000 $15,000
Training Expenses $12,000 $16,500
Start-up Inventory and Supplies $63,000 $154,000
Insurance $500 $1,200
Utility Expenses $1,000 $9,000
Licenses and Permits $1,000 $20,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $17,000 $47,000
Total $446,500 $1,817,200

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

Little Caesars ensures that its franchisees are well-prepared to operate their businesses efficiently through a comprehensive training program. This program is meticulously designed to cover a broad range of operational and managerial aspects crucial for the successful running of a franchise.

Franchisees receive detailed instructions and hands-on experience in various areas, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the competitive fast-food industry.

In addition to classroom-based training, Little Caesars provides access to in-store training resources. These practical learning opportunities allow franchisees to gain firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of the daily operations within a real store environment. This combination of theoretical and practical training ensures that franchisees are well-equipped to manage their franchises effectively from day one.

The training program covers essential operational procedures, including managing daily and weekly paperwork, overseeing cash management, controlling inventory, making financial projections, ordering food supplies, and maintaining cleanliness standards.

By mastering these critical areas, franchisees can ensure smooth operations, maintain high standards of service, and achieve long-term success in their business endeavors.

Territory Protection

Protected Territory for Traditional Stores: Franchisees who sign an agreement for a traditional store are granted a protected territory. This means that no other traditional Little Caesars store will be established within this designated area. The exact size of this territory is influenced by various factors, such as population density and the proximity of other Little Caesars outlets.

This protection ensures that franchisees can operate without direct competition from other traditional Little Caesars stores within their designated area, fostering a stable and exclusive market for their business.

On the other hand, those who opt for a non-traditional store will not benefit from a protected territory. These non-traditional outlets can be situated in diverse locations, including but not limited to airports, stadiums, and other venues. The flexibility of non-traditional store locations allows franchisees to tap into unique markets and customer bases, although it comes without the assurance of territorial exclusivity.

Competitors

Below are some of

Little Caesars

key competitors in the

Pizza

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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3705

New
+
3%
3%

$20,000

$447,000

$1,817,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Tandoori Pizza

Tandoori Pizza is a fast-casual restaurant franchise offering Indian-inspired pizzas, appetizers, and specialty entrees, serving adventurous eaters and families, and known for tandoori-seasoned toppings, fusion flavors, and a unique culinary twist.

Franchisees

?

10
+
67%
67%
Investment

?

$374,000 - $659,000

Sarpino's Pizzeria

Sarpino's Pizzeria is a delivery-focused franchise offering gourmet pizzas, calzones, salads, and pastas, serving late-night and family audiences, and known for from-scratch dough, extended hours, and dependable doorstep convenience.

Franchisees

?

43
+
-4%
-4%
Investment

?

$396,000 - $582,000

Manhattan Pizza

Manhattan Pizza is a pizzeria franchise offering New York-style pies, slices, wings, and subs, serving neighborhoods and campus areas, and known for hand-tossed dough, generous portions, and fast, friendly service.

Franchisees

?

12
+
-14%
-14%
Investment

?

$401,000 - $758,000

Buck's Pizza

Buck's Pizza is a neighborhood pizza franchise offering hand-tossed pizzas, wings, subs, and salads, serving local families and game-day crowds, and known for friendly service, carryout and delivery convenience, and classic recipes.

Franchisees

?

9
+
-10%
-10%
Investment

?

$207,000 - $693,000

Big Mama's and Papa's Pizzeria

Big Mama's and Papa's Pizzeria is a pizza restaurant franchise offering giant specialty pies, slices, and Italian favorites, serving families and groups, and known for oversized pizzas, community presence, and casual dine-in and delivery.

Franchisees

?

10
+
-17%
-17%
Investment

?

$305,000 - $764,000

Patsy's Pizzeria

Patsy’s Pizzeria is an authentic Italian pizza franchise offering New York–style pizzas, Italian entrees, salads, and desserts, serving pizza lovers and families, and known for dough tradition, heritage recipes, and premium ingredients.

Franchisees

?

10
+
-29%
-29%
Investment

?

$399,000 - $766,000