Paulie Gee's Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Paulie Gee's is a pizzeria franchise known for its artisanal, wood-fired pizzas made with fresh ingredients, offering a cozy dining experience.

Founded by Paul Giannone, known as Paulie Gee, Paulie Gee's is an artisanal pizzeria that began delighting patrons in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, in March 2010. Transitioning from a career in information technology, Giannone pursued his passion for pizza-making, leading to the creation of a restaurant celebrated for its eclectic topping combinations and inviting atmosphere.

The original Paulie Gee's quickly became a neighborhood favorite, known for signature pies like the "Hellboy," featuring fresh mozzarella, Italian tomatoes, soppressata picante, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and a drizzle of hot honey. In response to growing demand, the brand expanded its reach by initiating franchising on September 11, 2013.

Distinguishing itself from competitors, Paulie Gee's emphasizes a community-centric approach, naming its locations after the neighborhoods they serve to foster a local connection. The pizzerias are renowned for their warm, rustic interiors and a menu that showcases inventive, high-quality ingredients, creating a dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike.

With its headquarters at 41 Challenger Drive, Staten Island, New York, Paulie Gee's continues to blend culinary innovation with a heartfelt commitment to the communities it serves, making it a distinctive presence in the artisanal pizza landscape.

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.

Paulie Gee's offers 2 types of franchises:

Type of Expenditure Amount
Slice Shop Restaurant $254,500 – $734,000
Full-Service Restaurant $354,500 – $714,000

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Paulie Gee's Slice Shop Restaurant.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements, Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment $150,000 – $520,000
Lease Deposits – Three Months $12,000 – $36,000
Signage $2,500 – $5,000
Computer, Software and Point of Sales System $5,000 – $12,000
Initial Inventory $5,000 – $15,000
Utility Deposits $1,000 – $2,000
Insurance Deposits – Three Months $5,000 – $10,000
Travel for Initial Training $2,000 – $5,000
Professional Fees $15,000 – $30,000
Licenses and Permits $2,000 – $4,000
Additional Funds – Three Months $40,000 – $80,000
Total Estimate $254,500 – $734,000

Paulie Gee's offers 2 types of franchises:

Type of Expenditure Amount
Slice Shop Restaurant $254,500 – $734,000
Full-Service Restaurant $354,500 – $714,000

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Paulie Gee's Slice Shop Restaurant.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements, Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment $150,000 – $520,000
Lease Deposits – Three Months $12,000 – $36,000
Signage $2,500 – $5,000
Computer, Software and Point of Sales System $5,000 – $12,000
Initial Inventory $5,000 – $15,000
Utility Deposits $1,000 – $2,000
Insurance Deposits – Three Months $5,000 – $10,000
Travel for Initial Training $2,000 – $5,000
Professional Fees $15,000 – $30,000
Licenses and Permits $2,000 – $4,000
Additional Funds – Three Months $40,000 – $80,000
Total Estimate $254,500 – $734,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Paulie Gee's provides a comprehensive set of training programs that the Franchisor provides or may require for Franchisees. These include both mandatory and ongoing training initiatives:

  1. Initial Training Program
    Within four months of the business commencement date, the Franchisee’s Managing Owner and one manager must complete the initial training program. This program may include both classroom and on-the-job instruction, and it can be conducted either in person or through online web-based conferencing. Additional trainees may be allowed with prior approval and payment of additional fees.
  2. Refresher and System-Wide Training
    Franchisees, including their Managing Owners and Managers, must attend periodic refresher courses and system-wide training programs as designated by the Franchisor. These may be held at designated locations and are provided at the Franchisee’s expense, including travel, lodging, and salaries.
  3. Supplemental Training
    The Franchisor may offer supplemental training either at the Franchisee’s restaurant or online. This is often required when hiring a new Operating Manager or when the Franchisee is not meeting operational standards. The cost is $300 per trainer per day, plus travel and accommodation expenses.

Territory Protection

Paulie Gee's provides franchisees with a "Protected Territory" after site approval, within which no other franchise or company-owned location will be established, as long as the franchisee complies with the agreement. However, this territory is not exclusive, and the franchisee may face competition from other Paulie Gee’s channels.

Franchisees cannot accept orders outside their territory without written approval, but the franchisor may still sell within the area through other means. No rights to expand or exclusive marketing privileges are granted.

Competitors

Below are some of

Paulie Gee's

key competitors in the

Pizza

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
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5

New
+
25%
25%

$15,000

$255,000

$734,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Pizza Twist

Pizza Twist is a pizza franchise known for its unique fusion flavors, offering traditional and Indian-style pizzas with vegan, gluten-free, and halal options.

Franchisees

?

73
+
66%
66%
Investment

?

$290,000 - $551,000

Paulie Gee's

Paulie Gee's is a pizzeria franchise known for its artisanal, wood-fired pizzas made with fresh ingredients, offering a cozy dining experience.

Franchisees

?

5
+
25%
25%
Investment

?

$255,000 - $734,000

Slice House by Tony Gemignani

Slice House by Tony Gemignani is a pizza franchise offering a variety of regional styles, including New York, Sicilian, and Detroit-style pizzas.

Franchisees

?

3
+
50%
50%
Investment

?

$406,000 - $1,148,000

East of Chicago Pizza

East of Chicago Pizza is a pizza franchise known for its signature pan, thin, and stuffed crust pizzas with a variety of toppings.

Franchisees

?

60
+
-2%
-2%
Investment

?

$214,000 - $690,000

Mellow Mushroom

Mellow Mushroom is a pizza franchise known for its stone-baked pizzas, craft beers, and eclectic, artistic restaurant atmosphere.

Franchisees

?

161
+
-2%
-2%
Investment

?

$1,688,000 - $4,832,000

Russo's New York Pizzeria

Russo’s New York Pizzeria is a pizza franchise serving authentic New York-style pizzas, pastas, and Italian dishes in a casual dining setting.

Franchisees

?

37
+
3%
3%
Investment

?

$439,000 - $1,501,000