Buffet-style pizza restaurant franchise featuring a selection of pizzas, fried chicken, salads, and desserts, creating a family-friendly and all-you-can-eat dining experience.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
212
+
3%
3%
Franchise fee
?
$30,000
Investment
?
$2,102,000 - $4,910,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$2,063,000
+
-2.2%
-2.2%
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Pizza Ranch is a popular fast-casual dining chain predominantly found in the Midwest region of the United States. Founded in 1981 by Adrie Groeneweg and Lawrence Vander Esch, the chain originated in Hull, Iowa, with Groeneweg showcasing pizza recipes crafted by his mother, Lorraine.
Pizza Ranch offers a diverse menu featuring pizza, chicken, fresh salads, Buffalo wings, and delectable desserts. One of its standout features is the buffet-style dining experience, which has become a favorite among patrons.
In addition to dine-in options, Pizza Ranch provides carry-out and delivery services, catering to a wide range of customer preferences.
The franchise journey began in 1984 under the name Pizza Ranch Inc., eventually relocating its headquarters to Orange City, Iowa. Over the years, Pizza Ranch has become known for its commitment to community involvement and charitable initiatives, often supporting local events and fundraising efforts.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Pizza Ranch franchise is
$2,102,000 - $4,910,000.
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.
Pizza Ranch offers 2 types of franchises:
Type of Pizza Ranch Franchise
Initial Investment
Pizza Ranch® (if you lease or remodel your Restaurant)
$2,101,500 to $2,962,000
Pizza Ranch® (if you build a new Restaurant)
$3,151,500 to $4,909,500
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a new Pizza Ranch franchised restaurant. For more information on costs required to start a Pizza Ranch franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$30,000 to $30,000
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment
$493,000 to $700,000
Arcade Games
$378,000 to $550,000
Construction Costs
$2,000,000 to $2,400,000
Architect/Engineering Fees
$110,000 to $130,000
Land
$0 to $800,000
Pre-Opening Training Expenses
$80,000 to $137,000
Food Used During Team Member Training
$7,000 to $9,000
Start-Up Costs
$23,500 to $43,500
Interest on Pre-Opening Loans
$10,000 to $90,000
Working Capital (3 months)
$20,000 to $20,000
Total Initial Investment (with a FunZone)
$3,151,500 to $4,909,500
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Pizza Ranch offers 2 types of franchises:
Type of Pizza Ranch Franchise
Initial Investment
Pizza Ranch® (if you lease or remodel your Restaurant)
$2,101,500 to $2,962,000
Pizza Ranch® (if you build a new Restaurant)
$3,151,500 to $4,909,500
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a new Pizza Ranch franchised restaurant. For more information on costs required to start a Pizza Ranch franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$30,000 to $30,000
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment
$493,000 to $700,000
Arcade Games
$378,000 to $550,000
Construction Costs
$2,000,000 to $2,400,000
Architect/Engineering Fees
$110,000 to $130,000
Land
$0 to $800,000
Pre-Opening Training Expenses
$80,000 to $137,000
Food Used During Team Member Training
$7,000 to $9,000
Start-Up Costs
$23,500 to $43,500
Interest on Pre-Opening Loans
$10,000 to $90,000
Working Capital (3 months)
$20,000 to $20,000
Total Initial Investment (with a FunZone)
$3,151,500 to $4,909,500
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Pizza Ranch's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Pizza Ranch had 218 total units in 2025, of which 212 were franchised-owned and 6 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a Pizza Ranch franchise is 4.00%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of 3.00%.
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a Pizza Ranch franchise is $2,102,000 - $4,910,000. 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.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a Pizza Ranch franchise is $30,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
Prospective Pizza Ranch franchisees participate in an extensive training program before launching their restaurant. This comprehensive training covers all facets of restaurant management, from operational procedures to utilizing essential equipment and computer systems.
Key personnel, including the Principal or General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Kitchen Managers, and Guest Services Manager, must complete the Manager in Training Program.
This training is conducted at a Certified Training Restaurant or another location specified by Pizza Ranch. The curriculum includes topics such as Advertising/Marketing, Accounting/Profitability, Restaurant Operations, Restaurant Management, Guest Relations, and essential soft skills like Culture and Leadership.
Territory Protection
Pizza Ranch® franchisees do not receive exclusive territorial rights. Instead, they are assigned a specific location to operate their Pizza Ranch® restaurant.
This arrangement ensures that while franchisees can run their business at the designated site, there is no protection from the establishment of additional Pizza Ranch® restaurants or outlets nearby.
The franchisees' operational rights are confined to their designated location. Any plans to move or expand beyond this location require prior written approval from the franchisor. This framework highlights the necessity of adhering to the assigned location and recognizing the absence of broader territorial exclusivity.