Pizza Ranch Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

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.

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

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.

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

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

Number of units

Training 

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.

Competitors

Below are some of

Pizza Ranch

key competitors in the

Pizza

sector.

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

212

New
+
3%
3%

$30,000

$2,102,000

$4,910,000

n.a.

$2,063,000

$xxx,xxx

72.2%

xx%

n.a.

14.1%

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