Sauce Pizza & Wine is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in modern Italian cuisine. Founded in 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona, the brand is now headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Initially developed by Fox Restaurant Concepts, Sauce Pizza & Wine was acquired in 2015 by Sauce Holdings LLC, led by RA Sushi co-founder Scott Kilpatrick. The franchise began offering opportunities to entrepreneurs seeking to bring its unique dining experience to new markets.

The menu at Sauce Pizza & Wine features handcrafted pizzas, fresh pastas, artisan paninis, and vibrant salads, all made with high-quality, often locally sourced ingredients.

Complementing the food offerings is a curated selection of wines and craft beers, providing a complete dining experience. The restaurant's atmosphere combines the convenience of fast-casual service with the ambiance of a modern, upscale eatery.

Training

Sauce Pizza provides a detailed and mandatory training program designed to equip franchisees and their management staff with the skills necessary to operate their restaurant effectively. Below is a breakdown of the training programs offered by the franchisor:

1. Initial Training Program: Sauce Pizza offers up to 20 shifts of training for the Operating Partner, up to 35 shifts for the General Manager, and the same for 2 to 4 other management staff. Each shift consists of 8–10 hour days, including classroom instruction and on-the-job training. This training occurs at a certified location and covers essential operations knowledge.
2. Pre-Opening Assistance: An Opening Team, including at least two captains and other personnel, will support the franchisee at their location for 14 consecutive days. This team helps implement the system and trains staff, with costs for travel and salaries borne by the franchisee.
3. Employee Training: Franchisees must ensure all staff, particularly those in customer service, are adequately trained, including language proficiency where applicable. The franchisee is solely responsible for hiring and training these employees according to Sauce's standards.

Territory Protection

Sauce Pizza grants each franchisee a license for a specific, approved Franchised Location but does not provide exclusive territorial rights. The franchise agreement explicitly states that the location is subject to the franchisor’s approval, and no contractual language guarantees exclusivity within or beyond that area.

This means Sauce Pizza reserves the right to approve other franchises in nearby areas or engage in sales that could affect the franchisee’s business.

Furthermore, the franchisor may conduct business through other channels, such as e-commerce or non-traditional venues, which may operate within a franchisee’s vicinity without violating the agreement.