Straw Hat Pizza: A Trailblazer in California-Style Pizza

Straw Hat Pizza has been delighting pizza lovers since July 10, 1959, when it first opened in San Leandro, California. Now based in Brentwood, California, the brand began franchising a decade later in 1969, steadily expanding its presence across the state.

Famous for its “Genuine California Pizza,” Straw Hat offers a signature flaky, layered crust topped with fresh ingredients, a light and flavorful sauce, and a proprietary blend of six aged cheeses. The menu has evolved to include a variety of options like Hot Hat® sandwiches, crispy chicken wings, and fresh salads, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

What truly sets Straw Hat Pizza apart is its unwavering focus on quality and its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Each day, the dough is freshly prepared, and the sauce is crafted from fresh-packed tomatoes, underscoring the brand’s dedication to authentic taste and premium ingredients.

Training

Straw Hat Pizza provides its franchisees with a structured series of training programs to ensure proper business operations. Here’s a clear explanation of the key programs:

1. Initial Training Program
   Straw Hat Pizza offers initial training to the franchisee or the Operating Principal and one restaurant manager, covering the Straw Hat system and methods. This training, which typically lasts three weeks and is held at a designated Straw Hat restaurant, must be successfully completed at least 60 days before opening.
2. Additional and Refresher Training
   The franchisor may offer additional or refresher training, which can include materials delivered via paper, video, or electronic formats. Franchisees may be required to attend refresher courses around six months after opening, and Straw Hat may charge reasonable fees for these sessions.
3. Opening Assistance
   Straw Hat Pizza provides opening support, including consultations on starting inventory and advertising for the grand opening. A representative may also visit the restaurant to provide operational feedback, though additional visits may incur consulting and travel fees.
4. System Manuals and Ongoing Updates
   By the end of initial training, franchisees receive the System Manuals, which outline operational standards and procedures. Straw Hat may periodically update or supplement these manuals, and franchisees are required to comply with the updates.

Territory Protection

Straw Hat Pizza provides franchisees with a defined territory, but it does not offer exclusive territorial protection. While the franchisor agrees not to place another Straw Hat restaurant within the designated territory without written consent, it reserves the right to operate in nontraditional locations, use alternative distribution channels, and market through various platforms within that territory.

This means franchisees may face competition from company activities like online sales or special events. Franchisees are allowed to offer delivery and catering services outside their territory and may advertise into neighboring areas.

However, other franchisees may also advertise, deliver, or cater into the same territory, and third-party delivery platforms are not restricted by territorial boundaries. Additionally, the franchisor retains the right to adjust territory boundaries based on operational needs, demographics, or traffic changes, although such adjustments are not meant for placing competing restaurants.