Tomaso’s is a regional pizza franchise best known for its classic Italian-American pizza and strong local following in Iowa. The brand was founded in 1996 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where the original restaurant quickly gained popularity for its hand-tossed pizzas made with fresh ingredients.

‍Tomaso’s built its reputation as a neighborhood pizza destination focused on quality, consistency, and customer loyalty.

The concept expanded beyond its original location through franchising in the mid-2000s. Tomaso’s began franchising in 2005, with additional locations opening in nearby Iowa communities such as Hiawatha and Marion.

While the brand has remained regionally focused, franchising allowed Tomaso’s to grow its footprint while maintaining its original menu and operating style.

Tomaso’s sells a menu centered on pizza, including specialty pizzas, build-your-own options, subs, salads, and classic sides. The brand emphasizes traditional pizza recipes, fresh dough, and familiar flavors that appeal to families and repeat customers.

Training

Tomaso’s provides a structured training program to help franchisees and their staff prepare for the launch and successful operation of their restaurant. Training is conducted primarily at the Tomaso’s location in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, and includes hands-on learning rather than classroom instruction. The training programs are outlined below:

1. Initial Training Program: Franchisees and at least one manager must complete a 100-hour on-the-job training program before opening. The training is conducted by Nichole Thomas and Scott Thomas, both owner/operators with over a decade of experience, and may include manuals, videos, and presentations. Completion is based on knowledge tests and the franchisor’s assessment of the trainee’s capabilities.
2. Additional Personnel Training: Training for up to three people is included in the initial franchise fee. If additional staff require training, it must be paid for by the franchisee, including all travel, lodging, and compensation expenses.
3. Ongoing and Remedial Training: Tomaso’s may require managers and employees to participate in ongoing training programs post-opening, subject to the franchisor's standard fees. These sessions aim to support consistent operational standards across locations.
4. Training for New Managers: If a manager is hired after the business opens, they must complete the full training program within 60 days of assuming their role.

Territory Protection

Tomaso’s grants its franchisees a defined geographic territory, as outlined in Exhibit B of the Franchise Agreement. As long as the franchisee is not in breach of the agreement, the franchisor agrees not to open or locate another Tomaso’s franchise or company-owned outlet using the Tomaso’s system or marks within that territory. The franchisee is only allowed to operate one location and must conduct all direct marketing solely within their territory unless otherwise approved by the franchisor.

However, Tomaso’s reserves certain exceptions to this territorial protection. The franchisor can exclude specific sites from the granted territory and is not obligated to provide compensation if other franchisees or the company solicit or fulfill orders within the area.