Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza offers build-your-own artisan pizzas made to order in multiple restaurant locations. Known for quick service and customizable options, it operates in the fast-casual dining sector.
About Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza is an Atlanta, Georgia–based fast-casual pizza restaurant chain. Founded in 2011 by Elise and Rick Wetzel of Wetzel's Pretzels, the chain is known for serving made-to-order pizzas.
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Blaze Pizza franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Blaze Pizza restaurant is between $666,900 and $1,143,000. This range includes costs such as lease fees for the computer system, online ordering systems, EMV terminals, training tablets, and an online ordering tablet, along with other startup expenses [p.35].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is $30,000 and must be paid upon execution of the Franchise Agreement. This fee is non-refundable [p.21].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty is a continuing payment equal to five percent (5%) of the franchisee's Gross Sales each week [p.101]. The Creative Fee, which contributes to the Creative Fund, can be used for various advertising and promotional activities such as creating advertisements, purchasing media placements, conducting market research, and more [p.122]. This isn't specified in the excerpts regarding a specific percentage or amount for advertising fees beyond contributions to the Creative Fund.
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD, a franchisor can refuse to permit the transfer of ownership of a franchise except for good cause [p.5]. Additionally, if you own three or less restaurants, any assignment must include the rights for all restaurants. If you own more than three restaurants, any assignment must include at least fifty percent (50%) of the rights for the transferred units [p.19].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor may terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.257]. Additionally, under Virginia Retail Franchising Act and state laws, terminating a franchise without reasonable cause is unlawful [p.259], and good cause for termination includes failure to comply with lawful provisions of the franchise agreement after being given notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure [p.5].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD does not detail specific net worth or liquid capital requirements for franchisees or area developers. However, it does mention that Franchisee's ratio of debt to capital employed cannot exceed 50% [p.155], and Area Developers must demonstrate financial capability as determined by the Franchisor [p.180].
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
Based on the excerpts, you may receive limited protected rights within a defined territory ('Territory'), but this is not guaranteed and depends on the specific terms of your Franchise Agreement. The FDD indicates that exclusivity or territorial protections are generally not provided, except in certain circumstances as detailed in Section 2.2 and Attachment A of your Franchise Agreement [p.38]. Additionally, Non-Traditional Restaurants do not receive any exclusivity or territorial protections [p.30, p.207]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for all scenarios, but generally, you will not receive an 'exclusive' territory for operating your Restaurant under the Franchise Agreement [p.38].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides a Basic Store Training Program (BSTP) at no additional cost for the first two restaurants a franchisee opens or until the franchisee has a National Certified Training Restaurant ("NCTR") and certified training manager ("CTM"), whichever comes first. The BSTP consists of up to 50 hours per week of training over four weeks, using Blaze Standards Guidelines as primary instruction materials. For additional training beyond the initial two restaurants, the franchisee must pay the franchisor's then-current fee (ranging from $500 to $1,500 per week). This includes training for Operating Principals, Directors of Operations, and Multi-Unit Supervisors who are replaced at any time. The franchisee is responsible for all expenses related to attending the BSTP or other training programs, including lodging, transportation, food, uniforms, and training materials. [p.109, p.31, p.109]
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of the 2024 calendar year end, there were 238 franchised Restaurants open for the entire year operating from Traditional Locations and Mall Storefront Locations. Additionally, 77 outlets were terminated, not renewed, reacquired, or ceased operations for other reasons during the last three years [p.55, p.248].
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not make any financial performance representations other than the one provided. However, if you are purchasing an existing outlet, they may provide actual records of that outlet's performance [p.58]. Additionally, written substantiation for any financial performance representation can be made available upon reasonable request [p.58].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted to selling only those services and products authorized by the franchisor, which may vary based on operating season and geographic location [p.46]. You must purchase or lease items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers designated by them, as these items might be more expensive than what you could buy elsewhere [p.3]. For supplies, you must purchase fixtures, furnishings, equipment, signs, and other supplies that conform to the standards and specifications described in the Blaze Standards Guidelines or otherwise in writing from approved vendors provided by the franchisor [p.30].