Iconic Brand Recognition
Carry the name Chicagoans and pizza lovers worldwide trust. Pequod's pizza commands instant recognition and loyalty that takes competitors decades to build.
Franchise Opportunity
Own a Pequod's Pizza Franchise
Bring Chicago's legendary caramelized deep dish pizza to your city. The pequods pizza franchise model is built for passionate entrepreneurs who want to deliver an iconic dining experience with the backing of a proven brand since 1971.
Why Choose Us
The Pequods Advantage
When you franchise with Pequod's pizza, you inherit a half-century of culinary heritage, a fiercely loyal customer base, and an operations playbook refined over decades in Chicago's most competitive dining scene.
Comprehensive Training
Our 8-week immersive training program covers every detail — from our signature caramelized crust technique to front-of-house excellence and financial management.
Ongoing Support
A dedicated franchise business coach, marketing support, and a community of fellow franchisees ensure you're never navigating challenges alone.
Proven Supply Chain
Access our vetted network of premium suppliers for ingredients, equipment, and packaging — delivering consistent quality at competitive pricing nationwide.
National Marketing
Benefit from national advertising campaigns, social media presence, PR initiatives, and a powerful digital ordering platform that drives revenue to your door.
Protected Territory
Each franchisee receives an exclusive protected territory, giving you the confidence to invest without concern about brand competition within your market.
Investment Details
Pequods Pizza Investment Requirements
Transparent, structured investment ranges to help you plan your Pequod's pizza franchise with confidence. All figures are estimates — our team will provide precise projections during consultation.
| Investment Component | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 – $55,000 One-time fee | Paid at signing |
| Real Estate & Buildout | $280,000 – $420,000 Varies by location | Design support included |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $85,000 – $130,000 Kitchen + dining area | Preferred vendor pricing |
| Training & Opening | $20,000 – $35,000 8-week program | At headquarters |
| Working Capital | $60,000 – $90,000 3–6 months runway | Recommended reserve |
| Total Estimated Investment | $490,000 – $730,000 All-in estimate | SBA financing available |
Ongoing royalty: 6% of gross sales. Marketing fund contribution: 2% of gross sales.
Financing & Support
SBA 7(a) Loan Preferred: Pequod's is a registered SBA-preferred brand, making financing easier and faster for qualified applicants.
Veterans Program: 15% reduction on the initial franchise fee for honorably discharged veterans — our way of saying thank you.
Multi-Unit Discounts: Reduced franchise fees for operators opening 3 or more locations within an agreed development schedule.
Lender Network: Access to our curated list of lenders experienced in restaurant financing who understand the Pequod's model.
Net Worth Requirement: Minimum liquid assets of $200,000 and net worth of $500,000 recommended.
How It Works
Your Path to Opening
From your first inquiry to your grand opening, we guide you through every milestone with clarity and dedicated support.
Submit Inquiry
Fill out the franchise inquiry form below. Tell us about yourself, your preferred market, and your investment capacity.
Week 1Discovery Call
Our franchise development team schedules a one-on-one call to review your background, answer questions, and assess mutual fit.
Weeks 1–2Review FDD
Receive our Franchise Disclosure Document. We encourage you to review it with a franchise attorney and ask us everything.
Weeks 2–6Discovery Day
Visit our Chicago flagship. Meet the leadership team, tour operations firsthand, and experience what makes Pequod's truly special.
Week 7Sign Agreement
Finalize and execute the franchise agreement. Pay your initial franchise fee and officially become part of the Pequod's family.
Week 8Site Selection
Work with our real estate team to identify and approve the perfect location. We use proprietary site scoring to maximize your success.
Months 2–4Build & Train
Construction begins while you and your team complete the intensive 8-week training program at our Chicago culinary headquarters.
Months 4–8Grand Opening
Launch with a comprehensive opening support package — marketing blitz, on-site team, and a crowd eager to taste Chicago's finest deep dish.
Month 9+
Franchisee Stories
Voices From Our Network
Hear from the entrepreneurs who have built thriving businesses under the Pequod's pizza banner.
Opening a Pequod's in Dallas was the best business decision of my life. The training is thorough, the support is real, and customers drive from across the city just to dine with us.
Marcus T.
Franchisee, Dallas TX — Since 2019
I was nervous about stepping into the restaurant industry, but the pequods pizza team held my hand through every step. Year two and I'm already looking at a second location.
Sandra L.
Franchisee, Nashville TN — Since 2021
As a veteran, the discount on the franchise fee made a real difference. More than the numbers though, it's the culture of this brand — integrity and quality in everything.
Derek M.
Franchisee, Phoenix AZ — Since 2020
Common Questions
Franchise FAQ
Everything you need to know before taking the next step with the Pequod's pizza franchise program.
No prior restaurant experience is required, though it's beneficial. We are primarily looking for strong business acumen, leadership skills, financial qualifications, and a passion for quality food. Our training program is designed to equip you with all the operational expertise needed to run a successful Pequod's location.
From initial inquiry to grand opening, the typical timeline is 9–14 months. This includes the agreement process (6–8 weeks), site selection (2–4 months), permitting and construction (3–5 months), and pre-opening training (8 weeks). We work efficiently but never rush steps that protect your investment.
Absolutely. We actively encourage qualified operators to develop multiple locations through our Area Development Agreement. This gives you the right to open a set number of restaurants within a defined territory over an agreed timeframe, with reduced franchise fees on units 2 and beyond. Many of our most successful franchisees are multi-unit operators.
Your protected territory is a defined geographic area (typically based on population radius or zip codes) within which Pequod's will not open another company-owned or franchised restaurant. The exact boundaries are negotiated and clearly defined in your franchise agreement, ensuring you can build your customer base without internal brand competition.
Franchisees pay a weekly royalty of 6% of gross sales and contribute 2% of gross sales to the National Marketing Fund, which finances brand-wide advertising campaigns. There are no hidden fees. Detailed financial obligations are fully disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document provided during the review phase.
Yes. Pequod's pizza is listed with the SBA's Franchise Registry, making our franchisees eligible for expedited SBA loan processing. We also maintain relationships with specialty restaurant lenders and can make introductions to financing partners who understand our business model. We recommend speaking with your financial advisor to determine the best structure for your situation.
Get Started
Franchise Inquiry Form
Ready to bring Pequod's pizza to your community? Complete the form below and our franchise development team will respond within 2 business days.
Let's Build Something Great Together
Your inquiry is the first step in a conversation — not a commitment. Our team is here to answer every question and help you decide if Pequod's is the right fit.
Franchise Hotline
+1 773-327-1512
Email Us
[email protected]
Headquarters
2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Response Time: Our franchise team typically responds within 1–2 business days of receiving your inquiry. All information is kept strictly confidential.
Tell Us About Yourself
All fields marked with * are required. We review every inquiry personally — no automated rejections.