East of Chicago Pizza Franchise
Pizza Done Right!
$50,000
$20,000
-
1991
Lima,OH
Anthony Collins
About East of Chicago Pizza
Under existing franchise ownership since 2008, the brand has grown to over 70 locations recognized throughout the Midwest for its signature pan pizza —made with fresh dough prepared daily for the perfect light, airy interior and satisfying crunch—plus a full menu of specialty pizzas, oven-baked subs, and signature wings that give customers something for everyone.
What makes East of Chicago Pizza especially attractive to franchisees is our proven, operator-focused model backed by decades of restaurant experience. New owners receive comprehensive in-store training, on-site grand-opening support, ongoing guidance from our dedicated team, and customized marketing plans designed around local budgets and needs. Flexible floor plans, a nationwide distribution network, and prime territories ready for expansion (Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, Florida, and beyond) combine with a modest $20,000 franchise fee and $217,500–$482,500 total investment to deliver real opportunity. Franchisees consistently report their multi-unit growth is thanks to our fresh-daily recipe, quality ingredients, and operator-focused model—proof that East of Chicago Pizza truly delivers franchising done right.
Franchise Fees
$20,000
-
-
Why Choose East of Chicago Pizza?
For more than 30 years, East of Chicago has been delivering “Pizza Done Right!” Our signature pan pizza — made with dough prepared fresh daily — creates the perfect light, airy interior with a satisfying crunch, giving us a true competitive advantage. Paired with specialty pizzas, oven-baked subs, and signature wings, our menu offers something delicious for everyone.
Franchisees choose us because we deliver franchising done right:
- Proven Brand – Expanding to over 70 locations with strong Midwest recognition and decades of restaurant expertise.
- Hands-On Training & Support — Comprehensive in-store training, pre- and post-grand opening assistance, and ongoing guidance from our dedicated team.
- Custom Marketing — Personalized plans tailored to your local market and budget to boost awareness and ticket sales.
- Flexible Operations — Customizable floor plans and property criteria designed to maximize efficiency in any space.
- Growth Opportunity — Prime territories available across Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, Florida, and beyond — plus nationwide distribution and area agreements.
- Smart Economics — $20,000 franchise fee and total investment of $217,500–$482,500 (5% royalty, 3% marketing).
East of Chicago gives you the tools, support, and freedom to build a thriving business.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$217,500 - $482,500
$200,000
$50,000
Training & Support
We remove the intimidation of opening a restaurant by giving you complete, hands-on training and lifelong support from a team that’s been in the business for decades.
Initial Training
As a new franchisee, you begin with intensive in-store training at one of our successful locations. Our dedicated training team teaches you and your management staff everything you need: food preparation (including our signature fresh-daily pan dough), food safety, customer service, and the point-of-sale system.
Pre-Opening & Grand Opening Support
Before your grand opening, our trainers come to your store to help set up the kitchen and train your entire crew. During opening week, we provide full on-site assistance to solve any issues in real time and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Ongoing Support
Our training staff, leadership team, and fellow franchisees remain available 24/7 for ongoing guidance, troubleshooting, and best-practice sharing. Whether you need help with operations, marketing, or growth strategies, we’re always just a call away.
With this level of support, you’ll feel confident from day one and ready to build a thriving East of Chicago Pizza location.
History
East of Chicago Pizza began its journey in the early 1980s, with the first location opening in 1982 as the Greenwich Pizza Barn in Greenwich, Ohio (near Willard). The brand truly took shape when a family friend tasted the pizza and enthusiastically declared it “the best pizza East of Chicago!”—a compliment that inspired the enduring name and slogan, “Pizza Done Right!”
Over the next two decades, the company grew steadily through its commitment to quality, affordable pricing, and signature fresh-daily pan pizza, expanding across the Midwest. In 2008, amid industry challenges, a multi-unit operator acquired the franchise. His operator-focused vision emphasized empowering existing owners, driving renewed growth and stability. Today, with approximately 70–80 locations across states like Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Florida, East of Chicago continues to thrive on proven recipes, dedicated support, and prime expansion opportunities—positioning motivated franchisees for long-term success in a beloved, regionally strong brand.
Ideal Candidate
East of Chicago Pizza is looking for passionate entrepreneurs ready to succeed with full support behind them. The ideal franchisee typically has:
- Strong leadership and team-management skills
- A commitment to quality food and outstanding customer service
- An entrepreneurial spirit with the drive to grow (many of our owners quickly expand to multiple locations)
- A willingness to follow our proven systems while using local market knowledge for marketing and growth
- Financial readiness for the $217,500–$482,500 total investment
Restaurant experience is helpful but not required. Our comprehensive in-store training, grand-opening support, and ongoing assistance from our experienced team give every new franchisee everything needed to deliver “Pizza Done Right!” and build a thriving business.