Happy Joe's vs Donatos Pizzeria Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Happy Joe's vs Donatos Pizzeria including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Happy Joe's Franchise
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Investment $24,470 - $1,030,625$386,500 - $698,900
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $17,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 4.5%-5%5%
Advertising Fee 1.5%5%
Year Founded 19721963
Year Franchised 19731991
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee 10% of fee or $2K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Happy Joe's Franchise
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Happy Joe's Franchise
    Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/Yes-/Yes
    Payroll No/Yes-/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Happy Joe's Franchise
    Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 300 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours On-The-Job Training: 454 hours Classroom Training: 4 hours
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 33% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 45

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Happy Joe's Franchise
    Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Happy Joe's

    Lawrence Joseph Whitty had worked in the bakery business for years before becoming an assistant manager at a Shakey's pizzeria. He decided to combine his baking skills with the experience he had gained from working at a pizza restaurant, where he would often hear families decide to go out for ice cream for dessert. Combining pizza and ice cream, Whitty opened the first Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor in East Davenport, Iowa, in 1972. His signature item was the Happy Joe's Special, a pizza with Canadian bacon and sauerkraut that Whitty created from leftovers in his mother's kitchen. After a franchisee suggested adding tacos to the menu, Whitty created the restaurant's best-selling product, the Taco Pizza.

    Seeking new franchisees in the following regions/states:

     Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and Wisconsin

    The total investment necessary to begin operations of a Happy Joe’s Full Size Restaurant or Happy Joe’s PizzaGrille Restaurant is $279,750 to $1,030,625. This includes $0 to $16,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operations of a Happy Joe’s DELCO Facility is $164,500 to $423,000. This includes the $0 to $16,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment to begin operations of a Happy Joe’s Satellite ranges from $24,470 to $132,340. This includes the $0 to $16,500 paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operations of a Happy Joe’s Area Developer business ranges from $17,625 to $94,100. This includes the development fee ranging from $15,000 to $45,000 that must be paid to the franchisor.


    About Donatos Pizzeria

    BE A PART OF A PIZZA BUSINESS THAT'S ON THE RISE. With $1,300 in his pocket and a dream to own his own business, Jim Grote bought a small pizzeria on the south side of Columbus, Ohio and went to work to create a business that was truly unique. Although Donatos has grown and moved into almost 200 neighborhoods, our belief remains the same: "Treat people the way you want to be treated."
    You are responsible for:
    * Leasehold improvements
    * Leasing or purchasing equipment
    * Hiring and restaurant operation
    Donatos provides:
    * Product formulas and operational systems
    * Store design guidance
    * Equipment ordering guidance
    * Edge-u-cation training
    * Cultural orientation
    * Operations manual
    * Periodic evaluations
    * Ongoing support
    Additional information and qualifications:
    Single-Store and Multi-Unit Development Agreements are available depending upon prospective Franchise Partner qualifications as well as geographical considerations. Prospective Franchise Partner groups need to designate an Operating Partner who must live in the area to be developed and possess prior restaurant or retail management and supervision experience commensurate with the number of restaurants to be developed. An Operating Partner may also be a member of the Franchise Group. A full Franchise Application, including a Personal Financial Statement, needs to be submitted for each member of the Franchise Partner group. If the Operating Partner is a separate individual, they will need to submit a full resume with work history and skill-set qualifications.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Donatos franchised business is $386,500 to $698,900. This includes $40,500 to $42,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate. If this is the second Donatos franchised business, you choose to receive additional training services or you hire a Donatos Manager for your franchised business, you must pay the franchisor an additional $15,000 to $40,000.

    The company continues to franchise throughout the Midwest, South and Southeast, with franchised locations serving pizza, subs, salads and desserts.
    .
    "Entrepreneur

    #181 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #313 in Franchise 500 for 2021.