Buck's Pizza vs Donatos Pizzeria Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Buck's Pizza Franchise
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Investment $165,450 - $345,400$386,500 - $698,900
Franchise Fee $20,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 2%5%
Year Founded 19941963
Year Franchised 19941991
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Buck's Pizza Franchise
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
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    Financing Options
     
    Buck's Pizza 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/No-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Buck's Pizza Franchise
    Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 454 hours Classroom Training: 4 hours
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Toll-Free Line Online Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad Templates Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 14% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 12

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Buck's Pizza Franchise
    Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    About Buck's Pizza

    Buck's Pizza was incorporated on September 16, 1994, in the state of Pennsylvania. The management of Buck's Pizza, Lance Benton and the management team has an extensive background in franchise operations. Buck's Pizza was formed by Mr. Benton to expand a new pizza franchise on a national basis. In a very short period of time Buck’s is already accomplishing expansion goals. Buck's Pizza now has over 80 shops in over 20 states. Buck's is demonstrating its ability to support its franchisees. Buck's Pizza has plans for nationwide expansion citing its franchise format of low start up costs, low royalties and strong local level marketing as being a strong departure from the way franchise companies have operated for years. Buck's Pizza has been selected by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the TOP 500 FRANCHISES for each of the last 4 years.

    Veteran Incentives  50% off franchise fee

    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.