Donatos Pizzeria vs LaRosa's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
LaRosa's Franchise
Investment $386,500 - $698,900$729,200 - $1,927,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 5%4%
Advertising Fee 5%4%
Year Founded 19631954
Year Franchised 19911967
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
LaRosa's Franchise
Experience -We're looking for multi-unit foodservice and retail operators, as well as other investors who have a history of business success. While restaurant experience is preferred, franchise candidates with other professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, but will be required to employ experienced and qualified restaurant operators as a General Manager in each LaRosa's Pizzeria.

Financing Options
 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
LaRosa's Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/Yes-/-
Start-up Costs -/Yes-/-
Equipment -/Yes-/-
Inventory -/Yes-/-
Receivables -/Yes-/-
Payroll -/Yes-/-

Training & Support
 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
LaRosa's Franchise
Training On-The-Job Training: 454 hours Classroom Training: 4 hours On-The-Job Training: 280-320 hours Classroom Training: 40-80 hours
Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations -If you have restaurant management experience, you may wish to work day to day in the operation of your LaRosa's pizzeria. If you don't have restaurant management experience or choose not to work day to day in the operation of your LaRosa's pizzeria, an experienced restaurant General Manager must be hired to run day to day operations.

Expansion Plans
 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
LaRosa's Franchise
US Expansion --
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

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.
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"Entrepreneur

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





About LaRosa's

A Successful Brand with Proven Guest Appeal and Consistent Sales Since 1954. That's what makes us LaRosa's! In the restaurant business, somebody is always trying to franchise "the next big thing." No doubt you've seen dozens of them come and go. Doesn't it make more sense to find a stable and rewarding business concept with a strong track record? Take a closer look at franchising with LaRosa's. For nearly 60 years, we've offered delicious family-recipe food and great service to Guests in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Now we're looking to expand outside our Midwestern home with the help of smart Franchise Owners like you. One of our principal strengths is that we've been in business nearly 60 years, providing great food and service to our Guests. Our first franchised pizzeria opened in 1967. Not many franchises out there can say that. Five more reasons why franchisees join our family...
 *Dependable Growth
*Product Quality
*Dedicated Fans
*Innovation
*Superior Training
 Our over 75 outlets serve real Italian flavor from real family recipes. Contact us to get started.

Seeking new franchise units in Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia