Simple Simon's Pizza vs Donatos Pizzeria Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Simple Simon's Pizza Franchise
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Investment $89,500 - $593,500$386,500 - $698,900
Franchise Fee $15,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 3%5%
Advertising Fee 1%5%
Year Founded 19821963
Year Franchised 19861991
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Simple Simon's Pizza Franchise
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Experience

*Ability to manage and motivate people. Food service experience is helpful, but not required. *Ability to locate and acquire rights to sites that meet the Company�s criteria. *Ability to properly finance and capitalize the investment. *Commitment to market the product in order to maximize sales and profits.

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Financing Options
 
Simple Simon'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 Yes/Yes-/Yes
Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
Receivables No/Yes-/Yes
Payroll No/Yes-/Yes

Training & Support
 
Simple Simon's Pizza Franchise
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Training - On-The-Job Training: 454 hours Classroom Training: 4 hours
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Ad slicks, National media Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations --

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

Company Overviews

About Simple Simon's Pizza

Simple Simon's Pizza was founded in 1982 based on a simple philosophy to serve the best quality pizza, calizone, and sandwiches at the most affordable price in a family atmosphere that people can enjoy. Today, Simple Simon's Pizza has approximately 220 locations across Oklahoma, Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Iowa, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, and Georgia in metropolitan and small town communities. The pizza industry has grown to an impressive 25 billion dollar a year industry. The pizza, industry is growing internationally as well. New unit development, operations management, and continuing support are just some of the reasons why Simple Simon's Pizza is one of the best kept secrets in the food industry. Now that the secret has been exposed, we await your entrepreneurial skills to operate a Simple Simon's Pizza

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.