Mark's Pizzeria vs Chicago's Pizza Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
Chicago's Pizza Franchise
Investment $125,000 - $150,000$87,300 - $173,100
Franchise Fee $15,000$12,000
Royalty Fee 3%4%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19821979
Year Franchised 19951981
Term Of Agreement 15 years5 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years5 years
Renewal Fee 1/3 current franchise fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
Chicago's Pizza Franchise
Experience -
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • People skills

  • Financing Options

     
    Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
    Chicago's Pizza Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
    Chicago's Pizza Franchise
    Training As needed-
    Support Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsGrand opening, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 12

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

    20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
    Chicago's Pizza Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Mark's Pizzeria

    The concept and business of Mark's Pizzeria began in 1982 as one of both necessity and inspiration to the founder, Mr. Mark Crane. With 29 restaurants across the Greater Rochester area, we serve up the tastiest pizza, calzones, subs, and wings outside of Italy! We'd like to thank our Rochester customers for voting us as the #1 Best Pizza in Rochester SIX times! For over 35 years, we've been providing delicious, quality food and service with a smile.

    Mark's Pizzeria began humbly in 1982 as a small pizza restaurant in Palmyra founded by Mark Crane. Even back then, our goals were to always put customers first and to make sure they left with a smile on their face. As we expanded to Fairport, Victor, Penfield, and other cities across Rochester, quality and service remained ingrained in our culture. We still use fresh dough that's made in-store every day, and natural ingredients you can actually taste. Whether you're ordering a hot sandwich, a loaded bomber sub, or a sheet pizza, you know that you're getting quality ingredients.

    At Mark's Pizzeria, we serve great food and treat our customers like family. We're proud to know our regulars, and some of our patrons have been coming to us for decades. Kids always get a free slushy, and everybody gets a taste of our classic Grandma's fried dough with cinnamon sugar; it's our way of saying thank you to the community. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a repeat customer, we'll always provide friendly service with a smile. Stop by today to see the Mark's Pizzeria way of doing things!

    On top of that, we're also excited to offer you valuable coupons, redeemable in all locations across the Greater Rochester area. With virtually any order, you instantly qualify for one of our coupons, which you can use when ordering online or when you come to one of our restaurants. Just print out the applicable coupon, or enter the coupon code at checkout! After all, what's better than good food and good company? We can't think of much else, so why not have some of our amazing pizza with your loved ones?

    About Chicago's Pizza

    Robert McDonald enjoyed working in the pizza business. When he was suddenly terminated from his job with an Indiana pizza restaurant, he decided to start his own pizza chain. When Ron Epple, who had worked with McDonald as director of franchise training, heard what his old co-worker was up to, he asked to be part of it.

    In 1979, the two founded Chicago's Pizza. At lunchtime, restaurants serve pizzas by the slice or in seven-inch rounds from counters and drive-thru windows. In the evening, customers can use the drive-thru window to pick up phone orders. Most of the locations also have dining rooms where customers can enjoy Chicago's 29-inch pizza.

    The company has franchises in Indiana and Ohio. There is also a Chicago's Pizza location in Seville, Spain.