Donatos Pizzeria vs California Pizza Kitchen Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
California Pizza Kitchen Franchise
Investment $386,500 - $698,900N/A
Franchise Fee $30,000N/A
Royalty Fee 5%-
Advertising Fee 5%-
Year Founded 19631985
Year Franchised 19910
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
California Pizza Kitchen Franchise
Experience - * Proven track record in the restaurant industry * Current ownership of multiple restaurants with an established infrastructure, preferably full service U.S. brands * Previous franchise restaurant experience * Strong knowledge of market trends, real estate, governmental issues, distribution and labor * Minimum of $5 Million total net worth * Minimum of $2 Million cash available for investment * Franchise partner must have the resources and be willing to send multiple managers and several key restaurant employees to California for a 3 month training program. * All minimum requirements are subject to California Pizza Kitchen's collective evaluation of the potential franchise partner If you feel you meet the initial criteria and are interested in franchise opportunities, please tell us more about yourself and your company in the following preliminary application.

Financing Options

 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
California Pizza Kitchen 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
California Pizza Kitchen Franchise
Training 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 Franchisee Intranet Platform -
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app -
Operations --

Expansion Plans

 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
California Pizza Kitchen 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 California Pizza Kitchen

All U.S. Locations Are Company-Owned, Not Franchises

Unlike most fast-food chains, all American locations are owned and operated by California Pizza Kitchen, as opposed to franchise owners. If you want to buy a California Pizza Kitchen for yourself, you’ll have to buy it overseas and run a company that already owns full-service restaurant chains. 

California Pizza Kitchen
is a leader in authentic California-style cuisine both domestically and internationally. Our diverse menu items from Kung Pao Spaghetti to Tostada Pizza provide an assortment of worldly flavors. In 1998, the first international CPK opened, beginning the company's global expansion. CPK is now considering additional expansion opportunities in select markets with experienced restaurant franchisees.
California Pizza Kitchen is always looking for passionate, experienced partners to help us expand into new markets as we continue to grow our worldwide brand. We provide best-in-class training and development in all areas of our business in addition to on-the-ground support.
 
International Franchising Requirements
 * Proven track record in the restaurant industry
 * Current ownership of multiple restaurants with an established infrastructure, preferably full service U.S. brands
 * Previous franchise restaurant experience
 * Strong knowledge of market trends, real estate, governmental issues, distribution and labor
 * Minimum of $5 Million total net worth
 * Minimum of $2 Million cash available for investment
 * Franchise partner must have the resources and be willing to send multiple managers and several key restaurant employees to California for a 3 month training program.
 * All minimum requirements are subject to California Pizza Kitchen's collective evaluation of the potential franchise partner