California Pizza Kitchen vs Happy's Pizza Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
California Pizza Kitchen Franchise
Happy's Pizza Franchise
Investment N/A$336,500 - $608,000
Franchise Fee N/A$35,000
Royalty Fee -1.5K/mo
Advertising Fee -Up to 1%
Year Founded 19851996
Year Franchised 02007
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
California Pizza Kitchen Franchise
Happy's Pizza 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
 
California Pizza Kitchen Franchise
Happy's Pizza Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/-
Start-up Costs -/--/-
Equipment -/--/-
Inventory -/--/-
Receivables -/--/-
Payroll -/--/-

Training & Support
 
California Pizza Kitchen Franchise
Happy's Pizza Franchise
Training -

While each of our stores undergoes Happy's classic build out, operators gain admission to The University of Happy's Pizza. After 30-45 days of training in our corporate kitchen and 60-90 days of in-store management training at an open location, graduates are completely groomed for success. Once a store is open, our support staff helps you with marketing, inventory control, staffing, prep and food updates.
Support -

Site selection, lease negotiations assistance, equipment, fixture, signage and inventory suppliers and even construction standards and assistance. In addition to this, once a new store begins operations, Happy's Pizza provides all stores with an operations manual, continuous updates of our specifications and process and operational advice and assistance by telephone and Internet.
Marketing -

We are one of the only restaurants with a toll-free vanity number and we know how to use it. 800 BE HAPPY. Our in-house ad agency will customize individual marketing plans for every store. It starts with coming soon banners, job fairs and a big grand opening push. Once operations are running smoothly, we turn up the marketing machine with TV. Radio, direct mail, mobile and on-line promotions connected with our growing social web presence.

Operations --

Expansion Plans
 
California Pizza Kitchen Franchise
Happy's Pizza Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion -Yes
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

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

About Happy's Pizza

On a busy corner in Detroit, the first Happy's Pizza opened its doors. Not only was the pizza a hit, our barbeque ribs, fried chicken and seafood created a huge demand. Almost immediately, Happy's Pizza's popped up every 6 miles from each other in Detroit and we didn't stop there. We are now delivering more than just great pizza all over Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, San Diego and Las Vegas. When customers think of Happy's Pizza a few things come to mind. These include: Only the freshest high-quality ingredients being used to prepare their final dining selection. Finding a delicious dining option for each member of their family! Fresh in-house dough, sauces, ribs and other products made each day. Happy's Pizza's commitment to superior customer services standards. Our classic Happy's Pizza restaurant design has become an icon throughout the Midwest. Happy's prototypical exterior conveys an image of quality and consistency. Decorated in granite, ceramic tile and neon, the interior works hard to extend the brand. Our construction department assists with floor plans, site elevations, sign and kitchen equipment packages.
 
Happy's Pizza boasts not only a huge menu selection but also unbeatable prices. With promotion-oriented materials and programs for all our franchisees, backed by comprehensive operations, proprietary training, demographic research and shrewd business strategy, our franchisees enjoy an unparalleled level of support as they grow their own business - and dough - from the ground up!