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CiCi's Pizza

CiCi’s Pizza is an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant specializing in pizza, pasta, salad, and desserts. The largest pizza buffet franchise in America, CiCi’s has over 600 restaurants in 35 states. Founded in 1985 in Plano, Texas, CiCi’s Pizza was named one of the Top 25 Performing Brands by The Wall Street Journal. CiCi’s also has CiCi’s To Go locations for diners who want to bring dinner home rather than dine at the restaurant. More about the cost of owning a CiCi’s Pizza franchise is below.

Facts & figures
Liquid capital required
$250,000
Net worth required
$500,000
Investment
$688,365 - $1,008,415
Franchise fee
$30,000
Royalty
5.0%
Offers Financing
Yes
Units in operation
294
Founded
1985
Franchising Since
1987

Come hungry to CiCi’s Pizza! You will want to be able to try their huge variety of pizzas, ranging from BBQ pork to macaroni and cheese. They feature up to 20 different kinds of pizza in an endless buffet, alongside cavatappi pasta, soups, salads, wings, and desserts. Also, if you don’t see your favorite kind of pizza out on the buffet, they’ll make it for you fresh!

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The History of CiCi’s Pizza Franchise

Founded in 1985 by Joe Croce and Mike Cole, CiCi’s Pizza has grown to over 600 locations in 35 states. CiCi’s is one of the fastest-growing pizza chains and has no significant competitors in the pizza buffet category. CiCi’s also benefits from four distinct revenue streams, including the custom buffet, catering, to-go orders, and a game room. Michael Shumsky took over as the new CEO in 2010 and announced intentions to open another 500 CiCi’s Pizzas in the upcoming decade.

How Much Does A CiCi’s Pizza Franchise Cost?

Income

Cici’s Pizza Franchise fee is $30,000 (and $25,00 for each subsequent restaurant), although the total initial investment ranges from $446,000 to $715,000. CiCi’s Pizza franchisees must allocate 4-6% of their net sales (depending on the rate of profitability of the store) to an ongoing royalty fee. They also must contribute 3% of sales to advertising efforts, a rate which CiCi’s Pizza reserves the right to raise this rate. To purchase a CiCi’s Pizza franchise, owners should have a credit score of at least 720, liquid assets in excess of $250,000, and a net worth of at least three times that amount.

CiCi’s Pizza Franchise Business Opportunities: Other Information

Recently, CiCi’s Pizza Business has designated $5,000,000 towards a Franchisee Investment Program, designed to help CiCi’s Pizza franchisees who want to open more than four units simultaneously. Another financing is available to qualified applicants who have smaller goals but demonstrate a commitment to the brand.

Cici’s Pizza franchisees must undergo a two to the three-month training program at an existing Dallas location. Ongoing training after the store is opened is also available to keep the brand and franchise performing at an optimal level.

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