What Are Alternative Franchise Chains to Jet's America Franchise
Considering alternatives to a Jet's America franchise? Explore diverse pizza and fast-casual dining opportunities that align with your entrepreneurial goals. Discover how a well-structured business plan, like our Jet's America Franchise Business Plan Template, can be adapted to evaluate various franchise models.
| # | Alternative Franchise Chain Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blaze Pizza | Blaze Pizza is a leader in the fast-casual pizza segment, known for its customizable 'build-your-own' assembly line format that cooks pizzas in approximately 3 minutes. With strong name recognition and over 330 locations, it targets the lunch and individual diner markets effectively, though it requires a higher initial investment. |
| 2 | MOD Pizza | MOD Pizza is a primary competitor in the fast-casual space, differentiating itself with a 'people-first' culture and a single fixed price for any 11-inch pizza, regardless of toppings. With over 550 locations, MOD Pizza heavily invests in technology and social impact initiatives, making it a strong choice for those seeking a community-focused brand. |
| 3 | Hungry Howie's Pizza | Hungry Howie's Pizza offers a more affordable franchise opportunity, focusing on its signature flavored crusts and a delivery/carry-out model, similar to Jet's but at a lower cost. With over 530 stores and a consistent growth rate, it provides a competitive ROI and a unique selling proposition with its flavored crusts. |
Key Takeaways
- The US pizza market is projected to exceed $51 billion in 2025, offering significant growth potential for alternative franchise options.
- Marco's Pizza, Papa Murphy's, Blaze Pizza, MOD Pizza, and Hungry Howie's are prominent alternative pizza franchise opportunities, each with distinct business models and specializations.
- Initial investment ranges vary significantly, from lower-cost options like Papa Murphy's ($368,469 - $659,131) and Hungry Howie's ($336,900 - $571,900) to premium fast-casual models like Blaze Pizza ($565,400 - $1,101,500) and MOD Pizza ($750,000 - $1,200,000).
- Business models differ, including traditional dine-in/delivery, delivery/carry-out only, take-and-bake, and fast-casual build-your-own concepts, impacting overhead, labor costs, and profit margins.
- Franchise fees and royalty structures vary, with Jet's America at $25,000 franchise fee and 8% royalty, Marco's Pizza at $25,000 and 5.5%, Blaze Pizza at $30,000 and 5%, and Papa Murphy's at $25,000 and 5%.
What Alternative Jet's America Franchise Unit Options Exist?
What are the top pizza franchise opportunities?
If you're exploring franchise opportunities similar to a Jet's America Franchise Unit, there's a vibrant landscape of alternative pizza franchises to consider. These options offer diverse business models and unique menu specializations. As of early 2025, some of the top contenders include Marco's Pizza, recognized for its commitment to high-quality ingredients. Papa Murphy's stands out with its distinctive take-and-bake model. For those interested in the fast-casual trend, concepts like Blaze Pizza and MOD Pizza cater to customers seeking customizable food experiences.
The US pizza market is substantial, with projections indicating it will reach over $51 billion in 2025. These alternative food franchise options represent significant growth potential. For instance, Marco's Pizza reported system-wide sales exceeding $1 billion in 2024 and has ambitious plans to surpass 1,200 units by the end of 2025. When evaluating franchise opportunities beyond a Jet's America Franchise Unit, it's essential to assess brands based on factors like market saturation, brand recognition, and product differentiation. Hungry Howie's, for example, with its unique focus on flavored crusts, presents a competitive model with a presence in over 20 states. In 2024, their average unit volumes (AUV) were reported at $959,000.
What other pizza franchises are like jets?
When looking for franchise opportunities that share characteristics with a Jet's America Franchise Unit, particularly a strong focus on a signature pizza style and a robust delivery and takeout model, brands like Buddy's Pizza and Hungry Howie's come to mind. Buddy's Pizza is notably the originator of Detroit-style pizza, a niche that Jet's also excels in. These brands, similar to Jet's, emphasize product quality and a distinct market niche.
As of late 2024, Hungry Howie's operates over 530 locations and offers an initial investment range that is comparable to Jet's, positioning it as a direct competitor. Their unique selling proposition, the flavored crust, provides a distinct advantage, much like Jet's signature deep-dish pizza. Investigating these franchise options besides Jet's America reveals that many are undergoing aggressive expansion. Furthermore, some regional Detroit-style chains are beginning to franchise, presenting a unique opportunity to own a pizza franchise focused on a specialized, in-demand product, mirroring the core appeal of Jet's.
Key Considerations When Comparing Pizza Franchises:
- Market Saturation: Analyze the density of similar pizza concepts in your target area.
- Brand Recognition: Evaluate how well-known and trusted the brand is among consumers.
- Product Differentiation: Identify what makes the franchise's pizza unique and appealing compared to competitors.
- Financials: Review average unit volumes, initial investment, and ongoing fees. For example, the median annual revenue per unit for Jet's is $1,300,000, with an EBITDA of 20%.
- Operational Model: Consider if the delivery, dine-in, or take-out focus aligns with your market and operational preferences.
For those interested in the specifics of launching a similar venture, understanding the detailed steps is crucial. You can find a helpful guide on How to Launch a Jet's America Franchise in 7 Steps: Checklist.
What Are The Investment Level Alternatives?
What are the pizza franchise investment requirements?
When considering a pizza franchise opportunity, understanding the capital required is a crucial first step. For a Jet's America Franchise Unit, the initial investment typically falls between $543,000 and $811,000, based on early 2025 estimates. This range includes the initial franchise fee of $25,000, which is a common benchmark in the industry. Alternative pizza franchises, however, present a much broader spectrum of investment requirements, offering flexibility for various financial capacities.
For a comparative view, investing in a Marco's Pizza franchise in 2025 is estimated to require between $281,045 and $615,545. Similarly, Papa Murphy's, a popular take-and-bake model, requires an investment ranging from $368,469 to $659,131. These figures highlight how different franchise business models can significantly impact the initial capital needed to enter the market.
Are there low cost pizza franchise alternatives?
Absolutely, there are numerous low-cost pizza franchise alternatives available for aspiring entrepreneurs. As of 2025, Hungry Howie's stands out as one of the more accessible options, with an investment range of approximately $336,900 to $571,900. This makes it a considerably lower entry point compared to the higher end of a Jet's investment.
The take-and-bake franchise business model, as exemplified by Papa Murphy's, offers a distinct advantage in reducing initial startup costs. By forgoing the need for extensive kitchen equipment like specialized ovens, dine-in seating areas, and complex ventilation systems, this model can decrease initial build-out expenses by an estimated 15-20% compared to traditional pizzerias. This is a key factor for those seeking affordable pizza franchise to buy.
When you compare pizza franchises to Jet's America on cost, it's also worth exploring smaller or emerging brands. Some regional franchises or mobile pizza business for sale opportunities can even start under $200,000. While these may not have the same widespread brand recognition as national leaders, they can offer a compelling entry point for new franchisees. Exploring how to launch a Jet's America franchise in 7 steps: checklist can also provide valuable insights into the operational aspects, regardless of the specific brand chosen.
Tips for Evaluating Investment Levels
- Understand the 'Total' Investment: Always look beyond the franchise fee to the total estimated investment, which includes build-out, equipment, inventory, and working capital.
- Compare Fee Structures: Pay close attention to royalty fees and marketing fees, as these ongoing costs impact profitability. For example, the royalty fee for a new unit can be 12%, with a 1% marketing fee.
- Assess ROI Potential: Research the average annual revenue and profitability of existing franchisees. A median annual revenue of $1,300,000 is a strong indicator, but understanding the lowest ($350,000) and highest ($5,236,704) annual revenues per unit provides a more complete picture.
- Evaluate Required Capital: Ensure your available cash and net worth align with the franchise's requirements. Some franchises may require between $572,500 - $786,000 in cash and a net worth of $250,000 - $350,000.
How Do Pizza Franchise Business Models Differ?
When exploring pizza franchise opportunities, understanding the various business models is crucial. This helps in identifying the best pizza franchises that align with your investment goals and operational preferences. We'll compare these models, looking at how they differ from a concept like Jet's America Franchise. You can learn more about How Does Jet's America Franchise Work?
How to choose a pizza franchise model?
Choosing the right pizza franchise involves assessing different franchise business models. These can range from traditional dine-in and delivery operations to delivery/carry-out only, take-and-bake, and fast-casual build-your-own concepts. A significant portion of sales, over 80% in 2024, for a model like the one at Jet's America Franchise Unit comes from delivery and carry-out.
The fast-casual model, exemplified by brands like Blaze Pizza and MOD Pizza, focuses on customization and the in-store customer experience. In 2025, these concepts typically see an average ticket price of around $15 per person. This contrasts sharply with the take-and-bake model, such as Papa Murphy's, which doesn't involve on-site cooking. This absence of cooking typically lowers labor costs by an average of 5-8%.
When you look at a pizza franchise ROI comparison, models with lower overhead, like carry-out only or take-and-bake, often demonstrate stronger profit margins, potentially reaching 15-20% of net sales. However, the pizza franchise growth potential might be more pronounced in the fast-casual sector, which experienced a notable 45% segment growth in 2024.
Tips for Choosing a Pizza Franchise Model:
- Analyze your market: Determine if your target area favors dine-in, quick carry-out, or a delivery-centric approach.
- Consider operational complexity: Take-and-bake models generally have simpler operations than full-service or fast-casual concepts.
- Evaluate labor needs: Models without on-site cooking typically require fewer staff, impacting payroll costs.
What is the typical franchise fee and royalty?
For a Jet's America Franchise Unit, the franchise fee in 2025 is $25,000, with an ongoing royalty fee of 8% of gross sales. This is a critical factor when evaluating if Jet's America is a good franchise investment.
When comparing other food franchise options, fee structures vary. Marco's Pizza, for instance, charges a $25,000 franchise fee and a 5.5% royalty fee. Blaze Pizza has a slightly higher franchise fee of $30,000 but a lower royalty rate of 5%.
Papa Murphy's requires a $25,000 franchise fee and a 5% royalty fee. A difference of just 3% in royalty fees compared to Jet's can translate to an additional $30,000 in annual savings for a store generating $1 million in sales, significantly impacting long-term profitability. This highlights the importance of comparing these figures when looking at alternative pizza franchises or franchise opportunities similar to Jet's Pizza.
Marco's Pizza
When exploring alternative pizza franchises to Jet's America, Marco's Pizza stands out as a strong contender. It offers a compelling franchise business model for those looking to enter the food franchise options market.
What is Marco's Pizza's growth potential?
Marco's Pizza showcases impressive pizza franchise growth potential. It is consistently recognized among the top pizza franchise opportunities for 2024 and 2025. By early 2025, the brand had already expanded to over 1,200 locations worldwide and has set a development target of 1,500 units by the close of 2026. This expansion indicates a robust opportunity to own a pizza franchise with an increasing national presence.
The brand's commitment to quality ingredients and customer satisfaction has led to strong Average Unit Volumes (AUV). In their 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the top 50% of Marco's Pizza franchise stores reported an AUV of $1,298,895. This performance makes it a highly attractive alternative for individuals considering starting a pizza franchise business.
Furthermore, Marco's international and domestic expansion strategy provides a solid foundation for growth. The brand supports its franchisees through a national advertising fund, requiring a contribution of 7% of gross sales. This strategic approach positions Marco's as a top pizza franchise opportunity.
What are Marco's investment requirements?
The total initial investment to open a Marco's Pizza franchise in 2025 typically ranges from $281,045 to $615,545. This figure encompasses the initial franchise fee of $25,000, along with costs for real estate, equipment, and opening inventory. These requirements are in line with what is commonly seen among the best pizza franchises.
To be considered, prospective franchisees need to demonstrate a minimum net worth of $450,000 and possess at least $150,000 in liquid capital. These financial benchmarks are standard for many established pizza franchise opportunities.
When comparing buying a pizza franchise instead of Jet's America, Marco's presents a more accessible upper investment threshold. Jet's America's high-end estimate can exceed $811,000, creating a difference of nearly $200,000. This financial distinction can be a significant factor for many investors looking for affordable pizza franchise alternatives.
Tips for Comparing Pizza Franchises
- Analyze AUV: Look beyond the initial investment and examine the Average Unit Volumes reported in the FDDs to gauge revenue potential.
- Review Growth Trajectory: A franchise with a clear expansion plan and a growing footprint often signals strong future opportunities.
- Understand Fee Structures: Compare royalty fees, marketing contributions, and other ongoing costs to ensure they align with your financial projections.
| Investment Range | Marco's Pizza: $281,045 - $615,545 | Jet's America (Estimated): $572,500 - $811,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth | $450,000 | $250,000 - $350,000 (FDD Data) |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000 | $572,500 - $786,000 (FDD Data - Cash Required) |
For those interested in the specifics of launching a franchise, understanding the initial steps is crucial. You can learn more about How to Launch a Jet's America Franchise in 7 Steps: Checklist, which provides a foundational understanding of the process, applicable to many franchise ventures.
Papa Murphy's
Is Papa Murphy's take-and-bake model profitable?
The take-and-bake franchise business model of Papa Murphy's presents a unique value proposition with distinct cost advantages. By eliminating the need for commercial cooking equipment and dine-in areas, franchisees can realize significant savings. These savings can range from an estimated $50,000 to $100,000 in initial build-out costs when compared to traditional pizzerias. This streamlined operational model also contributes to lower labor costs, typically averaging between 18-22% of sales, a notable difference from the 25-30% seen in full-service pizza franchises. Furthermore, the model benefits from potentially higher profit margins on certain items, as customers handle the baking process using their own utilities. This distinctive structure positions it as a compelling option among alternative pizza franchises.
As of their 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the median net sales for a Papa Murphy's store reached $610,024. This financial performance underscores the viability of their unique approach to the pizza market.
What support does Papa Murphy's offer franchisees?
Papa Murphy's is committed to providing comprehensive franchisee support, which is a crucial factor for those exploring pizza franchise opportunities. New franchisees can expect over 200 hours of initial training, covering essential aspects such as operations, marketing, and financial management. This extensive onboarding is particularly beneficial for individuals new to the pizza business for sale landscape.
Beyond initial training, the franchisor actively assists with critical early-stage decisions, including site selection, lease negotiation, and store design. Post-opening, franchisees benefit from continuous support through a dedicated franchise business consultant. They also gain access to a national advertising fund, to which they contribute 2% of their sales. The brand's investment in digital infrastructure, including a robust online ordering system and loyalty program, has proven highly effective. In 2024, these digital channels were responsible for over 40% of system-wide sales, equipping franchisees with powerful modern marketing tools to enhance their franchise growth potential.
Key Support Areas for Franchisees
- Comprehensive initial training exceeding 200 hours.
- Assistance with site selection and lease negotiations.
- Ongoing support from a dedicated franchise business consultant.
- Access to a national advertising fund.
- Robust digital infrastructure for online ordering and loyalty programs.
| Initial Investment Range | $572,500 - $786,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 12% |
| Marketing Fee | 1% |
| Median Net Sales (2024 FDD) | $610,024 |
| Labor Cost Percentage | 18-22% |
For those looking to compare pizza franchises or seeking alternative pizza franchises, understanding the support structure is vital. If you're considering different food franchise options, it's always a good idea to review the specifics of each opportunity. You can learn more about another popular option by checking out What are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Jet's America Franchise?
Blaze Pizza
When exploring franchise opportunities similar to Jet's Pizza, Blaze Pizza stands out as a compelling alternative in the fast-casual pizza sector.
Why consider a fast-casual pizza franchise?
The fast-casual pizza segment is a dynamic area of the food industry, experiencing consistent growth. In 2024, this sector saw an expansion of over 4%. This popularity stems from a consumer preference for customization and speed, hallmarks of the 'build-your-own' assembly line model that Blaze Pizza pioneered. This approach allows for pizzas to be prepared and cooked in approximately 3 minutes, catering to busy schedules and individual tastes.
While similar to How Does Jet's America Franchise Work? in its focus on a specialized, quality pizza experience, Blaze Pizza often targets the lunch crowd and individual diners more directly. The average ticket price for a Blaze Pizza order in early 2025 is around $16, reflecting a price point that balances value and quality for the consumer.
Blaze Pizza boasts significant brand recognition, with more than 330 locations operating across North America as of late 2024. Its contemporary branding, often enhanced by celebrity investor involvement, provides a distinct competitive advantage in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
What is the investment for Blaze Pizza?
Investing in a Blaze Pizza franchise in 2025 requires an estimated initial investment ranging from $565,400 to $1,101,500. This higher investment range is largely attributable to the need for prime real estate locations and the specialized, high-speed oven technology that is central to their operational model.
The franchise fee for a new unit is $30,000. Prospective franchisees must meet minimum financial requirements, including a net worth of $1,000,000 and liquid assets of $500,000 per location. These requirements position Blaze Pizza as a premium option among pizza franchise opportunities, attracting investors with substantial capital.
Ongoing financial commitments include a 5% royalty fee and a 2% contribution to a marketing fund. These fees are competitive within the fast-casual segment and are crucial for supporting national brand-building initiatives and ensuring consistent marketing efforts across all locations.
| Financial Metric | Blaze Pizza Estimate (2025) | Jet's America (FDD Data) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | $565,400 - $1,101,500 | $572,500 - $786,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $25,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $1,000,000 | $250,000 - $350,000 |
| Liquid Assets Requirement | $500,000 | Not explicitly stated, but implied by total cash requirement |
| Royalty Fee | 5% | 12% |
| Marketing Fee | 2% | 1% |
Tips for Evaluating Pizza Franchise Opportunities
- Understand the Target Market: Consider whether the franchise's primary customer base aligns with your local demographics. Blaze Pizza, for instance, often appeals to younger consumers and those seeking quick, customizable meals.
- Analyze Operational Efficiency: Look at the speed of service and the technology used. Blaze Pizza's 3-minute cook time is a significant operational advantage.
- Compare Fee Structures: While Blaze Pizza's royalty fees are lower than Jet's America's, the initial investment is higher. Evaluate which structure better suits your financial capacity and long-term profit goals.
- Research Brand Growth and Recognition: A strong brand with a significant number of locations, like Blaze Pizza's 330+ units, indicates market acceptance and potential for continued growth.
Mod Pizza
When exploring franchise opportunities beyond a specific pizza brand, MOD Pizza stands out as a significant player in the fast-casual pizza market. It's often considered a primary competitor to other similar concepts and offers a distinct approach to the pizza business.
How does MOD Pizza compare to other franchises?
MOD Pizza differentiates itself through a strong emphasis on a 'people-first' culture. This commitment to employee well-being and community involvement is a core aspect of their brand, which strongly appeals to today's consumers.
As of early 2025, MOD Pizza boasts over 550 system-wide locations. Their business model is characterized by a straightforward, single fixed price for any 11-inch pizza, regardless of the number of toppings selected. This strategy simplifies the customer experience and enhances perceived value.
While direct franchise ROI comparisons can be intricate, and MOD Pizza's franchising details are less publicly available, industry estimates for established locations suggest Average Unit Volumes (AUVs) ranging between $11 million and $13 million. This indicates robust unit-level economic performance.
What are MOD Pizza's key features?
MOD Pizza's core offering is its superfast, made-on-demand pizza and salad concept. The brand has made substantial investments in technology, including a digital ordering and loyalty app that contributed nearly 50% of sales in 2024.
The company's dedication to social responsibility, such as implementing fair-chance hiring practices, creates a compelling brand narrative that attracts both customers and employees. This focus has reportedly led to employee turnover rates that are 10-15% lower than the average in the fast-food industry.
The investment required for a MOD Pizza franchise is comparable to other premium fast-casual concepts. It is generally estimated to be between $750,000 and $1,200,000, reflecting the need for locations in high-traffic retail areas and specialized equipment.
| Key Differentiator | People-First Culture, Community Engagement |
| System-Wide Locations (Early 2025) | Over 550 |
| Pricing Model | Single fixed price for any 11-inch pizza |
| Estimated AUV | $11 million - $13 million |
| Technology Focus | Digital ordering and loyalty app |
| Social Impact Focus | Fair-chance hiring practices |
| Estimated Investment Range | $750,000 - $1,200,000 |
Tips for Evaluating Pizza Franchise Alternatives
- Analyze Unit Economics: Look beyond initial investment and consider average unit volumes and profitability metrics for comparable brands.
- Understand Brand Culture: A strong company culture can significantly impact employee retention and customer loyalty, which are crucial for long-term success.
- Assess Market Saturation: Research the competitive landscape in your desired territory for any pizza franchise opportunity.
- Evaluate Technology Integration: Brands leveraging digital platforms for ordering and loyalty programs often see enhanced customer engagement and sales.
When considering alternative pizza franchises, understanding how they stack up against established players is key. For instance, comparing franchise opportunities similar to Jet's Pizza involves looking at their market penetration, operational models, and financial performance benchmarks. If you're curious about the specifics of another popular option, you can learn more about How Does Jet's America Franchise Work? to better inform your comparative analysis.
Hungry Howie's Pizza
When considering franchise opportunities, looking at direct competitors can offer valuable insights. If you're evaluating whether a Jet's America franchise is a sound investment, comparing it to a similar brand like Hungry Howie's is a smart move. Hungry Howie's, known for its signature flavored crusts and a strong focus on delivery and carry-out, presents a comparable operational model, often at a more accessible entry point.
Is Hungry Howie's a good franchise investment?
The financial performance of Hungry Howie's indicates strong potential. For its traditional locations, the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) reported an impressive Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $959,000. With an initial investment range falling between $336,900 and $571,900, the opportunity for a competitive return on investment is certainly present. The brand's substantial presence, with over 530 stores across 21 states, and its consistent growth, including a 35% increase in unit count in 2024, underscore its stability and reliability as a franchise system.
What makes Hungry Howie's a strong alternative?
A key differentiator for Hungry Howie's is its unique 'Flavored Crust' pizza, a product innovation that has been a cornerstone of its marketing for over four decades. This distinct offering helps it carve out a unique space among the many food franchise options available. Furthermore, Hungry Howie's presents a more budget-friendly pizza franchise to acquire compared to a Jet's America Franchise Unit. The upper limit of its investment range is over $200,000 less than Jet's, and its royalty fee is also lower at 5.5%, compared to Jet's 8%.
Hungry Howie's also provides comprehensive support through a well-established system, which can streamline the process of starting a pizza franchise business. Their marketing fund, set at 7% of sales, contributes to national and local advertising campaigns designed to boost brand recognition and drive customer traffic.
Tips for Comparing Pizza Franchises
- Analyze Unit Volumes: Compare the Average Unit Volume (AUV) reported in the FDDs of different franchises to understand revenue potential.
- Review Investment Ranges: Factor in the total initial investment, including franchise fees, build-out costs, and working capital.
- Examine Royalty and Marketing Fees: Understand the ongoing costs associated with operating the franchise.
- Assess Brand Differentiation: Look for unique selling propositions that can help a business stand out in a competitive market.
For those looking to compare pizza franchises to Jet's America, understanding the financial benchmarks is crucial. While Jet's America has a median annual revenue per unit of $1,300,000, Hungry Howie's AUV of $959,000, combined with a lower entry cost, presents a compelling alternative for many entrepreneurs. The breakeven time for many franchise businesses, including pizza concepts, is often cited around 12 months, making both opportunities potentially attractive for quick returns.
| Franchise | Initial Investment Range | Royalty Fee | Average Unit Volume (AUV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hungry Howie's Pizza | $336,900 - $571,900 | 5.5% | $959,000 (2024 FDD) |
| Jet's America (Benchmark) | $572,500 - $786,000 | 12% | $1,300,000 (Median) |
When exploring alternative pizza franchises, it's beneficial to consider brands that offer strong operational support and a clear market advantage. Hungry Howie's commitment to its unique flavored crust and its focus on efficient delivery and carry-out operations make it a solid contender for those seeking franchise opportunities similar to Jet's Pizza. This approach to franchise business models often appeals to those looking for established systems and a proven track record. For a deeper dive into the earning potential of a specific franchise, one might explore resources detailing How Much Does a Jet's America Franchise Owner Make?