How much does a Mr. Gatti’s Pizza FEC cost in 2026?
A prospective U.S. franchisee should use $2,118,000 to $6,310,000 as the disclosed Estimated Initial Investment for one Mr. Gatti’s Family Entertainment Center, or Mr. Gatti’s FEC. That is the total in the April 17, 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document’s Item 7 table for a single FEC, and it is also the range shown on the brand’s current official franchise FAQ.
The 2026 Item 7 range applies to a single Mr. Gatti’s FEC. It includes the $50,000 Initial Franchise Fee, the $5,000 Construction Oversight Fee, three months of Additional Funds, and many build-out and opening categories. It does not resolve real estate acquisition, exterior site improvements, insurance premiums, site-evaluation reimbursement, or IT and Point-of-Sale Systems costs.
FDD references are cited by Item and printed page number. A matching 2026 FDD copy was not verified on a public franchise-controlled domain, so those references are intentionally unlinked. The brand’s official U.S. franchise website is linked only for information it publishes directly.
Capital snapshot
The key 2026 figures separate the single-FEC project total from the amount due at signing, the three-month reserve and the percentage charges that continue after opening.
The published range should be read as a project envelope, not as one invoice or a single cash deposit. Only a relatively small fixed amount is due when the contract is executed. The balance develops through separate commitments to the landlord, architect, contractor, equipment vendors, technology providers, insurers, employees and marketing suppliers. Those commitments may require deposits, progress payments, delivery payments or recurring lease charges on different dates. A lender may also require equity to be contributed before loan proceeds are advanced. For that reason, a financing plan should show both the full project budget and the month-by-month cash schedule. It should also leave room for price changes, permitting delays, change orders and opening-date slippage without assuming that every disclosed maximum will occur at the same time. The official range remains the governing disclosure figure, but it does not replace signed bids, a negotiated lease, a construction draw schedule or a reserve policy matched to the proposed location.
The 2026 FDD cover states a different range—$2,143,000 to $3,837,097—while Item 7 and the current official franchise FAQ state $2,118,000 to $6,310,000. For capital planning, Item 7 is the detailed disclosure, but a buyer should obtain a written reconciliation before relying on either range.
What is included in the $2.118 million to $6.31 million range?
The detailed investment table combines major capital items, franchisor fees, opening inventory, pre-opening payroll, marketing and a three-month operating reserve. The largest disclosed variable is Construction Costs, followed by Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment and Games. Several required categories remain unpriced.
Premises, construction and equipment
For one FEC in the 2026 disclosure, the priced capital categories run from a $1,913,000 low subtotal to a $6,071,000 high subtotal before required but unestimated items.
| Item 7 category | Low | High | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Costs | $1,200,000 | $4,228,000 | Interior construction, including walls, electrical, plumbing, flooring and millwork. |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Package | $330,000 | $908,000 | Excludes IT equipment and games; may include new or used items. |
| Games | $328,000 | $728,000 | Range assumes purchase; leasing is permitted and would create a different payment pattern. |
| Interior and Exterior Artifacts and Graphics/Signage | $30,000 | $75,000 | Paid to approved or other permitted suppliers before opening. |
| Architectural Fees | $25,000 | $132,000 | Varies with size, market, codes and project conditions. |
| IT Equipment and Point-of-Sale Systems | Not estimated | Not estimated | Required systems are leased or obtained through approved providers after a needs assessment. |
| Capital Items Subtotal | $1,913,000 | $6,071,000 | Official FDD subtotal; excludes the unpriced categories described below. |
All bars use the same $0 to $4.228 million scale. Endpoint labels show the exact FDD low and high amounts.
Interpretation: construction creates most of the disclosed dollar spread. Smaller ranges appear compressed because the chart preserves a common scale. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7, pp. 17–20. Values are official FDD ranges, not local estimates.
Opening payments and initial operating capital
The 2026 single-location estimate adds fixed signing fees, training travel, marketing, inventory, payroll and a three-month reserve to the capital subtotal.
| Item 7 category | Low | High | When or what it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee and Construction Oversight Fee | $55,000 | $55,000 | Paid to Mr. Gatti’s Operating, LLC when the Franchise Agreement is signed. |
| Initial Training Cost | $10,000 | $20,000 | Franchisee-paid travel, lodging, meals and wages; initial instruction itself is provided without an additional tuition charge. |
| Initial Advertising and Grand Opening | $30,000 | $30,000 | Includes pre-opening, first-90-day and one-year-anniversary marketing obligations. |
| Beginning Inventory | $25,000 | $60,000 | Includes paper products and plush inventory. |
| Change Fund | $5,000 | $5,000 | Maintained in the FEC. |
| Pre-Opening Labor | $30,000 | $69,000 | Paid as incurred to employees before opening. |
| Additional Funds—3 months | $50,000 | $390,000 | Employees, supplies and other start-up expenses during the first three months; excludes debt service. |
| Official total for one FEC | $2,118,000 | $6,310,000 | Preserved exactly as disclosed in Item 7 despite the reconciliation issue below. |
The low-end arithmetic reconciles: the $1,913,000 capital subtotal plus $205,000 of other stated low-end amounts equals the official total. At the high end, the $6,071,000 subtotal plus the other stated high-end amounts equals $6,700,000, which is $390,000 above the published maximum. The difference equals the high-end three-month reserve. This is a derived calculation from the disclosure table, not a replacement franchisor estimate.
Which required costs are not priced in Item 7?
The 2026 FDD expressly leaves several material obligations open. These exclusions can make the cash requirement exceed the published total, particularly for a ground-up project or a site requiring exterior work.
- Real estate and exterior site improvementsLand or building acquisition, parking lots, exterior site work and related site improvements are not estimated. Tenant improvement allowances are also not netted into the range.
- IT Equipment and Point-of-Sale SystemsThe FDD requires approved systems but states that the price cannot be estimated until the provider assesses the FEC’s needs and game count.
- Insurance premiumsCoverage is required, but premiums vary by geography, size and carrier terms.
- Site Evaluation Analysis reimbursementThe amount varies and is payable to the franchisor under the applicable site-review arrangement.
- Debt service and financing costsAdditional Funds exclude debt service, and Item 10 states that the franchisor does not offer or guarantee financing.
Does the cost change between a Small FEC and a Standard FEC?
Yes in practice, but the 2026 FDD does not provide separate Item 7 totals for the public-facing Small FEC and Standard FEC descriptions. The official franchise model page describes a Small FEC at approximately 12,500 square feet and a Standard FEC at approximately 20,000 square feet, while the FDD uses one combined FEC investment table.
That combined range was developed from recent projects involving remodels and a ground-up build, with cited sizes from 10,578 to 14,626 square feet. The FDD warns that a location built at or above the suggested size may cost more. A buyer should not assign the low end to a Small FEC or the high end to a Standard FEC without a written, site-specific budget.
- FEC format
- A pizza restaurant and family entertainment center with buffet or menu service and games or amusements, subject to the approved design.
- One Item 7 range
- $2,118,000 to $6,310,000 for a single FEC; no separate official total by Small FEC or Standard FEC.
- Largest site variable
- Construction Costs of $1,200,000 to $4,228,000, before unestimated real estate and exterior site-improvement obligations.
- Game acquisition choice
- The Item 7 range assumes purchase. Approved leasing changes upfront cash and creates future lease payments.
The public model labels do not create two disclosed cost contracts. Ask for a written project budget tied to the exact square footage, remodel versus ground-up scope, game count, IT package and approved equipment schedule for the proposed site.
When is the money paid?
The first fixed payment is $55,000 when the agreement is signed. Most capital is then paid during site control, design, construction, equipment procurement and opening preparation. Ongoing percentage fees begin with operations, while part of the disclosed marketing amount is not spent until the one-year anniversary.
- At Franchise Agreement signingPay the $50,000 Initial Franchise Fee and $5,000 Construction Oversight Fee. Both are described as fully earned and non-refundable. Item 5, pp. 7–8.
- During site control and designIf no site was approved before signing, the FDD sets site-related milestones that include a 45-day approval target, an approved site within 120 days and land purchase or lease execution within 150 days. Architecture and site-related payments are made as negotiated.
- During construction and procurementConstruction, Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Games, signage, approved technology, inventory and other supplier invoices are paid under negotiated vendor terms before opening.
- At least 60 days before openingPay $15,000 to the franchisor for pre-opening marketing under the opening advertising expenditure and marketing plan. Item 5, p. 9; Item 6, p. 11.
- Before and at openingFund training travel, pre-opening payroll, the $5,000 Change Fund and the remaining opening requirements. The FDD states that a typical development period is 9 to 12 months and requires opening within 12 months.
- Opening day through day 90Spend at least $7,500 on Grand Opening Marketing. Weekly Royalty Fee and Technology Fee payments begin, together with the applicable marketing obligations.
- First three operating monthsUse the disclosed $50,000 to $390,000 three-month reserve for employees, supplies and other start-up expenses. Debt service is outside that range.
- One-year anniversary periodSpend at least $7,500 on One-Year Anniversary Marketing. This amount is included in the $30,000 Item 7 advertising line even though it is paid after the initial three-month operating period.
The FTC requires delivery of the disclosure document at least 14 calendar days before a prospective franchisee signs a binding agreement or pays the franchisor or an affiliate. The FTC Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Franchise explains the disclosure timeline and review process.
Which fees continue after a Mr. Gatti’s FEC opens?
The central recurring payment is a weekly 5% royalty. The franchisee also contributes 2% to the system marketing fund, currently spends at least 2% on required media and local or regional advertising, and pays a weekly technology charge. Each percentage uses the disclosed Gross Sales basis.
| Ongoing obligation | Amount or basis | Timing | Important condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Sales | Weekly | Paid by electronic funds transfer by the third business day for the preceding week. |
| Marketing Development Fund | 2% of Gross Sales | With royalties | Separate from Media and Local or Regional Advertising minimums. |
| Media and Local or Regional Advertising | Current 2%; maximum 3% | Reported quarterly; spent annually | Specified credits may apply. If increased to 3%, the FDD allocates 2% to Media and 1% to Local or Regional Advertising. |
| Technology Fee | Current $25/week; up to $100/week | With royalties | Set at the start of each calendar year based on estimated technology costs. |
| Cooperative Advertising | Current 0%; maximum 4% | Under cooperative rules | Mandatory if a cooperative is authorized; contributions may qualify for specified credits. |
| Media Fund | Current 0%; maximum 2% | With royalties if created | The franchisor may create one or more funds on written notice. |
| Continuing Game Capital Expenditures | Lowest 10% of games | Yearly, beginning after year two | Purchase or lease replacement games; unspent required funds may become liquidated damages. |
The scale runs from 0% to 5% of Gross Sales. Dark teal shows the current stated level; the black marker shows the disclosed maximum where different.
Interpretation: these percentages should not be added mechanically. Cooperative and Media Fund obligations are conditional, and Item 6 allows specified credits against some Media and Local or Regional Advertising minimums. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 6, pp. 9–16.
What does Gross Sales include?
For these percentage obligations, the disclosed sales base includes revenue from food and beverages, delivery services, vending, amusement devices, games and game cards. The definition does not permit a deduction for a game vendor’s or operator’s percentage. It excludes specified sales, use, excise or service taxes collected from customers and paid to the proper authority. A percentage royalty is not a disclosed annual dollar expense, so it should not be converted into a dollar forecast without an authorized sales assumption.
Which fees arise only after a specific event or problem?
Item 6 contains substantial event-triggered charges that are not part of ordinary weekly payments. Several are tied to delays, ownership changes, relocation, non-compliance, extra assistance or late payment.
- Opening or development extension$10,000 if a lease or real-property purchase agreement has been signed; $12,500 if it has not. The request must be made in writing at least 60 days before the applicable deadline.
- Transfer25% of the Initial Franchise Fee in effect at transfer. A convenience transfer among existing owners or to an Immediate Family member is listed at $5,000.
- Renewal25% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee, plus compliance with renewal conditions that can include facility upgrades, current training and a then-current Franchise Agreement.
- Relocation25% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee before approval, plus site-selection, construction and de-identification costs that are not quantified.
- Health, sanitation, food or safety non-compliance$5,000 for a first violation, $10,000 for a first repeat and $20,000 for the second and each subsequent repeat violation described in Item 6.
- Other operational non-compliance$1,000 for a first violation, $2,000 for a first repeat and $4,000 for the second and each subsequent repeat violation.
- Late paymentInterest at the lesser of 18% or the maximum legal rate, plus possible enforcement costs.
- Franchisor-ordered equipment or suppliesThe franchisor’s cost plus a 5% Handling and Administration charge when it elects to place the order.
- Additional opening or technical supportCurrent Item 6 rates include $50 per hour with a four-hour minimum and a $200 per diem for specified assistance, subject to the exact service and current schedule.
The FDD has an internal training-fee inconsistency. Item 6 lists a current $200 hourly training fee, while Item 11 describes certain additional, successor or replacement training at $50 per hour with a four-hour minimum plus a $200 per diem. Obtain the current written fee schedule and identify which provision controls each type of training.
How does an Area Development Agreement change the upfront obligation?
A multi-unit agreement creates a separate signing payment for the right and obligation to develop multiple facilities. The 2026 illustration assumes five to ten FECs and requires 100% of the applicable franchise fees at signing.
Development Agreement payment—not a build-out budget
The disclosed $251,000 to $501,500 agreement-level total covers the multi-unit signing obligation illustrated for five to ten FECs, not the construction of those locations.
What it represents: five to ten $50,000 franchise fees, plus the small Additional Funds line disclosed for the Development Agreement itself. The amount is payable when the Development Agreement is signed and is non-refundable.
What it does not represent: construction, Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Games, inventory, working capital or the separate Estimated Initial Investment for each FEC. Each location still requires its own Franchise Agreement and site-specific capital.
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 5, p. 8; Item 7, pp. 18–20.
Does Mr. Gatti’s finance the investment or disclose a cash minimum?
No franchisor financing is disclosed. Item 10 states that Mr. Gatti’s Operating, LLC and its agents or affiliates do not offer direct or indirect financing, guarantee a note, lease or obligation, or arrange to sell or discount a franchisee’s financing. The franchisor may review a prospective franchisee’s financing arrangements with lenders.
The 2026 FDD does not state a specific minimum Liquid Capital or Net Worth threshold. That absence should not be read as an approval standard. The official franchise application requests a personal financial statement, bank and investment statements for accounts exceeding $50,000, and three years of federal tax returns. A prospective franchisee should request the current written qualification criteria before arranging capital.
- Total Initial Investment
- The Item 7 estimate for opening and supporting one FEC through the stated initial operating period. It is not the same as cash required at signing.
- Initial Franchise Fee
- $50,000 for one FEC, paid at signing. It is one component of the Total Initial Investment.
- Liquid Capital
- Cash or readily available funds. No current numeric threshold was verified in the 2026 FDD.
- Net Worth
- Assets minus liabilities. It is not the same as cash available for construction and working capital.
- Additional Funds
- $50,000 to $390,000 included within Item 7 for the first three operating months; not an automatic add-on to the official total.
Which obligations can change the cost after the initial build?
Approved-supplier rules and system-update obligations can create costs that the opening range does not fully quantify. Item 8 requires approved sources for core equipment, technology, Games, signage, beverages and proprietary food products. Item 11 permits future hardware, software and system upgrades without a contractual limit on frequency or cost.
Current required technology categories include Point-of-Sale Systems and game or redemption platforms from approved vendors. The FDD also identifies approved beverage and coffee suppliers and requires music-service licenses. These supplier rules are cost-relevant because the franchisee cannot simply substitute a cheaper unapproved product or system.
The disclosure further describes recurring facility refresh and upgrade requirements on three- and six-year cycles, with possible work involving seating, POS or PCI systems, floors, walls, restrooms, exterior finishes, signage, ceilings and service counters. Item 17 makes upgrades a possible condition of renewal and transfer. No comprehensive dollar range is disclosed for those future capital obligations.
The opening estimate is not a lifetime capital ceiling. Game replacement begins after year two, technology specifications can change, and periodic refresh work may be required before renewal, transfer or continued compliance.
What should a buyer verify before relying on the cost range?
The most important task is to convert the broad FEC disclosure into a written budget for the exact site and format. The official total is decision-useful, but the unpriced categories and internal inconsistencies are large enough to affect financing and cash reserves.
- Reconcile the official ranges. Ask why the FDD cover uses $2,143,000 to $3,837,097 while Item 7 and the current official FAQ use $2,118,000 to $6,310,000.
- Reconcile the Item 7 high-end arithmetic. Ask whether the $390,000 high-end Additional Funds amount is included in or excluded from the $6,310,000 official total.
- Price the excluded site obligations. Obtain separate estimates for land or lease economics, exterior site work, parking, utilities, code compliance and any tenant improvement allowance.
- Obtain approved-vendor quotes. Price the exact IT, Point-of-Sale Systems, game package, signage, equipment and supplier requirements for the proposed FEC.
- Separate Small and Standard FEC assumptions. Require a project budget tied to square footage and construction type because the FDD provides one combined FEC range.
- Confirm the current training schedule. Resolve the $200-per-hour Item 6 amount versus the $50-per-hour plus per-diem language in Item 11.
- Confirm capital qualifications and lender conditions. The 2026 FDD gives no numeric Liquid Capital or Net Worth threshold and no franchisor financing commitment.
- Model the payment calendar. Include signing fees, the 60-day pre-opening marketing payment, opening-period spend, weekly fees, three months of Additional Funds and the one-year-anniversary marketing obligation.
Official documents and tools
These public sources provide current brand information, government filing context and federal disclosure guidance; none is presented as a public copy of the 2026 FDD.
What is the clearest reading of the 2026 cost disclosure?
The best-supported starting point is the detailed 2026 single-location range, not merely the fee paid for franchise rights. Construction, Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Games and the chosen site drive most of the variation. It includes a three-month operating reserve, but leaves real estate, exterior site improvements, approved technology, insurance and debt service unresolved.
After opening, the principal disclosed percentage obligations are a 5% royalty, a 2% system marketing contribution and a current 2% media/local spending minimum, plus the weekly technology charge and conditional costs. Before treating the published total as a financing target, a buyer should obtain written reconciliation of the cover-versus-Item-7 conflict and the $390,000 high-end arithmetic difference.