Pizza Ranch

Founded in

1981

Started franchising in

1984

Buffet-style pizza restaurant franchise featuring a selection of pizzas, fried chicken, salads, and desserts, creating a family-friendly and all-you-can-eat dining experience.

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Pizza Ranch Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Number of franchises

205

Investment required

$985,000 - $3,996,000

Revenue (AUV)

$1,518,000

Last 3 years unit growth

Initial franchise fee

$30,000

Operating Profit

15.7%

Pizza Ranch: Redefining Buffet Dining with Midwest Charm

Pizza Ranch is a popular fast-casual dining chain predominantly found in the Midwest region of the United States.

Founded in 1985 by Adrie Groeneweg and Lawrence Vander Esch, the chain originated in Hull, Iowa, with Groeneweg showcasing pizza recipes crafted by his mother, Lorraine.

Pizza Ranch offers a diverse menu featuring pizza, chicken, fresh salads, Buffalo wings, and delectable desserts. One of its standout features is the buffet-style dining experience, which has become a favorite among patrons. In addition to dine-in options, Pizza Ranch provides carry-out and delivery services, catering to a wide range of customer preferences.

The franchise journey began in 1984 under the name Pizza Ranch Inc., eventually relocating its headquarters to Orange City, Iowa. Over the years, Pizza Ranch has become known for its commitment to community involvement and charitable initiatives, often supporting local events and fundraising efforts.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure	Retrofit/Leased (Low)	Retrofit/Leased (High)	New Ground-Up (Low)	New Ground-Up (High)
Franchise Fee	$30,000	$30,000	$30,000	$30,000
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment	$473,375	$694,000	$473,375	$694,000
Arcade Games	$330,000	$400,000	$330,000	$400,000
Leasehold Improvements	$0	$1,075,000	--	--
Construction Costs	--	--	$1,439,600	$1,950,000
Architect/Engineering Fees	$46,000	$70,000	$110,000	$130,000
Land	--	--	$0	$600,000
Pre-Opening Training Expenses	$51,500	$74,000	$51,500	$74,000
Food used during Team Member Training	$5,500	$9,000	$7,000	$9,000
Start-Up Costs	$23,500	$43,500	$23,500	$43,500
Rent	(Note 10)
Interest on Pre-Opening Loans	$5,000	$15,000	$5,000	$45,000
Working Capital (3 months)	$20,000	$20,000	$20,000	$20,000
Total Initial Investment (with a FunZone)	$984,875	$2,430,500	$2,489,975	$3,995,500

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Franchise Disclosure Document

Training

Prospective Pizza Ranch franchisees participate in an extensive training program before launching their restaurant. This comprehensive training covers all facets of restaurant management, from operational procedures to utilizing essential equipment and computer systems.

Key personnel, including the Principal or General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Kitchen Managers, and Guest Services Manager, must complete the Manager in Training Program.

This training is conducted at a Certified Training Restaurant or another location specified by Pizza Ranch. The curriculum includes topics such as Advertising/Marketing, Accounting/Profitability, Restaurant Operations, Restaurant Management, Guest Relations, and essential soft skills like Culture and Leadership.

Territory Protection

Pizza Ranch® franchisees do not receive exclusive territorial rights. Instead, they are assigned a specific location to operate their Pizza Ranch® restaurant. This arrangement ensures that while franchisees can run their business at the designated site, there is no protection from the establishment of additional Pizza Ranch® restaurants or outlets nearby.

The franchisees' operational rights are confined to their designated location. Any plans to move or expand beyond this location require prior written approval from the franchisor. This framework highlights the necessity of adhering to the assigned location and recognizing the absence of broader territorial exclusivity.