PizzaExpress franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The PizzaExpress franchise fee is $19,451 and the total initial investment ranges from $77,500 to $129,000, with about $20,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the PizzaExpress FDD.
What are the PizzaExpress franchise fees and investment?
The PizzaExpress franchise requires a franchise fee of $19,451 and a total initial investment of $77,500 to $129,000. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $19,451 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $77,500 to $129,000 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $20,000 |
| US locations | Not reported |
| Industry | Food & Restaurant (Pizza) |
| Headquarters | Not reported |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Franchising since | 2024 |
How does the PizzaExpress investment compare with other food & restaurant franchises?
PizzaExpress's minimum investment of $77,500 is at or below the median minimum investment of $297,082 across the 1213 food & restaurant franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 1119 of the other 1211 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $19,451 compares with an industry median of $35,000.
What should you verify in the PizzaExpress FDD?
Verify six parts of the PizzaExpress Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether PizzaExpress discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to PizzaExpress?
These food & restaurant franchises have the closest minimum investment to PizzaExpress:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Cilantro Taco Grill | $35,000 | $77,528 to $125,379 |
| TKK Fried Chicken | $37,500 | $77,400 to $246,900 |
| Azuquita | $30,000 | $77,295 to $253,850 |
| HOLDAAK | $25,000 | $77,050 to $116,450 |
| Omari Sushi | $3,750 | $75,850 to $524,300 |
See every brand in food & restaurant franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a PizzaExpress franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a PizzaExpress franchise ranges from $77,500 to $129,000, including a franchise fee of $19,451, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a PizzaExpress franchise?
PizzaExpress lists a minimum of about $20,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many PizzaExpress locations are there?
A current US unit count for PizzaExpress is not reported in our data. Item 20 of the FDD lists the number of franchised and company-owned outlets.
How long has PizzaExpress been franchising?
PizzaExpress started offering franchises in 2024 after the company was founded in 1965.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. PizzaExpress and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by PizzaExpress. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.