If you are looking for information on the Straw Hat Pizza franchise business opportunity, Straw Hat Pizza franchises or Straw Hat Pizza franchising, then you have come to the right place.
Founded in 1959, Straw Hat Pizza is the originator of "Genuine California Pizza," and is comprised of numerous locations in the Western United States. We're poised for rapid growth in the United States and Canada.
Wholesome and satisfying, but also fast and flexible, the hallmark of a Straw Hat Pizza restaurant is its upbeat and fun atmosphere. Our strategic locations - situated in the heart of a community - make our restaurants the local gathering hub for families, sports teams and business meetings.
Straw Hat has always appealed to families and individuals who want great value, served up in a fun, clean environment. Many of our restaurants feature arcade rooms with pinball machines and video games, making an outing to Straw Hat Pizza a relaxing experience for parents and a fun night out for the kids. Big Screen TVs give dads, moms, coaches and lunch-time executives premiere seating for their favorite sports teams and ultra-media events.
Franchisees pay royalties to the franchise and in return, receive marketing, advertising, operations and quality control support, advantageous partnerships with national and regional manufacturers and suppliers, and ingredients and packaging manufactured by Straw Hat Pizza.
Each franchisee has a real say in his or her company's future.
The Franchise was recently awarded the prestigious seal of Fair Franchising by the American Association Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD) and awarded "hottest franchise" by America's Hottest Franchise.
We take great pride in our franchise opportunity and are structured to help each of our franchisees succeed. At Straw Hat you are more than a franchisee. You are a member of an extended family. Straw Hat staff members are by your side each step of the way. Whether you are a new franchisee or an existing one, we do everything we can to help you meet your needs in your individual marketplace. Periodic visits from a Straw Hat staff member will assist you in meeting your goals. If there are marketing needs, a marketing representative will help you plan out fun, creative, and low-cost ways to increase traffic in your store. If you need artwork for a special local promotion - give us a call! We'll even go further - we will go out with you into your community and teach you how to market outside of your restaurant. This is where we differ from the other guys.
Straw Hat is growing each year by adding new franchises and training them to be the best operators in the business. A renewed commitment to nationally recognized marketing programs has seen success throughout the chain, and our purchasing programs are second to none. As we celebrate our 50th birthday, the chain is preparing to rapidly grow. We've recently added two new cutting-edge concept restaurants - Straw Hat Pizza Express and Straw Hat Grill. Straw Hat plans to grow to more than 100 restaurants by the end of 2010, and expand from California, Nevada, Arkansas and Oregon to the rest of the United States and internationally.
"I used to be an executive in the tech industry four years ago, but now I own two of the largest Straw Hat Pizzas in the chain. I would never go back to being an employee again. I love being my own boss."
Clark Rupp
"I started out as a cook at Straw Hat 25 years ago. I now own three different Straw Hat Pizza restaurants and I am thankful that Straw Hat has provided me the opportunity for my family and I to live the American Dream."
Sal Listek
We've been riding the wave of success since 1959. Now, as we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary, we're poised for the future to build on our success as we roll out restaurants across the country. You can be part of this tremendous expansion opportunity. Becoming a Straw Hat Pizza owner is the ultimate way to launch a small business - whether you're new to the restaurant world or looking for a fresh way to start your own venture.
The information presented may have changed since first published. We recommend that you always verify fees, investment amounts and offers with the business opportunity directly prior to making a decision to invest.
1. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
You want to know what happens after you pay the initial fee. A strong franchisor provides comprehensive pre-opening training, site-selection help, operational playbooks, and continuous assistance with marketing, technology, and supply chains.
2. What is the total initial investment, and did actual startup costs match the estimates in Item 7 of the FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) lists estimated startup costs in Item 7, but real-world expenses can run higher. Asking how closely current owners tracked to these estimates reveals if you need extra working capital or if hidden fees exist.
3. How do royalties and local/national marketing fees impact profitability?
You need to understand ongoing financial obligations-such as monthly royalty percentages and ad fund contributions-and evaluate whether the brand value and support justify cutting into your profit margins.
4. What are the common challenges new franchisees face, and how do you help them overcome them?
Transparent franchisors will openly discuss real hurdles like local competition, tight labor markets, or supply chain bottlenecks, and show you the exact playbook or field support they offer to solve them as well as allowing you to speak with other franchisees.
5. How many franchise locations have closed or left the system in the past few years, and why?
High turnover, store closures, or quiet franchise exits are major red flags. This question measures system stability, territory health, and whether the corporate team addresses struggling owners or lets them fail.
Food and Beverage Franchises