Should I buy a pizza franchise or an independent pizzeria?

Both kinds of shop make and sell pizza. They differ in who controls the brand, the menu and the customer. The points below are the ones pizza buyers weigh most. They do not rank the two, and the right fit depends on you.

Ordering and the customer

Many pizza brands run a central ordering app or call centre that routes orders to the shop. That brings traffic, but the brand may own the customer data and the fees. An independent pizzeria answers its own phone and builds its own list, but has to earn every order. Ask each seller how orders reach the kitchen and who holds the customer records.

Recipes and supply

A franchise usually sets the dough, sauce and approved suppliers, which gives consistent product and less to decide. An independent can change the recipe, switch suppliers and add dishes. Ask a franchise seller what you must buy from whom, and ask an independent seller whether recipes are written down and come with the sale.

Approval and territory

Ask whether the franchise agreement requires the franchisor’s approval of you as buyer or limits where you can operate, and have your lawyer read it before you commit to either route. Read who has to approve a franchise resale and what franchise territory and encroachment mean. Our guide to pizza franchises for sale in Canada lists what franchisors publish.