2026 FDD Issued Apr 30, 2026 Minnesota Commerce (CARDS) Checked Nov 3, 2026
Blaze Pizza Franchise Cost (2026)
A Blaze Pizza franchise costs an estimated $757,000 – $1,297,100 to open, according to Item 7 of the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). That total includes the $30,000 initial franchise fee (Item 5) and covers this format: Single traditional Restaurant. Item 6 lists continuing royalty: 5% of Gross Sales, subject to the conditions below.
- Total investment
- $757K – $1.3MItem 7 source and qualifications
- Franchise fee
- $30KItem 5 source and terms
- Royalty
- 5% of Gross SalesItem 6 conditions and fee bases apply
- Brand fund
- 2% of Gross SalesItem 6 conditions and fee bases apply
- Units (2025)
- 230Item 20 source and scope
- Franchise exit rate
- 11.3% / yrCalculated 3-year average; definition and source
What stands out about Blaze Pizza
Leasehold improvements and restaurant equipment account for most of Item 7's single-Restaurant cost range. The FDD says the main table represents a traditional site and that a host-venue or food-court location may differ, but it does not print a separate investment total for either. An Area Development Agreement requires an additional rights payment at signing that is credited against fees for later Restaurants. That payment covers multiple planned sites and should not be added again to the full opening cost of each site.
The Continuing Royalty and Creative Fund Contribution use Gross Sales, but the local advertising obligation is a spending requirement measured over a rolling period. If the Restaurant spends less than required, the franchisor may collect only the shortfall for the Creative Fund. Technology support, required device licenses, reputation management and loyalty-platform charges depend on current vendor rates and device counts. The standard mystery-shop program and an upgraded version are alternatives. A single sales average cannot produce a complete continuing-fee total from these different bases.
The Item 19 traditional sales average represents Restaurants open throughout the fiscal year; a much smaller mall-storefront group is reported separately. The FDD excludes Restaurants closed during the year, and its Item 20 table records those exits in two categories. Item 20 also labels several company-to-franchise sales as 'opened' in the printed column, then explains in a footnote that they were existing locations. The published outlet movement should be read with that footnote before treating its opening count as new construction.
What are the initial franchise fees and financial requirements for Blaze Pizza?
Item 5 lists an initial franchise fee of $30,000 for Blaze Pizza. Check the cited Item 5 for payment timing, discounts and format-specific terms.
The single-Restaurant Initial Franchise Fee is $30,000. An approved Grand Opening Advertising Program requires at least $10,000 in spending and may require an escrow deposit, but the FDD says no such escrow deposit was required during its last fiscal year. An Area Development Agreement charges $10,000 for each Restaurant after the first, with that amount creditable toward its later Initial Franchise Fee; the development payment is not a second fee for the same Restaurant.
Source: Blaze Pizza 2026 FDD, Item 5, PDF p. 14.
This record lists no minimum net worth or liquid-capital requirement for Blaze Pizza, because no sourced figure has been recorded. Ask the franchisor for its current financial qualifications in writing.
How much does it cost to open a Blaze Pizza franchise? (Item 7)
Source: Blaze Pizza 2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 20.
Item 7 of Blaze Pizza’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document estimates the total cost to open one single traditional restaurant at $757,000 – $1,297,100. This total includes the initial franchise fee.
| Expense Category | Low ($) | High ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Architect / Engineer | $15,000 | $25,000 |
| Permits and Liquor Licensing | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $300,000 | $570,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Decor | $300,000 | $400,000 |
| Signage and Graphics | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Grand Opening Kit, Menu Boards | $5,500 | $7,100 |
| Computer System | $15,000 | $25,000 |
| Uniforms, Initial Inventory and Smallware | $24,000 | $41,500 |
| Grand Opening Advertising Program | $10,000 | $30,000 |
| Grand Opening Free Pizzas | $0 | $6,000 |
| Insurance Deposits | $500 | $5,000 |
| First Month's Rent / Security Deposit | $3,000 | $24,000 |
| Initial Training Expenses | $4,000 | $8,500 |
| Professional Fees | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Additional Funds, 3 Months | $20,000 | $45,000 |
| Total | $757,000 | $1,297,100 |
For comparison, the median high-end investment among 25 restaurants & food records without a source-review hold is $1,297,100.
The single-Restaurant table spans PDF pages 20-21. The FDD says its estimate is for a traditional location; nontraditional and food-court openings may cost less within that range but receive no separate printed total. The Area Development Agreement table on page 23 prints a $10,000-$90,000 rights payment for two to ten Restaurants, which is creditable toward later franchise fees, not a second one-Restaurant investment range.
What ongoing royalties and fees does Blaze Pizza charge? (Item 6)
Source: Blaze Pizza 2026 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 14.
Item 6 of Blaze Pizza’s 2026 FDD lists the charges below. Recurring charges and charges triggered by a transfer, renewal or other event have different conditions. Read each fee’s basis and notes before comparing rates.
How to read an Item 6 fee table.
| Fee Type | Amount / Rate | Payment Frequency | Notes & Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Royalty | 5% of Gross Sales | Every period | (Item 6, PDF p. 14) |
| Creative Fund Contribution | 2% of Gross Sales | Every period | Current rate; the FDD permits an increase up to 4% and describes reduced arrangements for certain sites. (Item 6, PDF p. 14) |
| Local Advertising Payment | Varies | When it applies | A Restaurant must spend 2% of Gross Sales on local advertising over a rolling six-month period. A shortfall may instead be payable to the Creative Fund; the two are not additive. (Item 6, PDF p. 15) |
| Training Software License and mobile device management License Fees | Varies | Every period | Currently $30 per month for each of two required Training Tablets plus $4 monthly MDM for each Training Tablet and one Online Ordering Tablet; vendor pass-through amounts may increase. (Item 6, PDF p. 15) |
| Additional Training or Assistance | Varies | When it applies | Current $500 per week plus expenses, up to $1,500 per week, if extra training or assistance is required or requested. (Item 6, PDF p. 15) |
| Subsequent On-Site Training Program Fee | Varies | When it applies | Current $12,500, capped at $17,500, for an approved request after the first two Restaurants. (Item 6, PDF p. 15) |
| Registration for Annual Convention | Varies | When it applies | $250-$500 per attendee when charged for the mandatory convention. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Technology Fee | Varies | Every period | Up to $300 monthly for technology support, with increases capped at 3% in any year; the table does not state a current fixed charge. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Transfer Fee | Varies | When it applies | 50% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee per Restaurant, with a $1,000 application deposit. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Transfer to Entity | Varies | When it applies | Actual costs capped at $5,000 for a transfer to an entity the owner controls. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Securities Offering Fee (Area Development Franchises Only) | Varies | When it applies | 50% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee for approval of a proposed securities offering. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Renewal Fee | Varies | When it applies | 50% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee, or $15,000 if the franchisor is not then offering franchises. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Relocation Fee | Varies | When it applies | 50% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee or applicable additional-Restaurant fee. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Late Fee | Varies | When it applies | $100 per occurrence plus interest at the lesser of 12% annually or the legal maximum. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Management Fee | Varies | When it applies | $500 per representative per day of step-in management, plus expenses, if the stated circumstances occur. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Reputation Management Fee | Varies | Every period | Current actual vendor cost $38 monthly per Restaurant; vendor billing may change. (Item 6, PDF p. 16) |
| Loyalty Platform Fee | Varies | Every period | Current actual vendor cost $126 monthly per Restaurant. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Audit Expenses | Varies | When it applies | (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Non-Sufficient Funds Fee | $50 | When it applies | (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Insurance | Varies | When it applies | Conditional insurance cost plus 20% administration if the franchisor procures required coverage. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Site Review and Evaluation Fee | Varies | When it applies | Actual costs capped at $5,000 for review beyond the first three sites. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Virtual Coach Operational Inspection | $200 | When it applies | (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Re-Inspection | Varies | When it applies | Actual cost after a failed inspection, estimated at $200-$500. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Rescheduling Expenses | Varies | When it applies | Actual costs capped at $10,000 when training or review timing changes beyond the FDD threshold. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Non-Compliance Fee | Varies | When it applies | Currently $500 for a single default, with the table's $250-$500 range and possible repeat charges. (Item 6, PDF p. 17) |
| Guest Relations Fee | Varies | When it applies | $10-$25 per qualifying unanswered or excessive complaint. (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| Mystery Shops | Varies | Every period | Standard program charges $25 for each of eleven written and one video annual shops; the upgraded alternative has eight written and four video shops plus a $255 annual fixed amount. (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| Supplier and Product Evaluation Fee | Varies | When it applies | Inspection costs capped at $500 for an owner-nominated supplier or product. (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| Legal Costs and Professional Fees | Varies | When it applies | (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| Indemnification | Varies | When it applies | (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| Liquidated Damages | Varies | When it applies | Conditional early-termination formula based on prior royalty and Creative Fund amounts, with a $30,000 minimum. (Item 6, PDF p. 18) |
| Broker Fees | Varies | When it applies | Actual brokerage costs capped at $5,000 on a covered transfer. (Item 6, PDF p. 19) |
Explore annual fees and payback assumptions
This fee schedule cannot be reduced to the calculator’s simple sales-based formula. Enter your own assumptions and check them against the Item 6 terms.
Blaze Pizza startup investment and modeled fees over 10 years
Local advertising is a spending requirement and a conditional shortfall payment to the Creative Fund, not a second percentage owed in full to the franchisor. Training-device license costs are charged per device, and the mystery-shop program has alternative configurations; a single sales figure cannot determine all continuing charges. See the fee amounts and definitions in Item 6 above. Open the calculator with your own assumptions.
Item 20: Blaze Pizza franchised outlet history
Source: Blaze Pizza 2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 63.
Item 20 Table 3 reports 230 franchised outlets at the end of 2025. The company-owned table reports a further 0 outlets. Our calculated average annual franchised exit rate is 11.3% across the 3 reported years, using the definition below.
| Year | Franchised at Start | Opened | Reported Exits | At End | Franchise Exit Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 296 | 8 | 21 | 283 | 7.1% |
| 2024 | 283 | 6 | 34 | 255 | 12% |
| 2025 | 255 | 13 | 38 | 230 | 14.9% |
Franchised units went from 296 to 230 over 3 years (-66).
Reported exits include terminations, non-renewals, franchisor reacquisitions and other cessations. A reacquired outlet may continue operating. How we calculate the exit rate. How to read the Item 20 outlet tables. Compare Blaze Pizza’s exit rate with other brands.
11 units changed owners in 2025.
Table 3 all-state totals are on PDF page 63. The 2025 'Outlets Opened' cell prints 13, but its footnote says eleven of these were company-owned Restaurants sold to franchisees and were not newly opened locations. The printed 13 is retained, with that scope warning; it must not be described as thirteen new physical openings. Table 2 transfer totals are on page 59 and Table 4 company-owned endings are on page 64. Item 19 uses a narrower full-year sales sample.
How much do Blaze Pizza franchise owners make? (Item 19)
Source: Blaze Pizza 2026 FDD, Item 19, PDF p. 55.
Item 19 of the 2026 FDD reports average Gross Sales, Franchised Restaurants Operating from Traditional Locations of $1,341,998 (2025 fiscal year, 208 franchised traditional-location Restaurants open for the full 2025 fiscal year). Blaze Pizza’s Item 19 reports sales but no profit, costs or owner pay. Rent, payroll, supplies, loan payments and Item 6 fees such as the royalty (5% of Gross Sales) come out of sales before an owner is paid, so these figures cannot show what an owner earns.
See every Blaze Pizza Item 19 figure, with its period and sample.
Payback calculator (enter your own assumptions) Check any inputs against this record’s Item 7 startup costs and Item 6 fee rules.
How to interpret Blaze Pizza’s Item 19 figures and sample limits.
How long is the Blaze Pizza franchise agreement term?
Source: Blaze Pizza 2026 FDD, Item 17, PDF p. 47.
The standard Blaze Pizza franchise agreement runs 10 years, with renewal terms of 10 years.
Ten-year term begins with public opening. Item 17 offers two conditional ten-year successor agreements.
How long does it take to open a Blaze Pizza franchise? (Item 11)
Source: Blaze Pizza 2026 FDD, Item 11, PDF p. 31.
Item 11 of the 2026 FDD states the time from signing a Franchise Agreement to opening: between 9 and 12 months. The agreement requires you to open within 12 months after signing the Franchise Agreement.
The estimate assumes a location can be obtained and leased within one month.
Franchises with a similar investment range
These published records are selected by proximity to Blaze Pizza’s $757,000 low-end Item 7 investment, starting with Restaurants & Food. Formats, fees and source qualifications differ; the figures are not interchangeable budgets:
- Paris Baguette $728K – $1.86M Restaurants & Food
- Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams $698K – $955K Source review pending Provisional publication Restaurants & Food
- Schlotzsky's $675K – $1.46M Restaurants & Food
- Pizza Hut $846K – $2.13M Restaurants & Food
- Crumbl $849K – $1.47M Restaurants & Food
- H&H Bagels $633K – $892K Restaurants & Food
Compare other restaurants & food franchises
Sources
Blaze Pizza, LLC Franchise Disclosure Document, issued April 30, 2026, as filed with the Minnesota Commerce (CARDS). Read the source FDD PDF. How to get this FDD yourself.
- Item 5: cited PDF p. 14
- Item 6: cited PDF p. 14
- Item 7: cited PDF p. 20
- Item 19: cited PDF p. 54
- Item 20: cited PDF p. 63
- Agreement term (Item 17): cited PDF p. 47
Page references for Blaze Pizza use the PDF viewer's digital page count, not printed page headers. Some viewers download the document instead of opening the referenced page.
If the state document viewer does not open, use Minnesota Commerce's public filing instructions to look up the filing by franchisor name and document date.
Document & verification changelog
- November 3, 2026: Source check completed against the recorded FDD.
- November 3, 2026: Initial cost profile published from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (issued April 30, 2026).