If you’re considering entering the $46.9 billion pizza market, Crust Pizza Co. the 27-unit emerging pizza franchise based in the Southeast U.S., offers a franchise opportunity that stands out for its guest experience, available territories, strong return on investment (ROI), advanced technology and robust support.
“Everyone loves pizza,” said Carl Comeaux, CEO of Crust Pizza Co. “It brings people together. It creates great memories. On top of that, the product that Crust has is different from any other pizza I’ve ever had. The product speaks for itself. We don’t cut any corners. Even though there are many pizza places, each time we go into a new market, we quickly become the number one pizza place in the local area.”
1. Exceptional Guest Experience
Crust Pizza Co. has carved a niche for itself by offering a unique guest experience that blends a casual atmosphere with high-quality service.
“We’ve designed our restaurants to be a place where families can relax and enjoy,” said Comeaux. “From the ambiance inside — with dim lighting, industrial ceilings and cozy, warm colors — to the outdoor patios where kids can play, every element is designed to make our guests feel at home.”
Unlike the fast-casual approach common in the pizza industry, Crust offers a limited-service model that elevates the dining experience. “Our guests order at the counter, and then we take care of the rest — bringing the food to their table and cleaning up after them,” Comeaux said. “This allows us to provide a level of service that makes us stand out in the market.”
And when it comes to the food, Comeaux says the goal is simple: make the best pizza in town. “How do we accomplish that? It’s all about fresh dough made daily, proprietary mozzarella cheese shredded in-house and fresh produce,” he said. “You can taste the quality and we don’t skimp on quantity. That is why we win awards in every community we enter.”
2. Prime Available Territories
One of the most significant advantages of investing in a Crust franchise is the availability of prime locations. “Many legacy brands have already taken up the best spots, leaving new franchisees with suboptimal locations,” said Comeaux. “But Crust is still in the early stages of expansion, which means we have a wealth of A-class territories available.”
The franchise is particularly focused on expanding within the Southeast U.S., targeting states from Texas to Florida, up to the Carolinas, and across Tennessee and Arkansas. “We want to become a household name in these regions, and the availability of prime locations is a huge benefit for new franchisees,” said Comeaux.
3. Strong ROI and Financial Stability
For franchisees, profitability is of course a top priority, and Crust Pizza Co. delivers with an average unit volume of $1.65 million and low operational expenses.
“Our franchisees benefit from incredible deals with vendors, particularly when it comes to mozzarella cheese, which is typically the most significant cost in a pizza business,” Comeaux said. “We’ve managed to reduce our costs by 10% thanks to our vendor relationships, which directly impacts our franchisees’ bottom line.”
Crust Pizza Co. has also spent time honing its business model to be the most streamlined version it can be. For example, the restaurants initially spanned about 3,000 square feet, but the company discovered that a 2,300- to 2,500-square-foot space could still accommodate 70 seats. The brand also consolidated its menu, focusing on high-quality pizzas, salads, flatbreads and appetizers.
“We aim to build multi-unit operators who can expand their portfolio because they are doing so well,” said Comeaux. “Our financial stability — being bootstrap and debt-free — provides a secure foundation for our franchisees to invest with confidence.”
4. Advanced Technology for Seamless Operations
In an industry where technology can make or break a business, Crust Pizza Co. has invested in a cutting-edge tech stack that streamlines every aspect of operations.
“Our technology integrates POS, inventory management, scheduling, payroll, loyalty programs and onboarding development into one seamless system,” said Comeaux. “Unlike other brands that rely on third-party solutions, we’ve brought everything in-house, which means faster resolutions and more efficient operations for our franchisees.”
This holistic approach to technology not only simplifies day-to-day management but also supports franchisees as they scale their businesses. “You’re not just getting a pizza restaurant; you’re getting a fully integrated system that allows you to focus on growth,” said Comeaux.
5. Unparalleled Franchisee Support
Support is a cornerstone of Crust Pizza’s franchise model. “We’ve hired the best in the industry to help us grow,” said Comeaux. “To achieve that, we offer extensive support that starts from day one.”
From the initial application and virtual meetings to discuss opportunities, franchisees receive guidance on personality tests, financial applications and franchise disclosure documents. The real estate team assists in site selection, lease negotiation and construction, while the architecture team provides detailed plans. Training includes a six-week program for managers and a three-week onsite training for staff, with continuous audits post-opening. Marketing strategists boost grand openings, and dedicated support representatives offer ongoing assistance with monthly success calls. Additionally, an in-house technology team maintains and improves operational platforms, ensuring franchisees have the tools they need to thrive.
From there, franchisees benefit from a dedicated franchise business consultant who conducts quarterly restaurant inspections to ensure standards are met. “We also review P&Ls monthly and hold regular meetings with franchisees and managers to discuss goals and strategies,” Comeaux said.
Why Now is the Time to Invest in a Crust Pizza Co. Franchise
Looking ahead, Crust Pizza Co. aims to open 10 more restaurants by the end of 2024 and eventually reach a target of 25 new openings annually.
Overall, for entrepreneurs looking to invest in a thriving and supportive franchise, Crust Pizza presents a compelling case. “In my opinion, these are the top five reasons why franchisees should join Crust right now,” said Comeaux. “We’re offering a unique opportunity to be part of a brand that prioritizes quality, service and profitability.”
