Straw Hat Pizza - Franchise
Quick Summary
The family entertainment destination that happens to have great pizza! Straw Hat Pizza has been in business since 1959 by providing an excellent product and places for families to find something fun for everyone. Games and entertainment for the kids, salad and wine for mom, with sports and beer for dad. For our franchise owners we provide the right systems and training to help get you started. Additionally, we have some of the lowest franchise costs you will find in the pizza segment.
Straw Hat Pizza
Business Cost, Fees & Facts for 2025
| Minimum Cash Required | $250,000 | |
| Net Worth Required | $750,000 | |
| Total Investment | $165,500 - $1,662,000 | |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 | |
| Financing Assistance | 3rd Party | |
| Year Founded | 1959 | |
| # of Existing Units | 26 | |
| Franchising Since | 1969 | |
| Training & Support | Yes | |
| Home Office Location | Dublin, CA |
Available In These States:
- CA
- NV
- Overview
- Testimonials
Straw Hat Pizza - Franchise
Legacy Brand
In 1959, Straw Hat Pizza opened its first location in San Leandro, California. The founders created their pizza recipes using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients to ensure quality. By combining superior food with a family entertainment theme, Straw Hat Pizza quickly became a favorite across California. Over the years, the restaurants added themed characters, arcade games, sports TV screens, and salad bars to appeal to a broad demographic.
Today, Straw Hat Pizza thrives as a value-based entertainment venue with incredible food. The company is led by a board comprised mostly of franchise owners, ensuring decisions are made in the best interest of franchisees. The corporate team includes industry professionals deeply rooted in the brand’s culture, dedicated to helping franchise owners grow their business.
Our Concept
Serving Up Pizza & Fun Since 1959
- Inviting atmosphere with comfortable, modern seating
- Big screen televisions with sports broadcasts
- Party rooms for birthdays, groups, and teams
- Game rooms and redemption games
- Labor-efficient kitchens
Great Food & Menu Selection
The menu offers a diverse selection that satisfies everyone, from those indulging to health-conscious guests. With Gluten Free and Vegan options, Straw Hat Pizza ensures nobody is left out. Customers can enjoy a salad bar, craft beers, and, of course, delicious pizzas.
Customer Experience
Comfortable dining areas with booths, tables, high tops, and bars make Straw Hat Pizza a favorite gathering spot. Fast and efficient service delivers food to the table, while the friendly staff ensures guests enjoy their time and keep coming back.
Revenue Streams
Many Avenues to Reach Customers
Franchise owners use a variety of marketing strategies and events to differentiate the brand and attract customers. The corporate team provides ongoing support for events, catering, and marketing initiatives.
- Dine-in
- Carry-out
- Delivery
- Catering
- Online/Mobile Ordering
- Beer & Wine
- Game Room
Straw Hat Pizza embraces third-party online ordering services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, making it easier for customers to place orders from their phones and increasing sales opportunities.
Quality Food
Only the Best!
- Dough made fresh daily
- Premium grade meats
- Locally grown fresh produce
- Boxes and napkins made from 100% recycled materials
Our Food
- Genuine California Pizza
- Hot Hats (stromboli-inspired)
- Wings
- Salads
- Groovy Twists
With nearly 65 years as California’s favorite pizza, Straw Hat Pizza continues to stand out for its quality ingredients and memorable flavors.
Advantages
Operations Support
- Three weeks of hands-on owner training
- 24/7 access to corporate support
- Training systems to quickly onboard team members
- Detailed manuals covering HR, equipment, safety, and more
- Approved vendor relationships for seamless operations
Marketing Support
- Social media assistance
- Custom advertisements and coupons
- Company-wide promotions
- Digital marketing support
- Event marketing guidance
Real Estate
Site Selection
Straw Hat Pizza works closely with franchise owners and real estate professionals to secure ideal locations with strong local demographics, traffic patterns, and competition analysis.
- 3000–3200 sq. ft. with sufficient utilities
- Shopping center with strong anchor tenants
- Easy access and ample parking
- Highly visible signage
Territories
Each franchise is awarded a protected territory that includes specific zip codes or a defined radius. Territories for multi-unit owners can be larger based on development agreements.
FAQs
How long does it take to open a Straw Hat Pizza?
Typically 6–12 months, depending on site selection and construction timelines.
How does the franchisor support franchisees?
Straw Hat Pizza provides assistance with site selection, construction, vendor connections, and training. At opening, corporate support staff assist with setup and staff training. Ongoing field support is also provided.
What purchasing power do you provide?
Franchisees benefit from the brand’s contracts with national distributors and preferred vendors for equipment, marketing, and repairs.
Is Straw Hat Pizza SBA loan approved?
Yes, many locations have been approved and opened using SBA loans.
Next Steps
- Discovery: Call with the Franchise Development Team to understand the benefits and process.
- Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): Review the FDD and sign a receipt of acknowledgment.
- Franchise Application: Complete an application providing experience and financial information.
- Financial Verification: Verify net worth and liquid assets.
- Location Selection: Work with a real estate company to find your location.
- Construction: Construction partners assist from plans to opening.
- Training: Receive three weeks of hands-on training.
- Grand Opening: Support with staffing, operations, marketing, and community outreach.
I am proud to say that my wife and I have been Straw Hat Pizza franchisees since 1985. During that time we’ve seen our business thrive and grow to become one of the most successful units in the restaurant chain. The marketing and support that we receive from the corporate office is a great benefit and well worth the monthly royalties.Randy Wise
Best thing about being a Straw Hat Pizza franchise is working with the Straw Hat headquarters team. It starts at the top from the beginning and is excellent all the way through. They set you up for success and help you utilize the tools that are given to you and then it is up to you to run it and maintain the standards. I love the concept and the quality of food.Varun Limbachiya
We definitely made the right decision with this franchise. Straw Hat Pizza = A recipe for success. My husband and I are proud to have pursued our second business venture in the past four years. With Straw Hat Pizza being our very first franchise, I must say it’s been smooth sailing. We are extremely pleased with the amount of support we receive from the corporate side of it which enables you to be in business for yourself but not by yourself.Kami and Simon Bachir
