Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$289,500 - $551,200
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Total US Locations
83
Business Summary
Pizza Twist operates pizza restaurants that specialize in Indian Cuisine inspired pizzas. The menu offers a variety of veggie and non-veggie options, including gluten-free, vegan, and halal choices. All food items are prepared fresh, and customers can place orders in-store or online.
Corporate History
Chicago's Pizza Franchising, Inc. Corp., operating as Pizza Twist, was incorporated in Nevada on August 28, 2017. The company began offering franchises for both Chicago's Pizza With A Twist and Pizza Twist concepts in November 2017. Pizza Twist specializes in pizza, including Indian Cuisine inspired options. While the company previously franchised units internationally under the 'Chicago's Pizza With A Twist' brand, it is currently in the process of converting many of those restaurants to the 'Pizza Twist' mark. The franchisor has affiliates that have operated Pizza Twist outlets since 2014.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$289,500 - $551,200
Franchise Fee (Low)
$15,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$30,000
Royalty %
4.5%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$170,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$350,000
Working Capital
$40,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Pizza Twist Franchising appears to be in good financial health. As of December 31, 2023, the company had significantly more current assets than current liabilities, indicating strong liquidity. Pizza Twist Franchising also reported a positive net income of $360,167 for 2023, and its financial statements received an unqualified opinion from its independent accountants. The audit report confirms that the financial statements present the company's financial position fairly.
Financing Details
Pizza Twist Franchising does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations for its franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
83
Franchised Units
73
Corporate Units
10
Avg Square Footage
1,850
Franchising Since
2017
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
1
Litigation Summary
Pizza Twist Franchising has been involved in one legal case, Chicago's Pizza, Inc. v. KSM Pizza, Inc., filed on November 22, 2019. This was a trademark infringement action where Pizza Twist's affiliate, Chicago's Pizza, Inc., alleged KSM Pizza, Inc. used an infringing mark. KSM Pizza, Inc. filed a cross-complaint alleging intellectual property misappropriation, but their claims were dismissed by the court on October 13, 2021. On February 26, 2024, the court entered a default judgment in favor of Chicago's Pizza, Inc., ordering KSM to cease using the marks and to pay costs and attorney's fees.
Bankruptcy History
Pizza Twist Franchising has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Pizza Twist franchise agreement, franchisees must notify Pizza Twist Franchising between 90 and 180 days before their current term ends. They must be in compliance with all contractual obligations to Pizza Twist Franchising and third parties, and have substantially complied with all agreements throughout the term. Franchisees must not have defaulted more than twice under their franchise agreement or failed to cure a default. They must also have complied with all ethics and values requirements, renovate their business to meet current brand standards, sign Pizza Twist Franchising's then-current franchise agreement and related documents (including a personal guaranty), and execute a general release of any claims against Pizza Twist Franchising.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before opening, Pizza Twist Franchising provides assistance with site selection and advises franchisees on the layout, design, and build-out of their restaurant. They provide specifications and a list of approved suppliers for equipment, signs, fixtures, initial inventory, and supplies. If requested, Pizza Twist Franchising will review business plans and financial projections and advise on the market introduction plan. Franchisees and their general manager receive a 97-hour initial training program. Pizza Twist Franchising also provides at least 5 days of on-site opening support. After opening, Pizza Twist Franchising offers advice and consulting by telephone or electronic communication, with in-person support available for a fee plus expenses. The franchisor provides recommended prices and administrative, bookkeeping, accounting, and inventory control procedures. They also manage the Marketing Fund and maintain the Pizza Twist brand website, which includes information about each franchisee's business.
Initial Training Hours
97
Training Location
Sacramento, CA and virtually online
Ongoing Support
After opening their Pizza Twist business, franchisees can receive advice and consulting from Pizza Twist Franchising by telephone or electronic communication regarding improving their business and resolving operational problems. In-person support is available upon request for a fee plus expenses. Pizza Twist Franchising also provides recommended prices for products and services, as well as recommended administrative, bookkeeping, accounting, and inventory control procedures. The franchisor administers the Marketing Fund and maintains the brand's website. The Principal Executive is required to attend all in-person and remote meetings, including national or regional brand conventions or conferences, and Pizza Twist Franchising may charge an attendance fee regardless of attendance.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Pizza Twist franchisees are granted a territory with a population of approximately 30,000 to 50,000 people. This territory is typically defined as a radius around the franchisee's approved location, but other boundaries such as county lines, political boundaries, streets, geographical features, or trade areas may also be used.
Staffing Notes
Pizza Twist franchisees are solely responsible for all hiring decisions and employment terms for their personnel. The business must always be supervised on-site by either the Principal Executive or a general manager who has completed Pizza Twist Franchising's training program. Franchisees must hire enough staff to manage their business volume and comply with any system standards regarding staffing levels. Personnel are also required to adhere to dress attire, uniform, personal appearance, and hygiene standards outlined in the brand manual. Pizza Twist Franchising may set minimum qualifications for different categories of employees.