StrawHat Pizza

California’s Favorite Pizza Since 1959

65 Years of Family-Friendly Fun Meets Pizza PerfectionLow Franchise Fees.

Proven Systems. Multi-Revenue Opportunities.

The pizza franchise industry continues to grow, but few brands can claim 65 years of proven success. Straw Hat Pizza isn’t just another pizza concept—it’s a California institution built on fresh-made dough, proprietary cheese blends, and a family entertainment model that drives repeat traffic. With some of the lowest franchise costs in the pizza segment, comprehensive training, and multiple revenue streams (dine-in, delivery, catering, beer & wine, events), Straw Hat Pizza offers franchisees a differentiated business model backed by decades of customer loyalty.

The Concept

Genuine California Pizza – Straw Hat’s signature thin-layered, flaky crust topped with tangy sauce and a proprietary blend of six aged cheeses creates an unforgettable flavor profile that’s kept customers coming back since 1959.

Family Entertainment Destination – Unlike delivery-focused pizza concepts, Straw Hat locations are community gathering spots featuring arcade games for kids, big-screen TVs for sports fans, beer & wine for adults, and comfortable seating options (booths, tables, high-tops, bars) that encourage dine-in traffic.

Fresh Daily – Dough is rolled fresh every day. Premium meats, locally-grown produce, and fresh-packed tomato sauce (never canned or reconstituted) deliver authentic quality that customers taste immediately.

Why Now?

The restaurant industry is shifting back to experiences. Customers—especially families—are seeking destinations that offer more than just food delivery. They want places to gather, celebrate, watch games, and create memories. Straw Hat Pizza fills this need with a proven entertainment model that drives higher per-customer spend and repeat visits.

The pizza segment remains one of the most resilient categories in foodservice, generating consistent revenue across economic cycles. However, many pizza franchises focus exclusively on delivery and carryout, creating commoditization and intense competition. Straw Hat differentiates by offering a full dining experience with entertainment elements that delivery-only concepts cannot replicate.

With 29 locations currently operating (all franchise-owned) and expansion opportunities across the U.S., Straw Hat provides first-mover advantage in unsaturated markets. The brand is led by a board comprised mostly of franchise owners, ensuring corporate decisions are made in the best interest of franchisees—not just corporate growth.

The Business Model

Multiple Revenue Streams:

• Dine-in service with full bar (beer & wine)
• Takeout and delivery (including third-party platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats)
• Catering for parties, events, and corporate functions
• Party room rentals for birthdays and celebrations
• Sporting events and Pay-Per-View events
• Arcade games and redemption games for kids
• Vegan and gluten-free menu options expand customer base

Entertainment-Driven Traffic: Straw Hat locations leverage events to differentiate and drive business. Successful franchisees use sporting events, Pay-Per-View nights, party bookings, and community partnerships to create consistent traffic beyond typical meal periods.

Low Overhead Model: Compared to full-service casual dining, Straw Hat operates with streamlined staffing and efficient kitchen systems that maximize profitability while maintaining service quality.

Franchise Support

• Three-week intensive, hands-on training program covering operations, systems, and customer service
• Real estate broker works with you to find the ideal location based on demographics, traffic patterns, and competition analysis
• Full-service construction partners handle design and build-out from plans to opening
• Vendor connections for equipment, supplies, and ongoing operations
• Opening support team assists with staffing, training, setup, and stays through your opening week
• Ongoing field support with regular visits and assistance addressing operational challenges
• Marketing assets including websites, online ordering platforms, advertising materials, and promotional campaigns
• National distributor contracts and preferred vendor relationships for cost savings
• Corporate team focused 100% on franchisee success, not corporate-owned locations

Investment

Straw Hat Pizza offers one of the lowest-cost entries in the pizza franchise segment while delivering the support and brand recognition of established national concepts.

*Investment varies significantly based on location type, size, market, and whether you’re building new or converting existing space. See the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.

Who This Fits

Community-Focused Entrepreneurs – Franchisees who understand that building customer loyalty through local relationships, youth sports partnerships, and community engagement creates sustainable revenue.

Multi-Unit Operators – Experienced restaurant operators looking to scale with a proven brand, protected territories, and multi-unit development agreements.

Career Changers – Professionals transitioning from corporate careers who want to own a business with comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a brand that doesn’t require prior restaurant experience.

Family Business Builders – Owners who want to create a legacy business that can involve family members and serve their community for decades (many Straw Hat franchisees have operated for 20+ years).

Testimonials

Randy Wise – Santa Maria, CA (Franchisee since 1985)

“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.”

Kami and Simon Bachir – Watsonville/Freedom, CA

“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.”

Satwinder Sadhra – Hollister/Salinas/Seaside, CA (Multi-Unit Owner)

“Straw Hat Pizza is a well-established pizza franchise which sticks to its roots and tradition of delivering top quality pizza, but it also allows for ingenuity so the franchise and brand can continue to grow and continue to meet the food demands and needs of a changing and growing population.”

Your Opportunity

65-Year Legacy Brand – Straw Hat Pizza is California’s original pizza destination with immense brand recognition and customer loyalty across multiple generations.

Low Franchise Costs – Some of the lowest fees in the pizza segment with 4% royalties (vs. 5-8% for major competitors) and $20K-$30K franchise fee.

Franchisee-Led Governance – Board comprised mostly of franchise owners ensures corporate decisions prioritize franchisee success, not just system growth.

Proven Multi-Revenue Model – Dine-in, delivery, catering, events, and alcohol sales create diverse income streams that delivery-only concepts cannot match.

Straw Hat Pizza is actively expanding across the United States with unsaturated markets available. Prime territories are protected, and the brand works closely with franchisees to secure ideal locations with strong demographics and traffic patterns. Whether you’re opening a single location or pursuing multi-unit development, Straw Hat provides the systems, support, and brand strength to build a profitable family entertainment destination.

Ready to learn more?
Visit www.strawhatpizzafranchising.com or call (833) 747-4992 to speak with the franchise development team about territory availability and investment details.

WadSaver Members Earn A $5,000 Cash Rebate When They Invest in a Straw Hat Pizza Franchise

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. An offer can only be made through the delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).