Cost to Start a Round Table Pizza Franchise in 2026

Round Table Pizza franchise startup costs run $401K–$1.78M for a full-service dine-in pizza concept. The dine-in model with beer and wine generates higher average check and repeat visits compared to pure delivery concepts.

Key takeaways

Total estimated startup cost: $401,000–$1,780,000 (dine-in pizza with beer/wine)
Franchise fee: $35,000
Ongoing royalty: 4% of gross sales; advertising fund: 4%
400+ locations concentrated in the western US, with buffet and dine-in formats
Listed on the SBA Franchise Directory — eligible for expedited SBA loan processing

Round Table Pizza is a full-service dine-in pizza franchise founded in 1959 in Menlo Park, California. The brand operates 400+ locations primarily in the western United States, with a focus on family dine-in, beer and wine service, and a higher-quality pizza positioning compared to national delivery chains. Round Table's menu emphasizes traditional and specialty pizzas with a broad topping selection. The dine-in and buffet model drives higher average check than delivery-only concepts, and beer and wine licensing can meaningfully improve unit economics. Prospective franchisees should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436) for exact investment ranges.

Total startup cost breakdown

Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a Round Table Pizza franchise runs $401,000–$1,780,000. The dine-in model with beer and wine service requires a larger footprint and more complete kitchen than delivery-only pizza concepts:

Franchise fee: $35,000
Real estate and leasehold improvements: $150,000–$900,000 (dine-in footprint, kitchen, dining room)
Equipment (pizza ovens, make-line, refrigeration, beer/wine draft system): $80,000–$350,000
Furniture and fixtures: $30,000–$120,000
Signage and branding: $15,000–$60,000
POS and technology: $10,000–$30,000
Initial inventory and supplies: $8,000–$25,000
Training and travel: $5,000–$20,000
Grand opening marketing: $5,000–$20,000
Working capital (3 months): $40,000–$150,000
Permits, licenses (including beer/wine), professional fees: $20,000–$80,000

Ongoing fees

Round Table Pizza charges a 4% royalty on gross sales plus a 4% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 8% of gross sales. The 4% royalty is competitive for a full-service dine-in pizza concept. The advertising fund supports regional and national brand marketing. Beer and wine licensing, where available, can meaningfully boost gross sales and improve royalty-to-revenue ratios.

Financing options

Round Table Pizza is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Financing paths:

SBA 7(a) loan: Covers franchise fee, dine-in build-out, kitchen equipment, beer/wine system, and working capital up to $5M per the SBA 7(a) program. The $401K–$1.78M range fits within standard 7(a) limits.
SBA 504 loan: For owner-occupied or larger footprint builds, SBA 504 pairs a bank loan with an SBA-guaranteed debenture for fixed-asset financing up to $5.5M.
Equipment financing: Pizza ovens, refrigeration, and draft beer systems can be financed separately over 5–7 years, preserving SBA capacity for real estate and build-out.
Working capital line of credit: Covers seasonal volume swings, initial food and beverage inventory ramp, and staffing costs pre-breakeven.
Conventional commercial loan: Multi-unit or experienced restaurant operators may access conventional lending at competitive rates.

Realistic ROI timeline

Full-service dine-in pizza concepts at the $401K–$1.78M investment level typically target break-even within 24–42 months. Beer and wine service provides a meaningful margin advantage — alcohol typically carries 60–70% gross margin vs. 65–75% for pizza. Western US markets with established Round Table brand awareness outperform greenfield markets. Locations with lunch buffet service can drive higher weekday utilization and improve overall AUV.

Who's a good fit

Round Table Pizza suits operators with full-service restaurant or hospitality experience who want a dine-in pizza concept with beer and wine licensing. The larger footprint and higher investment range require stronger financial benchmarks — typically net worth of $400K+ and liquid capital of $150K+. Operators in western US markets with familiarity with the Round Table brand have a meaningful advantage. The dine-in model requires more front-of-house staffing than delivery-only concepts.

What lenders look for in a Round Table Pizza franchise application

Round Table Pizza is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, enabling expedited SBA eligibility review. The dine-in model with beer and wine introduces specific underwriting considerations not present in delivery-only pizza concepts. Lenders evaluate the following per SBA SOP 50 10 7:

Beer and wine license as a disbursement condition: Alcohol service is core to Round Table's dine-in revenue model — beer and wine typically carry 60–70% gross margin. Lenders may require the state or local alcohol license to be secured (or in final approval) before loan disbursement, since the unit economics depend on it. Licensing timelines vary by jurisdiction (60–180 days); operators should start the application process before closing on the SBA loan.
Dine-in footprint DSCR and labor model: The dine-in format requires more front-of-house staffing (servers, bussers, host) than delivery-only pizza, meaningfully increasing the labor cost ratio. SBA lenders model the full dine-in labor structure in DSCR calculations. Operators must demonstrate staffing plans and local wage market assumptions in the pro forma to pass lender review.
8% combined fee DSCR stress test: The 4% royalty plus 4% advertising fund totals 8% of gross sales. Lenders apply this as a fixed operating cost and stress-test DSCR at 80–85% of projected AUV. Western US operators with strong Round Table brand recognition have an advantage in demonstrating realistic AUV projections.
Western US market concentration: Round Table's 400+ locations are concentrated in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Utah. Lenders underwriting greenfield locations outside the western US will require more detailed trade area analysis and market demand documentation — the brand's aided awareness drops significantly outside its established geography.
Equity injection: SBA requires a minimum 10% equity injection of total project cost. On $401K–$1.78M, that's $40K–$178K at the SBA floor. Lenders on full-service dine-in restaurant projects typically require 20–25% ($80K–$445K), given the higher operational complexity and ramp risk of dine-in versus delivery-only concepts.

Deal structuring note

Round Table Pizza's dine-in model with beer and wine creates a bifurcated capital need: the build-out and kitchen equipment ($230K–$1.05M) fit within SBA 7(a) standard limits for leased locations. If the location is owned real estate (freestanding), SBA 504 is the more efficient structure for the real property component. Pizza ovens, draft beer systems, and refrigeration can be financed as a separate equipment line to preserve SBA capacity. Operators should budget 60–180 days for local alcohol licensing and not assume approval before the loan closes.

Apply for franchise financing

ClearValue Lending works with dine-in pizza and full-service QSR franchise operators on SBA 7(a), SBA 504, equipment, and working capital financing. Apply for franchise financing at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender.

Sources

Round Table Pizza is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility review. — SBA Franchise Directory
SBA 7(a) loans finance full-service dine-in restaurant franchise startups including build-out, equipment, and working capital up to $5M. SBA 504 loans are available for fixed-asset-intensive projects. — SBA 7(a) Loan Program
All franchise cost and fee disclosures are governed by the FTC Franchise Rule requiring a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) be delivered at least 14 days before signing. — FTC Franchise Rule — 16 CFR Part 436
Qualifying pizza oven, refrigeration, and restaurant equipment placed in service during the tax year may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179. — IRS Publication 946

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Round Table Pizza franchise cost in 2026?

Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $401,000–$1,780,000. The $35,000 franchise fee, dine-in build-out, kitchen equipment, and beer/wine system are the primary cost drivers.

Where does Round Table Pizza operate?

Round Table Pizza operates 400+ locations concentrated in the western United States, particularly in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Utah. The brand has strong recognition in western markets, which benefits new franchisees in those regions.

What is the Round Table Pizza royalty rate?

Round Table Pizza charges a 4% royalty on gross sales plus a 4% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 8% of gross sales. The 4% royalty is competitive for a full-service dine-in pizza concept.

Can I finance a Round Table Pizza franchise with an SBA loan?

Yes. Round Table Pizza is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) loans can cover the dine-in build-out, equipment, and working capital. SBA 504 is available for fixed-asset-heavy projects. Equipment can also be financed separately.

Does Round Table Pizza offer beer and wine?

Yes. Round Table Pizza locations typically offer beer and wine service where permitted by local licensing. Alcohol service can meaningfully improve unit economics given higher margin contribution versus food sales.

What DSCR do lenders require for a Round Table Pizza franchise?

SBA guidelines require a minimum 1.15× DSCR. For Round Table Pizza, lenders model the full dine-in labor structure (front-of-house staffing) plus the 8% combined fee load in DSCR calculations. Because dine-in concepts have higher fixed labor costs than delivery-only pizza, operators must show adequate net operating income after all operating costs. Beer and wine license approval is typically required before disbursement since the unit economics depend on alcohol service.

How much equity do I need to open a Round Table Pizza franchise?

SBA requires a minimum 10% equity injection of total project cost — $40K–$178K on $401K–$1.78M. Lenders on full-service dine-in restaurant projects typically require 20–25% ($80K–$445K) given the higher operational complexity vs. delivery-only concepts. Equity can be from personal savings, a ROBS plan using retirement funds, or home equity — all must be documented in the loan package.