Boston Pizza Franchise Cost: How Much Does It Really Cost to Open One?

Quick answer: Boston Pizza’s initial franchise fee is $60,000 plus applicable taxes, with ongoing royalty fees of 7% and co-op advertising fees of 3% on food and non-alcoholic beverage sales. The company does not publicly disclose a single total build-out cost, but franchisees are generally expected to have a net worth of $1.5M to $2M, with unencumbered funds equal to at least 35% of total project costs.

Franchise Fees at a Glance

These figures come directly from the official franchising site and reflect its published fee structure rather than a third-party estimate.

• Initial Franchise Fee: $60,000 plus applicable taxes
• Royalty Fee: 7% on food and non-alcoholic beverage sales
• Co-Op Advertising Fee: 3% on food and non-alcoholic beverage sales
• Alcohol Sales: Boston Pizza does not collect royalty or co-op fees on alcohol sales

Note that these are the fees disclosed publicly. The company does not publish a single total “cost to open” figure, since build-out costs vary widely by location, format (traditional restaurant, restaurant conversion, or hotel/non-traditional site), size, and local construction and leasehold costs. Prospective franchisees receive full project-cost breakdowns directly from the franchise development team during the application process.

Net Worth and Liquid Capital Requirements

Quick answer: The company generally looks for franchisee candidates with a net worth in the $1.5 million to $2 million range, with unencumbered (liquid) funds equal to at least 35% of total project costs.

Beyond the financial bar, the company says it looks for candidates with an entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to their community, strong business judgement, comfort operating within an established franchise system, and a guest-service-first mindset.

How to Become a Franchisee

Quick answer: The first step is to connect directly with one of the Franchise Development Specialists through the official franchising site, rather than a third-party listing.

The brand also runs a “BPmatch” program, designed to pair experienced hospitality operators who may not have full capital on their own with investors who have capital but lack restaurant operating experience, creating a joint franchisee partnership.

Like many multi-unit casual dining franchises, total investment also depends on whether a candidate builds a ground-up restaurant, converts an existing building, or takes over an existing hospitality space, since leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, and local zoning and construction costs vary widely by market. Prospective operators typically weigh these build-out variables alongside the published fee structure before signing a franchise agreement.

Company Background That Affects Franchise Value

The chain was founded in Edmonton, Alberta in 1964. Jim Treliving became the first franchisee in Penticton, B.C. in 1968, later acquiring the full chain in 1983 and building it into Canada’s largest casual dining brand. As of the most recent published figures, the brand operates in the hundreds of locations across Canada, with system-wide annual sales exceeding $1 billion, and has been named a Platinum Member of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for 30 consecutive years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to open a Boston Pizza franchise?

Quick answer: The initial franchise fee alone is $60,000 plus applicable taxes. There is no one fixed total investment figure published because build-out costs vary by format and location; full project-cost details are provided directly to qualified applicants by Boston Pizza’s franchise development team.

What net worth do you need to open a Boston Pizza?

Quick answer: The company generally looks for a net worth in the $1.5 million to $2 million range, according to its official franchising site.

How much liquid capital is required for a Boston Pizza franchise?

Quick answer: Available unencumbered (liquid) funds should equal at least 35% of your total project costs.

What are the ongoing royalty fees for a Boston Pizza franchise?

Quick answer: A 7% royalty fee and 3% co-op advertising fee apply on food and non-alcoholic beverage sales. No royalty or co-op fee applies to alcohol sales.

What is the BPmatch program?

Quick answer: BPmatch is a franchisee-matching program that pairs experienced hospitality professionals who lack sufficient capital with business-minded investors who have capital but not restaurant operating experience, so they can co-own a franchise together.

How do I apply to become a Boston Pizza franchisee?

Quick answer: You start by submitting an inquiry directly through the official franchising website to connect with a regional Franchise Development Specialist.

Is Boston Pizza a good franchise investment?

Quick answer: Boston Pizza is Canada’s largest casual dining brand by locations and guests served, with system-wide sales exceeding $1 billion annually and 30 consecutive years as a Platinum Member of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies, though individual profitability always depends on location, local market, and operating costs.

Looking for other guides? See our menu and prices hub, or learn more About Us.