A recent study found that Italian food is the most popular cuisine worldwide, preferred by 84% of people worldwide. Italian is always a popular dining option, whether you eat it in a full-service family restaurant, a pasta-focused franchise concept, or at home via the 19.8 billion Dollar pizza delivery industry.

While starting a business in the restaurant industry is considered challenging and risky, established franchises often boast a strong brand name, a proven business model, and extensive support in areas such as marketing, training, and operations. This combination of beloved culinary tradition and solid franchise support can increase profitability and reduce the risks associated with starting a new restaurant business.

If you’re looking for your next investment in the Italian restaurant industry, check out these 15 brands.

Rosatis

• Initial investment: $147,200 – $1,249,000
• Quantity: 127

Rosati’s offers a variety of expansion options, including a sports bar model, takeout and delivery, and fast-casual restaurants. The brand helps franchisees choose locations, typically choosing to locate near shopping centers for better visibility and accessibility.

Maggiano’s little Italy

• Initial investment: $3,825,000 – $5,835,000
• Quantity: 52

Opened in Chicago in 1991, Maggiano’s has made a name for itself with its “family-style” service, where dishes are ordered and shared with the entire table. The casual dining concept offers franchisees training and ongoing support, as well as multiple revenue streams through dine-in, catering and banquet services.

Fazoli’s

• Initial investment: 809,000 to 2,300,000 USD
• Quantity: 207

Fazoli’s is an Italian fast food restaurant chain that operates under the name FAT Brands Inc. Roof. Fazoli’s has carved out a niche for itself in the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry because there are few competitors offering Italian cuisine. The franchisor values ​​franchisees’ cooperation and offers comprehensive support.

Olive Garden

• Initial investment: Not publicly available.
• Quantity: 893

Olive Garden has a strong reputation and operates as a franchise in South and Central America, the United States, Canada and the Philippines. The brand recently began offering franchise opportunities for U.S. airports.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

• Initial investment: $1,307,000 – $4,624,500
• Quantity: 31

This concept offers franchisees multiple revenue streams through dine-in, catering, pickup and delivery options. Romano’s is known for its open kitchen design, with each location also including a dining room, game room and banquet room for events or parties.

Beppo’s Buca

• Initial investment: 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 USD
• Quantity: 86

In 1993, Buca di Beppo opened its first location in the basement of an apartment building in Minneapolis. Since then, this Italian concept has grown to over 86 locations worldwide. Buca di Beppo restaurants are typically known for their themed spaces, eclectic decor and family-like service.

Anthony’s Pizza from the coal oven

• Initial investment: $810,000 – $1,239,500
• Quantity: 59

In November 2021, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza was acquired by BurgerFi, which then launched a franchise program for the brand. The ideal franchisees for this brand have franchise experience and value community involvement.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

• Initial investment: $1,374,800 – $1,755,000
• Quantity: 47

This pizza restaurant brand has 44 company-owned locations and 3 franchise locations in 12 states and plans to continue expanding. Grimaldi’s is looking for experienced operators to join its franchise network. Grimaldi’s specialty is New York-style pizza, which is prepared in an open kitchen so guests can watch the process.

Gentle mushroom

• Initial investment: $1,661,000 – $4,616,000
• Quantity: 170

Mellow Mushroom isn’t just known for its pizza; the restaurants are decorated with neon and psychedelic artwork, making for a unique dining experience. Mellow Mushroom locations are known for offering karaoke, trivia or bingo nights, serving a wide beer selection, and offering plant-based options.

Vapiano

• Initial investment: $1,179,000 – $2,012,000
• Quantity: 155

Vapiano was first opened in Hamburg and now has branches in the USA, Europe, Australia and Africa. Customers love the handmade pasta and franchisees benefit from top-class locations. The brand offers franchisees international marketing support and franchise agreements over 20 years.

La Porchetta

• Initial investment: Over $600,000
• Quantity: 48

La Porchetta is an Australian and New Zealand concept that offers a family-friendly atmosphere. The brand has been around for over three decades. Franchisees receive training in various aspects of the business, such as recruiting, suppliers, customer service, marketing and more.

Mario’s

• Initial investment: 1,300,000 to 1,600,000 USD
• Quantity: Over 1,200

East Side Mario’s, a well-known and loved concept across Canada, has been serving traditional Italian dishes as well as all-you-can-eat soups, salads and garlic bread since 1987. The brand is managed by Recipe Unlimited Corporationwhich manages a total of 10 brands. East Side Mario’s is committed to supporting local charities such as The Boys and Girls Club.

Villa Italian Cuisine

• Initial investment: $297,000 to $894,000
• Quantity: 54

Many of Villa Italian Kitchen’s locations are located in shopping malls, airports and casinos. The brand is part of the Villa Restaurant Group and franchisees benefit from sound advice on restaurant design, construction management and efficient day-to-day operations thanks to the proven business model.

Sbarro

• Initial investment: $282,500 – $585,300
• Quantity: 600+

A popular food court destination, Sbarro has a strong brand recognition across the country and abroad. Sbarro is looking for franchisees with business acumen and a passion for pizza who are interested in operating multiple locations, have the capital to develop the restaurant, and have local expertise in marketing, operations, development and supply chain management.

Noodles & Company

• Initial investment: $747,000 – $1,423,000
• Quantity: 479

This pasta concept offers inline counter service as well as drive-thru and catering services. Noodles & Company is seeking multi-store franchisees with extensive operating experience and a commitment to ethical business practices. Franchisees must have a minimum of $500,000 in liquid assets.

By investing in a franchise in Italian food service, entrepreneurs have a great opportunity to capitalize on the excellent brand recognition of well-known franchises or to bring an emerging brand of universally loved food to any community.

Every great franchisee has had help purchasing a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.