Key Takeaways

• MOD Pizza Franchise Cost: $800K–$1.19M+, with a $30K–$55K franchise fee and limited availability.

• Antioch Pizza Franchise Cost: $106K–$729K total investment, depending on format (dine-in, express, or food truck).

• Franchise Availability: MOD Pizza rarely franchises; Antioch Pizza Shop is actively expanding across the U.S.

• Ownership Model: MOD operates primarily as corporate-owned; Antioch offers franchise ownership with personal training, local marketing support, and flexible business models.

• Best Alternative: Antioch Pizza Shop provides an authentic Chicago-style pizza franchise opportunity for first-time or multi-unit entrepreneurs.

What Is MOD Pizza and How Does Its Franchise Model Work?

MOD Pizza® is a popular fast-casual pizza chain known for its customizable, artisan-style pizzas, quick service, and modern interiors. With hundreds of locations nationwide, MOD has positioned itself as a leading “build-your-own pizza” brand.

However, MOD Pizza operates primarily through company-owned stores and offers very few franchise opportunities. Even when franchise options are available, they’re generally reserved for established investors or multi-unit restaurant operators — limiting access for new entrepreneurs.

If you’re researching “MOD Pizza franchise opportunities” or wondering about the “MOD Pizza franchise cost,” here’s what to know.

How Much Does a MOD Pizza Franchise Cost?

Based on industry data and available franchise disclosures, MOD Pizza’s startup costs can range between $800,000 and $1.19 million — and often higher depending on location and lease terms.

Typical investment breakdown includes:

• Franchise Fee: $30,000–$55,000

• Leasehold Improvements: High build-out costs for prime commercial locations

• Equipment & Technology: Commercial kitchen, POS, and digital ordering systems

• Marketing & Royalties: Standard ongoing fees for advertising and brand support

This level of investment often prices out new operators, making MOD Pizza better suited for established restaurant groups.

Why Are MOD Pizza Franchise Opportunities Limited? 

While MOD grew rapidly in the early 2010s, most expansion since then has been corporate-driven, not franchise-based. The company tightly controls its growth markets and branding consistency, which means franchise approvals are rare.

Many franchise candidates researching MOD discover that even with capital in hand, opportunities are:

• Unavailable in most states

• Highly competitive among existing operators

• Restricted by corporate territory ownership

For aspiring owners looking for more flexibility, community involvement, and personal connection, brands like Antioch Pizza Shop offer a more accessible and rewarding path.

Why Entrepreneurs are Choosing Antioch Pizza Shop Instead

Our Culinary Story

Since 1977, Antioch Pizza Shop has delivered fresh, made-to-order pizza and comfort foods rooted in community tables. In 2016, Art and Karen Wicklein established a franchise system founded on authentic recipes, family values, and comprehensive training. What began as a small, local restaurant blossomed into a brand that embraces innovation, balancing in-store experiences with tech-forward takeout, delivery, and mobile service.

A Franchise Built for People

Unlike MOD’s limited and costly franchise structure, Antioch Pizza Shop is built to empower entrepreneurs at every level. Whether you’re diving into your first business or expanding a restaurant portfolio, you’ll be covered with:

• Personalized territory evaluation
• Flexible franchise model options
• Hands-on startup and ongoing support

Four Ways to Bring Antioch Pizza Shop to Your Market

Antioch Pizza Shop provides six adaptable formats—each matched to distinctive markets and startup sizes:

Dine-In Pizza Restaurant

• 2,000–3,000 sq ft location, $40K franchise fee, $226.9K–$729.3K total investment
• Full menu with dine-in service and catering

Take-Out & Delivery Kitchen

• 1,000–2,000 sq ft space, same franchise fee, lower build-out costs
• Ideal for suburban strip centers and urban pickup zones

Express/Pick-Up Outlet

• Compact 1,000– 2,000 sq. ft store, $35K franchise fee, $108.5K–$352.9K estimated total investment
• Optimized for high-traffic corridors, campuses, and shopping centers

Pizza Food Truck

• $20K franchise fee, $106K–$196.8K investment
• Designed for events, festivals, corporate parks, and mobile catering

Each model includes a full suite of equipment, branding, menu standardization, POS integration, local marketing collateral, and ongoing operational guidance—so you can focus on building relationships, not reinventing the wheel.

Comparisons: MOD vs. Antioch Pizza Shop

Operators Weighing MOD vs. Antioch: Here’s What You’ll Consider

Brand & Menu Options

MOD focuses heavily on build-your-own artisanal pizzas. Antioch Pizza Shop expands that into a full comfort-food offering—Italian beef, gluten-free pies, chicken wings, fresh salads—while allowing express and mobile formats.

Tips for Potential Franchisees

• Clarify investment expectations. If a $1 million+ budget isn’t in your plans, Antioch’s scalable models give you room to grow intentionally.
• Choose the right format. Urban pick-up stores? Go express. Suburban events? A food truck may be smarter than a dine-in.
• Consider market fit. Some communities respond to fast-casual speed; others value dine-in comfort. Antioch supports both.
• Embrace community ethos. Local sponsorships, small-town events, and business-to-business catering build inbound loyalty.
• Ask about multi-unit opportunities. Antioch supports owners who want to grow beyond one location.

Best Alternative to Mod Pizza Franchise

For franchise seekers drawn to MOD Pizza’s brand and growth potential, but wary of limited availability, high costs, or corporate control, Antioch Pizza Shop offers a credible, community-driven alternative:

• Meaningful entry-level investments
• Expansive menu rooted in Chicago tradition
• Multiple formats, including mobile and pickup
• Personalized support and community-first culture

Ready to learn more? Fill out our franchise request form to receive access to our Franchise Disclosure Documents and territory availability. Let’s build something together—one slice, one community at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MOD Pizza franchise?
MOD operates mostly corporate-owned stores, with very few franchise opportunities available in select U.S. markets.

How much does a MOD Pizza franchise cost?
Startup investments typically range from $800,000 to over $1.19 million, not including ongoing fees.

What’s the best alternative to a MOD Pizza franchise?
Antioch Pizza Shop — a fast-growing, Chicago-style pizza brand offering lower investment costs and flexible formats.

How much does it cost to open an Antioch Pizza franchise?
Depending on format, total investment ranges from $106,000 to $729,000, with franchise fees between $20K and $40K.

Where is Antioch Pizza expanding?
Active markets include Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Antioch Pizza Shop is currently expanding in multiple states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin — explore all available markets to find the perfect location for your franchise.