Are you looking to franchise a pizza shop in Illinois? Antioch Pizza Shop – an award-winning local brand – offers one of the best pizza franchise opportunities in Illinois for passionate entrepreneurs. Our company was voted the #1 pizza in Chicago in 2024​, proving our recipes are a cut above the rest. We make all food fresh in-house with no preservatives or frozen ingredients, so customers enjoy the highest quality pies every time (every Antioch Pizza still starts with hand-kneaded dough, premium cheeses, and fresh produce​!). 

With deep Midwest roots and strong community values, Antioch Pizza Shop is an ideal partner for your Illinois franchise venture. 

Benefits of Owning an Antioch Pizza Franchise:

• Award-Winning Local Brand: Antioch Pizza has been an Illinois favorite since 1977​. We’ve grown from our hometown of Antioch, IL into a beloved regional chain, and our recent award for #1 pizza in Chicago for 2024 proves we’re still delivering the best!
• Fresh, Quality Menu: We pride ourselves on using fresh, natural ingredients and never taking shortcuts. All recipes are original and made from scratch daily – no frozen dough or bland pre-made sauces. This commitment to quality keeps guests coming back for that authentic flavor​
• Community-Centered Values: Each Antioch Pizza Shop becomes “the crust of the community,” actively supporting local schools, sports teams, churches, and charities. Franchise owners carry on our tradition of giving back through fundraisers and service, making the restaurant a neighborhood staple​
• Flexible Franchise Models: Whether you want a full-service restaurant or a smaller setup, we offer four franchise formats to fit your goals. Choose from a sit-down Dine-In model, full menu model with takeout and delivery only, a quick-service Express model, or even a mobile Food Truck franchise – all backed by our proven recipes and family-friendly brand.

Why Illinois Is Perfect for a Pizza Franchise

Illinois isn’t just any state – it’s the home of Antioch Pizza Shop and a hotbed of pizza culture. We started in Antioch, IL in 1977 and have been serving communities throughout Illinois and Wisconsin ever since​. That local heritage means franchisees here build on a familiar name locals trust. Pizza passion runs deep in the Midwest: from Chicago’s famous pizza scene to small-town taverns, Illinois residents love their pizza. By opening an Illinois pizza franchise with Antioch Pizza, you tap into a market hungry for our hometown flavors​. Plus, Illinois’s strong economy and tight-knit communities make it an ideal place to launch and grow your pizza franchise with our support.

The Antioch Pizza Difference

Antioch Pizza’s unique blend of quality and community spirit makes it a top pizza franchise opportunity in Illinois. Franchisees benefit from our time-tested recipes and brand reputation. We’ve kept our quality standards high since day one, never skimping on ingredients or changing what works​ – and customers taste the difference, coming back again and again. Equally important, we build each shop into the fabric of the community. As an Antioch Pizza owner, you’ll sponsor local events, host fundraisers, and treat neighbors like family. Community leaders recognize that Antioch Pizza is an asset to their area​, which means your Illinois pizza franchise earns trust and loyalty from day one. By joining Antioch Pizza, you carry forward a proud Illinois tradition of great pizza and genuine hometown service.

Four Pizza Franchise Models to Fit Your Goals

We understand that every franchisee has a different vision and budget. That’s why Antioch Pizza Shop offers three flexible franchise models in Illinois:

1. Full-Service Restaurant: A traditional sit-down pizzeria with a full menu and seating. This model has an initial franchise fee of $40,000​ and is ideal if you want to create a family-friendly dine-in experience.
2. Full Service Restaurant with Takeout & Delivery Only: This model includes the full menu with Take Out & Delivery options only. The initial franchise fee of $40,000​ and is ideal for smaller locations that want to offer the full menu selection.
3. Express Restaurant: A smaller quick-service location focusing on takeout (with optional limited seating). The menu is streamlined for speed. Franchise fee: $35,000​. Great for high-traffic areas where convenience is key.
4. Food Truck: A mobile Antioch Pizza unit on wheels. Serve our famous pizza at festivals, events, or different neighborhoods with a simplified menu. Franchise fee: $20,000​. This model offers the lowest startup cost and maximum flexibility.

Total startup investment will vary based on the format and location. On the low end (for a food truck or small express setup) you might invest around the low $100,000s, while a full-service restaurant can range up to the mid-$700,000s​. We’ll provide detailed cost breakdowns in our Franchise Disclosure Document and guide you through budgeting, so you can make an informed decision. No matter which model you choose, you get the same beloved recipes, brand support, and training to set you up for success.

Training and Support for Illinois Franchisee’s

Worried about experience? Don’t be – we welcome Illinois franchise owners from all backgrounds​. Our comprehensive training program will teach you everything you need to run an Antioch Pizza Shop successfully, whether you’re a seasoned restaurant manager or new to the food industry​. 

Those with foodservice experience will hit the ground running, and newcomers receive all the support needed to thrive. We look for hard-working, community-oriented people who are eager to learn and lead. When you franchise with Antioch Pizza, you’re part of our family – we’ll guide you from site selection to grand opening, and provide ongoing support to help your business grow.

Ready to Own the Best Pizza Franchise in Illinois?

If you’re excited about this pizza franchise opportunity in Illinois, let’s talk! Contact Antioch Pizza Shop today or fill out our online inquiry form to request more franchise information​. Our franchise development team will be in touch to answer your questions and help you get started. 

Don’t miss your chance to bring an award-winning, community-loved pizza shop to your Illinois hometown. With Antioch Pizza’s support, you can turn your passion for pizza into a thriving business. Reach out now to start your Antioch Pizza franchise journey in Illinois!