Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom
Food & Beverage · Pizza
Description
What is Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom?
The menu showcases three distinctive pizza styles - Chicago Deep Dish, Thin Crust, and their signature Ale Crust - alongside a robust selection of Italian-inspired appetizers, pastas, and sandwiches. Their famous Italian nachos and pepperoni rolls have become customer favorites, while their extensive beer program features over 110 craft beer varieties, making it a paradise for beer aficionados.
What sets Old Chicago apart is their commitment to creating a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere that works equally well for family dinners, sports viewing, or casual gatherings. Their World Beer Tour program rewards regular customers with exclusive perks, while their consistently high service standards have earned them a loyal following across their locations.
The restaurant's dual-concept design, featuring both a family-friendly dining room and a separate bar area, allows franchisees to capture multiple revenue streams throughout the day. Their proven operational model combines time-tested recipes with modern craft beer culture, creating a concept that resonates with today's consumers while maintaining the authentic charm that has made them successful for over four decades.
- Nearly 50 years operational experience
- Unique World Beer Tour program
- Curated local craft beer selection
- Family-friendly dining destination concept
- Established brand recognition since 1976
- Beer-centric experiential dining model
Location Analysis
Where Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom wins
The franchise's footprint reveals a pattern of clustering in mid-sized metropolitan areas rather than saturating major urban centers, potentially offering lower competition and operating costs. This approach has proven particularly effective in states like Minnesota and Iowa, where the brand maintains an established presence. The remaining markets show more dispersed coverage, presenting significant opportunities for market expansion.
Key success factors for locations include proximity to universities, young professional demographics, and areas with developed craft beer appreciation. Ideal locations feature 4,500-6,000 square feet in high-visibility retail corridors with strong dinner traffic and entertainment venues nearby. The brand's hybrid pizza restaurant/taproom concept particularly thrives in markets with limited direct competitors offering both craft beer variety and full-service dining.
Future expansion opportunities exist particularly in the Northeast and Southeast regions, where the concept's combination of pizza and craft beer could fill an underserved niche in suburban markets with strong household incomes and established dining-out cultures.
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Financial Analysis
The numbers behind Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom
The casual dining pizza segment faces evolving consumer preferences toward fast-casual concepts and delivery-focused models. However, Old Chicago's unique positioning as a beer-centric destination with its signature World Beer Tour program differentiates it from traditional pizza competitors. The brand targets beer enthusiasts and social dining experiences, appealing to demographics seeking experiential dining.
With 80 units and nearly five decades of operation since 1976, Old Chicago demonstrates operational stability and refined systems. However, the relatively modest unit count suggests measured growth rather than aggressive expansion, which may indicate market selectivity or operational complexity.
The investment suits experienced restaurant operators with substantial liquid capital and multi-unit development capabilities. The beer-focused concept requires sophisticated inventory management and regulatory compliance expertise. Territory development opportunities exist given the limited unit count relative to market potential.
Prospective investors should carefully evaluate local demographics, competition from craft breweries, and regulatory environments affecting alcohol service. The premium investment level demands thorough FDD review and comprehensive market analysis before proceeding.
Financing partners
Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees
Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.
FranFund
CRF USA
Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.
First Bank of the Lake
Pension Pros
FDD Item 7
Initial investment range
Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $1,381,500 to $2,119,000. The midpoint $1,750,250 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.
Growth over time
Franchise footprint
2022 Franchise Disclosure
FDD documents
Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom's 2022 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.
Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.
Buyer FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The initial investment for a Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom franchise typically ranges between $1,381,500.00 and $2,119,000.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.
Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2022. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
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