How to Finance a DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Franchise: Startup Costs
By Anthony Cornella
A DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks franchise loan typically pays for a franchise fee of $15,000 or $25,000, a build-out the franchisor estimates at $132,500 to $556,500, pizza kitchen equipment and the working capital to carry a new restaurant through its opening months. The brand offers both a delivery and carry-out format and a full dine-in unit, and that choice drives most of the financing plan.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document and website can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice. Review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a franchise attorney and an accountant before you sign.
DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Founded: 1984, with the first restaurant in College Station, Texas.
- Initial franchise fee: $15,000 for a delivery/carry-out unit and $25,000 for a regular unit, according to the franchisor’s website.
- Royalty: 5% to 6%, depending on footprint.
- Marketing: 1% national and 4% local.
- Build-out costs: $132,500 to $556,500, as published by the franchisor.
- Footprint: less than 2,500 square feet, with seating for about 60 in a dine-in unit.
- Ways to grow: single-unit agreements, area development agreements and master franchise areas.
- System history: the franchisor reports over 40 franchisees since 1984.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed under code S0516, with a note about the lease rider when real estate secures the loan (explained below).
What Is DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks?
DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks is a pizza restaurant brand founded in 1984, when its founder opened the first restaurant near the university campus in College Station, Texas. The brand built its reputation on hand-rolled dough made with a custom-blended crust flour and a tomato-based sauce, and it has grown mainly across Texas, with restaurants in neighboring states.
Two formats. The franchisor offers a delivery/carry-out unit and a regular unit with a dining room. The smaller format carries a lower franchise fee and generally a lighter build-out, while the regular unit adds seating, restrooms and front-of-house finishes.
How lenders view the brand. A franchise with four decades of history, a compact footprint and a published fee structure gives lenders a clear starting point. Because the system is regional and relatively small, though, lenders will rely heavily on the specific site, the borrower’s restaurant experience and the FDD rather than on national brand recognition.
DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Franchise Costs
Initial franchise fee. The franchisor’s website lists a $15,000 fee for a delivery/carry-out unit and a $25,000 fee for a regular unit. Item 5 of the FDD confirms when the fee is due and whether any part is refundable.
Build-out. DoubleDave’s publishes build-out costs of $132,500 to $556,500. The wide range reflects the difference between a small delivery space and a full dine-in restaurant, as well as whether the space is a second-generation restaurant with existing hood and plumbing or a vanilla shell that needs everything installed.
Kitchen equipment. A pizza kitchen needs ovens, dough mixers, a prep table, walk-in and reach-in refrigeration, ventilation hoods, smallwares and a point-of-sale and online ordering system. Some of these may be included in the build-out figure; the FDD’s Item 7 table shows how the franchisor categorizes them.
Opening costs and working capital. Training, opening inventory, initial marketing, deposits, insurance and payroll for the first months should all be in the budget, along with delivery-related costs if you run a delivery operation.
Total investment. The franchisor’s website lists the franchise fee and build-out costs but not a total initial investment. The full estimate is in Item 7 of the current FDD, which typically includes categories such as:
- Initial franchise fee
- Leasehold improvements and build-out
- Kitchen equipment, furniture and fixtures
- Signage
- Point-of-sale and technology systems
- Opening inventory and supplies
- Training expenses
- Grand opening marketing
- Lease deposits, insurance and licenses
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Confirm the FDD’s range with contractor bids for your site.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Royalty. The franchisor lists a royalty of 5% to 6%, depending on footprint. Confirm which rate applies to your format in Item 6 of the FDD.
Marketing. The franchisor lists a marketing allocation of 1% national and 4% local. The local portion is spending you direct in your own market, but it still comes out of sales before debt service.
How lenders factor them in. Royalty and marketing together can take a meaningful share of each sales dollar. Lenders deduct them along with food, labor, rent and delivery costs, then compare the remaining cash flow with the proposed loan payment.
Other fees. Item 6 may also list technology, training, transfer and renewal fees. Ask about any required remodels or equipment upgrades over the term, since those are future capital needs.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
The franchisor’s website does not publish minimum net worth or liquid capital requirements. Ask the development team and confirm the figures against the FDD. Lenders will separately look for a verified equity contribution and reserves after closing.
The approval process. DoubleDave’s outlines an eight-step path that begins with an information request and an introductory call with company leadership and ends with a grand opening. Along the way, expect FDD review, a discovery process, site selection, signing and training. Line up financing early so your loan is ready when your site and agreement are.
Ways to Own a DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks
A new delivery/carry-out unit. The lower franchise fee and smaller build-out make this the lighter start-up option. Lenders underwrite it on projections and the operator’s experience. Our page on franchise start-up financing explains the basics.
A new regular unit. A dine-in restaurant requires a larger budget for seating, restrooms and finishes. Our article on restaurant build-out financing covers how construction costs are funded.
Buying an existing restaurant. Resales can come up in an established system. A resale gives the lender actual sales history to underwrite, subject to franchisor transfer approval. Read our guide to buying a franchise resale.
Area development and master franchise areas. DoubleDave’s offers area development agreements and master franchise exclusivity areas for operators who want to open multiple restaurants. These require a larger capital plan, discussed below.
Financing Options for a DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because DoubleDave’s is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, an SBA 7(a) loan is a strong fit for a new or existing restaurant. A single 7(a) loan can cover the franchise fee, build-out, equipment and working capital.
SBA 504 loans. If you plan to buy or build the restaurant property, the SBA 504 program finances owner-occupied real estate and long-lived equipment. It suits operators who want to own a freestanding or end-cap location.
Conventional term loans. Experienced restaurant operators with collateral and liquidity may qualify for a conventional business loan, which can offer flexibility for multi-unit growth.
Equipment financing. Pizza ovens, mixers, refrigeration, prep tables and point-of-sale systems can be financed separately to preserve cash for working capital. Learn more about restaurant equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. A new pizza restaurant needs cash for payroll, food purchases, local marketing and delivery costs while sales build. Pizza demand also tends to swing with school calendars, sports seasons and holidays. See our restaurant working capital options.
Seller financing on resales. When buying an existing restaurant, a seller may agree to carry part of the price. Any seller note is typically subordinate to the senior lender, and SBA rules may limit how it is structured.
SBA Loans for DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Franchisees
SBA lenders use the SBA Franchise Directory to confirm that a franchise brand’s agreement has been reviewed for eligibility. A listing does not approve any borrower; it clears the franchise relationship for review.
Directory listing. DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks appears on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S0516. The listing notes that when the real estate where the franchise business is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the Lease Rider may not be executed.
What the note means. A lease rider is an addendum, often required by franchisors, that gives the franchisor rights in the lease if the franchise ends. If you own the property and pledge it as collateral for your SBA loan, the lease rider is not signed, so it does not conflict with the lender’s lien. If you lease from a third-party landlord, the note generally does not affect you.
Program size and tips. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. Bring the FDD, a lease or letter of intent, contractor bids, a detailed budget and a business plan with month-by-month projections.
How Lenders Evaluate a DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Expect a review of credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement, plus a personal guarantee.
Net worth and liquidity. Lenders want your equity contribution from verified sources and reserves left over after closing.
Restaurant experience. Food service or management experience strengthens a request. First-time operators should explain how training and hiring an experienced manager will close any gap.
Business plan and projections. Build sales assumptions around your format, trade area, delivery radius and seating, then apply the exact royalty rate and marketing allocation. Show a realistic ramp-up period.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal and transfer terms, and check whether Item 19 includes financial performance representations. Our guide to how lenders read a Franchise Disclosure Document explains what they look for.
Site and lease. Lenders want a lease that runs at least as long as the loan, with renewal options, and a site with visibility, parking and delivery access.
Historical financials for resales. Expect to provide several years of sales reports and tax returns for an existing restaurant.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
DoubleDave’s offers single-unit agreements, area development agreements and master franchise exclusivity areas. A development agreement commits you to opening a set number of restaurants on a schedule, so your financing plan needs to match those deadlines. Lenders typically finance each restaurant as it opens, using the cash flow of existing units to support the next. Our article on financing an area development agreement covers how to plan for it.
Real-World Scenarios
A restaurant manager opening a delivery unit. A manager with years of pizza experience uses savings for the equity injection and an SBA 7(a) loan for the $15,000 fee, a modest build-out, ovens and working capital.
An operator who buys the building. An owner finds a small freestanding building and uses an SBA 504 loan for the property and a separate loan for equipment. Because the real estate secures SBA financing, the lease rider is not executed.
A franchisee buying a resale. A buyer acquires an existing college-town restaurant from a retiring owner. The lender underwrites historical sales and the seller carries a small subordinate note.
An area developer. An experienced operator signs a development agreement and finances the first two restaurants, then uses their cash flow to support loans for later units.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Budgeting only for build-out and forgetting equipment, opening inventory and working capital
- Using a generic royalty rate instead of the one tied to your format
- Choosing a site without a confirmed delivery radius or parking
- Signing a lease shorter than the loan term
- Committing to a development schedule without a financing plan for each unit
- Underestimating slow seasons in a college or school-driven market
For more pitfalls, read the restaurant loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Franchise
Step 1: Request the FDD. Review Items 5, 6, 7, 17, 19 and 21 with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 2: Choose your format. Decide between a delivery/carry-out unit and a regular dine-in unit.
Step 3: Estimate payments. Use our SBA loan calculator for early estimates, which are for planning only and are not an offer or approval.
Step 4: Secure a site. Get a letter of intent and contractor bids for the build-out.
Step 5: Prepare your loan package. Assemble your financial statement, tax returns, resume and business plan.
Step 6: Apply and coordinate approvals. Align your loan timeline with the franchise agreement, lease and construction schedule.
Step 7: Close, build and open. Fund the build-out, install equipment, complete training and plan your grand opening.
DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks franchise cost?
The franchisor lists a franchise fee of $15,000 or $25,000 and build-out costs of $132,500 to $556,500. Equipment, opening costs and working capital come on top, and the full estimate is in Item 7 of the FDD.
What is the DoubleDave’s franchise fee?
$15,000 for a delivery/carry-out unit and $25,000 for a regular unit, according to the franchisor’s website.
What royalty does DoubleDave’s charge?
The franchisor lists 5% to 6% depending on footprint, plus a marketing allocation of 1% national and 4% local.
Is DoubleDave’s eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. It is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S0516, so a DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks franchise loan can be made through SBA programs, subject to approval.
How much liquid capital do I need?
The franchisor’s website does not publish net worth or liquidity minimums. Ask the franchisor and check the FDD, and plan to show lenders a verified equity contribution plus reserves.
Can I finance pizza ovens and equipment separately?
Yes. Ovens, mixers, refrigeration and point-of-sale systems can often be financed through equipment loans or leases.
Can I buy an existing DoubleDave’s?
Yes, when one is for sale and the franchisor approves the transfer. A resale lets lenders underwrite actual sales history.
Can a first-time owner get a DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks franchise loan?
Yes, if the franchisor approves you and you meet lender standards. Restaurant management experience or an experienced manager strengthens the request.
Can I open multiple locations?
Yes. DoubleDave’s offers area development agreements and master franchise exclusivity areas.
Does DoubleDave’s offer financing?
Item 10 of the FDD discloses any franchisor financing. Most buyers arrange their own loans.
How big is a DoubleDave’s restaurant?
The franchisor describes a footprint of less than 2,500 square feet, with seating for about 60 in a dine-in unit.
How long is the franchise term?
The term, renewal and transfer conditions are in Item 17 of the FDD. Lenders want the franchise term and lease to cover the loan’s length.
Final Thoughts
A DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks franchise loan starts with a clear choice between a delivery/carry-out unit and a full dine-in restaurant. Build your budget from the FDD, apply the right royalty rate, plan for seasonal swings and use the brand’s SBA listing to your advantage.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment, working capital and real estate. Learn more about our franchise financing and restaurant financing solutions.
