How to Finance a Pizza Boli’s Franchise: 70+ Mid-Atlantic Stores
By Marc Cornella
A Pizza Boli’s franchise loan finances a delivery, carryout and sit-down pizzeria in a brand that grew from one Baltimore shop into a Mid-Atlantic chain. Pizza Boli’s is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, and the company points prospective owners to that listing itself, but it does not publish its fees or investment range, so the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is where every cost figure must come from.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Pizza Boli’s; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures in the franchisor’s disclosure document 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 FDD and franchise agreement with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Pizza Boli’s Franchise Loan at a Glance
- System size: the company describes more than 70 stores in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, and its franchising page also lists New Jersey.
- Formats: sit-down, delivery and carryout options.
- Brand history: the first store opened in Baltimore’s Mount Washington neighborhood more than 30 years ago, according to the company.
- Franchise fee, royalty and investment: not published; the company describes its costs to open and operate as low, but Items 5, 6 and 7 of the FDD give the actual figures.
- Net worth and liquidity: not published; ask during the application process.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed under code S3964, with a note about the Rider to Lease when real estate secures the loan.
What Is Pizza Boli’s?
Pizza Boli’s was founded by Javed Nasir, who opened the first store in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland. The company says the brand has been built over more than 30 years and now spans more than 70 stores across Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, with New Jersey also named on its franchising page.
The menu goes beyond pizza to chicken wings, subs and sandwiches, pasta, salads, desserts and the brand’s rice platters. The company emphasizes fresh, never frozen dough, its sauce and 100% cheese, and it positions itself on offering more toppings, menu items and variety than a typical pizza shop.
Why lenders view Pizza Boli’s the way they do. A regional brand with decades of history and a dense store network in a few states gives lenders a track record to look at, especially for resales where a store’s own sales history is available. Because public cost data is thin, though, a lender will expect the borrower to bring the FDD and a well-supported budget rather than rely on brand reputation alone.
Pizza Boli’s Franchise Costs
Pizza Boli’s does not post its franchise fee or investment range, so treat the following as the cost categories to confirm in the FDD.
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 discloses the fee, when it is due and whether any multi-unit or development fees apply.
Build-out. A pizzeria needs a hood and fire suppression system over the ovens, gas service, grease management, walk-in refrigeration, a counter and, for sit-down stores, a dining room. Second-generation pizza or restaurant space can reduce build-out work considerably.
Equipment. Pizza ovens, dough mixers, make lines, fryers for wings, refrigeration, a point-of-sale and online ordering system, and delivery bags and equipment.
Opening costs and working capital. Opening inventory, training costs, grand opening marketing, insurance, licenses, deposits and an operating reserve while sales build.
Item 7 of the FDD will typically list ranges for line items such as:
- Initial franchise fee
- Leasehold improvements
- Kitchen equipment, furniture and fixtures
- Signage and decor
- Point-of-sale and technology
- Opening inventory and supplies
- Training, licenses, deposits and insurance
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
The low and high totals of that table are the starting point for any loan request. Sit-down stores and delivery and carryout stores will usually fall at different points in the range.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Item 6 lists the royalty, any advertising or marketing fund contribution, technology fees, transfer and renewal fees, and any required local marketing spend. The company says it provides marketing, advertising and promotional support, so understand exactly what owners contribute toward it.
Lenders deduct franchise fees from projected sales before measuring cash available for debt service. In a pizza business, food cost, labor for drivers and kitchen staff, delivery costs and third-party delivery commissions also take a meaningful share of sales, so lenders will want projections that show each of these clearly.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
Pizza Boli’s does not publish net worth, liquidity or experience minimums. Its franchising page describes the process as applying online, then contacting the corporate office for more information. During that process, ask about:
- Minimum net worth and liquid capital
- Restaurant or pizza experience expectations
- Training length and location
- Territory availability in your market
- Site approval and lease requirements
The company says it offers extensive training and operational support and that many territories are open for development, so availability in your target area is the first question to settle.
Ways to Own a Pizza Boli’s
A new store. A Pizza Boli’s franchise loan for a new location is underwritten on projections, so a realistic build-out budget and the owner’s restaurant background carry the most weight. Our page on restaurant start-up financing covers how these loans are structured.
Buying an existing store. With a store network of this size, resales may come up. Buying an operating store lets the lender underwrite real sales and expenses. The franchisor must approve the buyer, and Item 17 explains transfer conditions. See our article on buying a franchise resale.
Multiple stores. The company says franchisees have the opportunity to grow with multiple locations. Each store generally needs its own financing, and lenders look at the combined results as the group grows.
Financing Options for a Pizza Boli’s Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. As a listed brand, Pizza Boli’s buyers can apply for an SBA 7(a) loan to cover the franchise fee, build-out, equipment, inventory and working capital, or to buy an existing store.
SBA 504 loans. If the plan includes buying the building, an SBA 504 loan is designed for owner-occupied real estate and long-lived equipment.
Conventional term loans. Experienced operators and multi-unit owners with strong financials may prefer a conventional business loan, particularly for an acquisition of an established store.
Equipment financing. Ovens, mixers, refrigeration and point-of-sale systems can be financed on their own. Read about restaurant equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. Pizza sales often swing with sports seasons, holidays and weather, and new stores need time to build delivery customers. Restaurant working capital financing can cover those gaps.
Seller financing on resales. A selling franchisee may carry part of the price. Seller notes are typically subordinate to the senior loan, and SBA rules may limit their terms.
SBA Loans for Pizza Boli’s Franchisees
The SBA Franchise Directory lists franchise brands whose agreements have been reviewed for SBA eligibility. A listing lets an SBA lender consider a franchisee without separately reviewing the franchise relationship, but it does not approve any borrower.
Listing and code. Pizza Boli’s is listed under code S3964, and the company’s own franchising page points out that listing. Share the code with your lender so it can confirm the current status and related documents.
What the directory note means. The note says that when the real estate where the franchise business is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the Rider to Lease may not be executed. A rider to lease is the franchisor’s add-on to a store lease, typically giving it rights such as taking over the space if the franchise ends. When you own the property and pledge it as collateral, there is no landlord lease for that rider to modify, so it is not signed. Owners who lease their space will generally sign it as part of the lease.
Program size and planning. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. For a rough payment estimate, use our SBA loan calculator; it is for planning only. Our article on SBA loans for restaurants explains how lenders approach these deals.
How Lenders Evaluate a Pizza Boli’s Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement and generally require a personal guarantee.
Net worth and liquidity. Expect to show the cash for an equity injection plus reserves left over after closing.
Industry and management experience. Pizza and delivery experience, including managing drivers, food cost and late-night shifts, strengthens an application.
Business plan and projections. Base projections on your trade area, the store format, delivery radius, the mix of carryout, delivery and dine-in sales, and every Item 6 fee.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review Items 5, 6, 7, 17 and 20, and Item 19 shows whether the franchisor provides financial performance representations. Check Item 3 and Item 4 for any litigation or bankruptcy disclosures.
Site and lease. The lease term should match or exceed the loan term, and the site should support delivery logistics and parking.
Historical financials for resales. Expect to provide several years of the store’s profit and loss statements, sales reports and tax returns. Our article on preparing a restaurant loan package lists what to gather.
Equipment in a Pizza Boli’s Store
The oven line is the most important equipment decision in a pizzeria because it sets how many pies the store can produce at peak. Add dough mixers, a refrigerated make line, fryers for wings, a walk-in cooler, a slicer and the point-of-sale and online ordering system. The company says it supports continued product innovation and development, so ask whether new menu items have required equipment changes in recent years.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development
Owners who succeed with one store often add a second nearby to share management and marketing. Lenders financing that growth look at the first store’s performance, the combined debt load and whether a manager can run each location. Ask the franchisor whether it offers development agreements and what opening schedule would apply.
Real-World Scenarios
A pizza manager buying a resale. A longtime manager buys an operating Pizza Boli’s from a retiring owner. An SBA 7(a) loan covers the purchase and working capital, the seller carries a small subordinate note, and the franchisor approves the transfer.
A new delivery and carryout store. A first-time owner with restaurant experience opens a store in a former pizza space, financing the remaining build-out, ovens and opening inventory with one SBA loan.
An owner who buys the building. A franchisee purchases a small retail building for a sit-down store using SBA 504 financing. Because the real estate secures the loan, the Rider to Lease is not executed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Building a loan request before reviewing the FDD’s Item 7 table
- Underestimating hood, gas and fire suppression costs in a non-restaurant space
- Ignoring third-party delivery commissions and driver costs in projections
- Signing a lease that ends before the loan does
- Starting with too little working capital for slow early months
For more, read the restaurant loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your Pizza Boli’s Franchise
Step 1: Apply and request the FDD. Complete the online application and request the current disclosure document.
Step 2: Confirm territory and requirements. Ask whether your market is open and what financial and experience standards apply.
Step 3: Choose a format and site. Decide between a sit-down or delivery and carryout store and secure a letter of intent.
Step 4: Price the build-out. Get contractor bids and equipment quotes that meet the franchisor’s specifications.
Step 5: Prepare projections and documents. Build a business plan and gather tax returns and a personal financial statement.
Step 6: Apply for financing. Submit your package with the FDD and the SBA directory code.
Step 7: Close and open. Coordinate closing with the lease, construction and training schedule.
Pizza Boli’s Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a Pizza Boli’s franchise cost?
The company does not publish its investment range. Item 7 of the current FDD gives the estimated total and the line items.
What is the Pizza Boli’s franchise fee?
The fee is not published online. Item 5 of the FDD states the amount and terms.
What royalty does Pizza Boli’s charge?
Item 6 of the FDD discloses the royalty, any marketing fund contribution and other ongoing fees.
Can I get an SBA loan for a Pizza Boli’s?
Yes, qualified buyers can apply. The brand is on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S3964, and every loan is subject to approval.
What does the SBA Rider to Lease note mean?
If real estate you own secures the SBA loan, the franchisor’s Rider to Lease is not signed. If you lease, it generally is.
How many Pizza Boli’s locations are there?
The company describes more than 70 stores in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. Item 20 of the FDD gives the official outlet counts.
Can I buy an existing Pizza Boli’s?
Yes, if a franchisee is selling and the franchisor approves you. Lenders can then review the store’s actual results.
Can a first-time owner get a Pizza Boli’s franchise loan?
It is possible. Restaurant or pizza management experience, a solid plan and adequate cash strengthen the application.
Does Pizza Boli’s offer financing?
Check Item 10 of the FDD for any financing the franchisor offers.
How long is the franchise term?
Item 17 of the FDD and the franchise agreement state the term, renewal rights and transfer rules.
Final Thoughts
A Pizza Boli’s franchise loan rests on a regional brand with a long history and an SBA directory listing, paired with cost details that only the FDD provides. Buyers who get the disclosure document early, price the build-out carefully and plan for delivery-driven operating costs will be in the best position to secure financing.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and restaurant financing solutions.
