Blaze Pizza vs Moe's Southwest GrillFranchise Comparison 2026
Blaze Pizza and Moe's Southwest Grill represent two different approaches in the QSR space. Here's how they compare on investment costs, fees, revenue potential, and market presence.
Quick Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Blaze Pizza | Moe's Southwest Grill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $30,000 | 0% |
| Total Investment (Low) | $350,000 | $350,000 | 0% |
| Total Investment (High) | $850,000 | $710,000 | +20% |
| Cash Required | $250,000 | $250,000 | 0% |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 5.0% | Same |
| Advertising Fee | 1.0% | 3.0% | Lower |
| Estimated Revenue | $850,000 | $920,000 | -8% |
| Number of Locations | 340 | 720 | Fewer |
| Year Founded | 2011 | 2000 | Newer |
| Training Duration | 3 weeks | 4 weeks | Shorter |
Note: Data sourced from public FDD filings and industry reports. Actual costs vary by location, real estate, and format. Always review current FDD Item 7 and Item 19 disclosures before making investment decisions.
Detailed Analysis
About Blaze Pizza
Fast-fire'd artisan pizzas with unlimited toppings. Fast-casual positioning with build-your-own model similar to Chipotle.
About Moe's Southwest Grill
Fresh Tex-Mex with free chips and salsa. Part of Focus Brands. Strong unit economics and operational simplicity.
Investment Comparison
Moe's Southwest Grill requires a lower initial investment (avg $530,000) compared to Blaze Pizza(avg $600,000), making it more accessible for first-time franchisees. However, Blaze Pizza may offer similar revenue potential.
Fee Structure
Blaze Pizza has lower ongoing fees (6.0% total) compared to Moe's Southwest Grill(8.0% total), which means more of each sales dollar stays with the franchisee. Over time, this can significantly impact profitability.
Market Position
Moe's Southwest Grill has a significantly larger footprint with 720 locations compared to Blaze Pizza's 340. This larger network typically means better brand recognition, more purchasing power, and stronger operational support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Blaze Pizza vs Moe's Southwest Grill franchise?
Blaze Pizza requires an initial investment of $350,000 to $850,000, while Moe's Southwest Grill requires $350,000 to $710,000. Moe's Southwest Grill has the lower average investment at $530,000.
What are the ongoing fees for Blaze Pizza vs Moe's Southwest Grill?
Blaze Pizza charges a 5.0% royalty plus 1.0% advertising fee (6.0% total). Moe's Southwest Grill charges 5.0% royalty plus 3.0% advertising fee (8.0% total). Blaze Pizza has lower total ongoing fees.
Which franchise makes more money: Blaze Pizza or Moe's Southwest Grill?
Based on estimated average unit revenue, Moe's Southwest Grill generates $920,000 per location compared to $850,000 for Blaze Pizza. However, profitability depends on many factors including local market, operating costs, and management.
How many locations does Blaze Pizza have vs Moe's Southwest Grill?
Blaze Pizza has 340 locations, while Moe's Southwest Grill has 720 locations. Moe's Southwest Grill has the larger footprint, which typically means stronger brand recognition and supply chain advantages.
Is Blaze Pizza or Moe's Southwest Grill a better franchise investment in 2026?
Both Blaze Pizza and Moe's Southwest Grill are established QSR brands with proven models. Moe's Southwest Grill offers a lower entry point, while Moe's Southwest Grill shows higher average revenue. The best choice depends on your available capital, local market conditions, and personal goals. Always review the current FDD before making investment decisions.
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