Blaze Pizza vs Noodles & CompanyFranchise Comparison 2026
Blaze Pizza and Noodles & Company 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 | Noodles & Company | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $30,000 | 0% |
| Total Investment (Low) | $350,000 | $693,000 | -49% |
| Total Investment (High) | $850,000 | $1.5M | -42% |
| Cash Required | $250,000 | $400,000 | -38% |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 5.0% | Same |
| Advertising Fee | 1.0% | 2.5% | Lower |
| Estimated Revenue | $850,000 | $1.1M | -23% |
| Number of Locations | 340 | 450 | Fewer |
| Year Founded | 2011 | 1995 | Newer |
| Training Duration | 3 weeks | 5 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 Noodles & Company
Global noodle dishes from Asian to Mediterranean cuisines. Fast-casual format with fresh preparation.
Investment Comparison
Blaze Pizza requires a lower initial investment (avg $600,000) compared to Noodles & Company(avg $1.1M), making it more accessible for first-time franchisees. However, Noodles & Company may offer higher revenue potential.
Fee Structure
Blaze Pizza has lower ongoing fees (6.0% total) compared to Noodles & Company(7.5% total), which means more of each sales dollar stays with the franchisee. Over time, this can significantly impact profitability.
Market Position
Noodles & Company has a significantly larger footprint with 450 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 Noodles & Company franchise?
Blaze Pizza requires an initial investment of $350,000 to $850,000, while Noodles & Company requires $693,000 to $1.5M. Blaze Pizza has the lower average investment at $600,000.
What are the ongoing fees for Blaze Pizza vs Noodles & Company?
Blaze Pizza charges a 5.0% royalty plus 1.0% advertising fee (6.0% total). Noodles & Company charges 5.0% royalty plus 2.5% advertising fee (7.5% total). Blaze Pizza has lower total ongoing fees.
Which franchise makes more money: Blaze Pizza or Noodles & Company?
Based on estimated average unit revenue, Noodles & Company generates $1.1M 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 Noodles & Company?
Blaze Pizza has 340 locations, while Noodles & Company has 450 locations. Noodles & Company has the larger footprint, which typically means stronger brand recognition and supply chain advantages.
Is Blaze Pizza or Noodles & Company a better franchise investment in 2026?
Both Blaze Pizza and Noodles & Company are established QSR brands with proven models. Blaze Pizza offers a lower entry point, while Noodles & Company 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.
Stay Updated on Franchise Comparisons
Get detailed franchise cost analysis and investment insights delivered weekly.
QSR Intelligence Briefing
Daily insights on the QSR industry. No spam, just intelligence.