Moe's Southwest Grill vs Pizza HutFranchise Comparison 2026
Moe's Southwest Grill and Pizza Hut 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 | Moe's Southwest Grill | Pizza Hut | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $25,000 | +20% |
| Total Investment (Low) | $350,000 | $367,000 | -5% |
| Total Investment (High) | $710,000 | $1.8M | -61% |
| Cash Required | $250,000 | $350,000 | -29% |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 6.0% | Lower |
| Advertising Fee | 3.0% | 5.0% | Lower |
| Estimated Revenue | $920,000 | $900,000 | +2% |
| Number of Locations | 720 | 6,400 | Fewer |
| Year Founded | 2000 | 1958 | Newer |
| Training Duration | 4 weeks | 6 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 Moe's Southwest Grill
Fresh Tex-Mex with free chips and salsa. Part of Focus Brands. Strong unit economics and operational simplicity.
About Pizza Hut
Dine-in and delivery pizza with broader menu. Part of Yum! Brands. Higher investment for traditional format.
Investment Comparison
Moe's Southwest Grill requires a lower initial investment (avg $530,000) compared to Pizza Hut(avg $1.1M), making it more accessible for first-time franchisees. However, Pizza Hut may offer similar revenue potential.
Fee Structure
Moe's Southwest Grill has lower ongoing fees (8.0% total) compared to Pizza Hut(11.0% total), which means more of each sales dollar stays with the franchisee. Over time, this can significantly impact profitability.
Market Position
Pizza Hut has a significantly larger footprint with 6,400 locations compared to Moe's Southwest Grill's 720. 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 Moe's Southwest Grill vs Pizza Hut franchise?
Moe's Southwest Grill requires an initial investment of $350,000 to $710,000, while Pizza Hut requires $367,000 to $1.8M. Moe's Southwest Grill has the lower average investment at $530,000.
What are the ongoing fees for Moe's Southwest Grill vs Pizza Hut?
Moe's Southwest Grill charges a 5.0% royalty plus 3.0% advertising fee (8.0% total). Pizza Hut charges 6.0% royalty plus 5.0% advertising fee (11.0% total). Moe's Southwest Grill has lower total ongoing fees.
Which franchise makes more money: Moe's Southwest Grill or Pizza Hut?
Based on estimated average unit revenue, Moe's Southwest Grill generates $920,000 per location compared to $900,000 for Pizza Hut. However, profitability depends on many factors including local market, operating costs, and management.
How many locations does Moe's Southwest Grill have vs Pizza Hut?
Moe's Southwest Grill has 720 locations, while Pizza Hut has 6,400 locations. Pizza Hut has the larger footprint, which typically means stronger brand recognition and supply chain advantages.
Is Moe's Southwest Grill or Pizza Hut a better franchise investment in 2026?
Both Moe's Southwest Grill and Pizza Hut 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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