Pizza franchise vs. opening an independent restaurant: complete comparison Make the right decision

People who want to open a pizza shop often have the same question — should they buy a franchise? Or open your own shop and buy flour wholesale?

Both routes have distinct advantages and disadvantages. A detailed comparison will help you make the right decision based on your situation and goals.

In this article, I will break down every expense. Compare long-term profits and help you choose the right path.

Pizza franchise costs in Thailand What do you pay?

Franchise doesn't just pay once. There are many hidden costs.

1. Franchise Fee

Brand name royalties Pay once at the start

100,000 - 1,500,000 baht depending on brand

2. Royalty Fee

Paid every month, equivalent to 4-8% of sales

Example: Sales 300,000 baht/month → royalty 12,000-24,000 Baht/month Every month throughout the contract period.

3. Marketing Fee

Another 1-3% of sales is for central marketing.

4. Shop decoration costs

Must be decorated according to brand standards It's often more expensive than decorating it yourself. Because it must use materials and designs that are specified by the brand.

5. Force suppliers

Raw materials must be purchased from suppliers designated by the brand only. Often has a higher price than the market.

Cost of opening an independent store Buy wholesale flour

Opening an independent store and buyingWholesale pizza dough from Tindoro Primehas a much lower initial cost.

List	Franchise	Independent shop
Franchise Fee	100k-1.5M baht	0 Baht
Monthly Royalty	4-8% sales	0 Baht
Marketing Fee	1-3% sales	0 Baht
Decoration cost	High (as per standard)	Normal
Suppliers	Force	Choose yourself
Total initial budget	500k-3M Baht	300k-800k Baht

ReadCost of opening a pizza shop in Thailand 2026More

Freedom in management

The most important difference between the two options is matter. Freedom in management

Franchise — proven system But limited

Advantages:

• Has a proven system
• Brand name that customers know
• Marketing and training support

Limitations:

• Can't change menu
• Can't set your own price
• Unable to select supplier
• Can't decorate according to your own ideas
• Must follow brand rules strictly

Independent shop — complete freedom

• Create a unique menu. Try Increase sales with Thai-style pizza
• Adjust prices according to the market
• Choose the best supplier
• Decorate the shop according to your ideas
• Can change strategies at any time

Tindoro Prime is the ideal partner for independent shops — professional quality powder. There are no franchise obligations. Order as needed There is no mandatory long-term contract.

Compare long-term profits

In the short term, franchises may provide faster revenue because they have a brand name customer base, but in the long run independent stores are often more profitable

Let's do the math

The store has sales of400,000 Baht/month:

Value	Quantity
Royalty 6%	24,000 baht/month
Marketing 2%	8,000 baht/month
Total/month	32,000 Baht
Total/year	384,000 Baht
Total 5 years	1,920,000 Baht

This $1.9 million, the independent store won't have to pay at all — more than the initial franchise fee for many brands.

Read Compare the cost of homemade and ready-made dough to see ways to further reduce costs.

Choose the right powder for the shop

Tindoro Prime has several styles for independent shops to choose from:

• Napoli — Classic, suitable for Italian restaurants.
• Romana — thin crust, suitable for quick service
• Pinsa Romana — Premium, priced 30-50% higher.
• Teglia — for Banquet Buffet
• Combo Test Box — Try many styles at great prices

Still can't choose? Read Compare Napoli vs Pinsa vs Teglia

Who is suitable for the franchise? Who is suitable for independent shops?

Select Franchise if:

• Need confidence from a proven system
• No experience in the food business
• Need a brand name that customers know
• Willing to pay royalty in exchange for support

Select Independent Shop if:

• Need freedom in management
• Have your own ideas and vision
• Want full cost control
• Want to create your own brand
• Ready to learn fromChefs working in Thailand

Read more

• Guide to wholesale pizza dough suppliers in Thailand
• Pizza dough wholesale Bangkok
• Pizza dough wholesale Phuket
• Healthy Sourdough Pizza Dough

Easy to get started

For independent shops that want franchise level flour quality at wholesale prices Contact to request a quote and Free Test Box

For retail customers

Want to try making pizza from home first? Order from Tindoro Prime online store and deliver all over Thailand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a pizza franchise start in Thailand?

Initial franchise fee 100,000-1,500,000 baht depending on brand When including standard decoration and equipment costs The total budget is usually 500,000-3,000,000 Bahtand up

How do you calculate royalty fees?

Calculated as a percentage of total sales (not profits), usually 4-8% must be paid every month for the duration of the contract. Whether the store has profit or loss

Independent shop, no brand. Can it compete with the franchise?

Yes, of course. Many independent shops in Thailand have found success with:

• Unique menu
• Better quality
• Competitive price
• Marketing on social media (No need to spend a lot of money)

The important thing isfood quality — use Italian quality flour and customers will come back.

Buying wholesale flour from Tindoro Prime, do I have to sign a long-term contract?

No need to — no long-term contracts required. Order as needed. No royalty fees, no franchise fees. You only pay for the dough you order.

If you open an independent store and it fails. Is the risk higher than franchising?

Both are risky. Franchising has less risk when it comes to the system. But there is higher financial risk because there is more investment. Independent shops invest less. Therefore there is less loss if it is not successful.