Pizza Factory

Pizza Factory Inc. is a chain of pizza restaurants in the western United States. The company began in 1979, when Danny Wheeler and his wife Carol opened Danny's Red Devil Pizza in Oakhurst, California. In 1981, the Willeys opened a second location in Mariposa, California, known as Pizza Factory. By 2000, the company had expanded throughout the western U.S. In 2012, longtime franchisee and marketing team member Mary Jane Riva purchased the company and became its president and chief executive officer. As of 2016, Pizza Factory had 115 locations in six states, including six in the West. The overall investment for franchisees is between $274,000 to $542,000, including a $20,000 franchise fee. It charges a three-percent royalty fee, which is considered low in comparison to similar franchises. Each restaurant was designed to allow customers to watch as the food was being prepared. Each franchisee was encouraged to add local memorabilia and photos to their restaurant, as well as participate in community events and to support local sports teams. The couples' ultimate ideal goal was to have 200 locations by 1992.