What is Aw's recommendation regarding purchasing a site for the franchise?

According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Aw does not recommend purchasing a site for a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant franchise. Instead, Aw provides an estimate covering the security deposit and rent for the first 3 months, ranging from $4,000 to $16,000, for leasing a site between 900 and 2,500 square feet. The security deposit is typically one month's rent, but the actual rent varies based on the size, type, condition, and location of the premises. The lower end of the estimate assumes the franchisee can negotiate some free rent at the beginning of the lease term.

Aw also highly recommends trying to secure a site that is already configured for a restaurant and contains some existing kitchen fixtures and equipment. This can significantly reduce leasehold improvement costs, which Aw estimates to range from $30,000 to $60,000. These improvements are necessary to conform the premises to Aw's specifications and can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size, condition, and location of the site, as well as local zoning and building ordinances.

By advising against purchasing a site and recommending a previously configured restaurant space, Aw aims to lower the initial investment for franchisees. Leasing allows for more flexibility and potentially lower upfront costs compared to purchasing property. Securing a site with existing kitchen infrastructure can further reduce the financial burden of leasehold improvements, making the franchise more accessible and potentially profitable in the early stages.