When did the original Carbone's Pizza location open, as it relates to Carbones Pizzeria?
Carbones_Pizzeria Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Carbone Pizza, Inc., our affiliate, will occasionally sell products to our franchisees. It is also the owner of the original Carbone's Pizza location in St. Paul, Minnesota, which opened in 1954.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 6–7)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carbones Pizzeria's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the original Carbone's Pizza location, owned by the franchisor's affiliate Carbone Pizza, Inc., opened in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1954. This original location is not a franchise itself, but rather a corporate-owned store.
This information is relevant for prospective franchisees as it provides insight into the history and origins of the Carbones Pizzeria brand. Knowing the brand's history can help franchisees understand the brand's values and how it has evolved over time. The fact that the original location is still operating under the ownership of an affiliate could also signal a commitment to the brand's legacy.
It's important to note that the original Carbone's Pizza was established by Carbone & Sons, Inc., which ceased franchising activities in 1977. The current franchisor, M & T Pizza Incorporated, began offering franchises in 1977. This distinction highlights a change in the franchise structure and ownership over time. While two franchisees still operate under licenses with Carbone & Sons, Inc., new franchisees will be dealing directly with M & T Pizza Incorporated.