
How Fast-Food Franchising Actually Works
Almost every restaurant you think of as a chain is owned by someone else entirely. What the franchisee actually buys, and why it explains the price on the board.

Menus and prices in 9 markets, 490 items tracked.
Pizza Express is British, founded in London in 1965, and its format puts it in a different competitive set from the rest of the pizza brands here. Table service, a wine list and thin-base pizzas cooked to order place it against Italian restaurants rather than against Domino's delivery operation.
We hold 490 items across nine markets, with four products in the price index including garlic bread and the American.
Its overseas estate is largely built around markets with substantial British expatriate populations, which is a different expansion logic from either American scale or Asian regional franchising.
Each market has its own board. Prices are shown in local currency and are not comparable across rows - Use the index below for that.
| Market | Items | Cheapest | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA Pizza Express menu prices
USD |
39 | $1.60 | $15.45 | USA menu prices |
| Singapore Pizza Express menu prices
SGD |
50 | S$5.90 | S$27.07 | Singapore menu prices |
| Philippines Pizza Express menu prices
PHP |
65 | ₱50 | ₱429.08 | Philippines menu prices |
| Hong Kong Pizza Express menu prices
HKD |
97 | HK$18 | HK$164.82 | Hong Kong menu prices |
| Australia Pizza Express menu prices
AUD |
37 | A$4 | A$21.49 | Australia menu prices |
| Canada Pizza Express menu prices
CAD |
34 | C$0.70 | C$17.91 | Canada menu prices |
| United Kingdom Pizza Express menu prices
GBP |
54 | £1.95 | £16.83 | United Kingdom menu prices |
| Ireland Pizza Express menu prices
EUR |
68 | €0.75 | €14.70 | Ireland menu prices |
| New Zealand Pizza Express menu prices
NZD |
46 | NZ$3.50 | NZ$12.54 | New Zealand menu prices |
Prices are in each market’s own currency and are not comparable across rows; for that, use the price index.
Products sold under one name in four or more of our markets, converted to US dollars at weekly mid-market rates.
| Product | Markets | Cheapest (USD) | Average (USD) | Priciest (USD) | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Reine (Classic) Pizza Express price by country | 5 | $7.73 | $16.89 | $22.64 | +193% |
| American (Classic) Pizza Express price by country | 5 | $7.49 | $17.06 | $21.43 | +186% |
| Garlic Bread Pizza Express price by country | 5 | $2.88 | $4.85 | $7.91 | +174% |
| Margherita (Classic Large) Pizza Express price by country | 4 | $6.30 | $13.04 | $22.96 | +265% |
| Hawaiian Pizza Express price by country | 4 | $5.00 | $9.36 | $11.57 | +131% |
| Sloppy Giuseppe (Classic Large) Pizza Express price by country | 4 | $20.27 | $23.36 | $28.82 | +42% |
Every item across every Pizza Express menu, mapped onto our dish taxonomy.
In 1965, Peter Boizot returned to London after time abroad and found himself craving the authentic Italian pizza he had enjoyed during his travels. Disappointed by the local offerings, he decided to bring a taste of Italy to the UK. He imported a pizza oven from Naples and hired a Sicilian chef, opening the first Pizza Express on Wardour Street in Soho. This establishment introduced Londoners to genuine Italian pizza and laid the foundation for a brand that would become a staple in the UK's dining scene.
Pizza Express has always prioritized high-quality ingredients and authentic recipes. Signature dishes like the Margherita and American Hot pizzas showcase the brand's dedication to traditional flavors. The menu also features innovative offerings such as the Vegan Giardiniera and the Leggera range, catering to diverse dietary preferences. Beyond pizza, guests can enjoy a variety of Italian-inspired dishes, including pastas, salads, and the beloved Dough Balls served with garlic butter.
From its inception, Pizza Express has been deeply involved in community initiatives. The brand's partnership with Nordoff and Robbins supports music therapy programs across the UK, with donations made from the sale of specific menu items. Additionally, Pizza Express collaborates with charities like Place2Be and Venice in Peril, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility. The establishment also embraces sustainability, partnering with organizations like Too Good To Go to reduce food waste and aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040.
Over the decades, Pizza Express has grown from a single Soho pizzeria to a beloved brand with locations across the UK and beyond. Its enduring success is a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and community engagement. Whether you're enjoying a classic pizza or exploring new menu offerings, Pizza Express continues to provide a welcoming space for all.

Almost every restaurant you think of as a chain is owned by someone else entirely. What the franchisee actually buys, and why it explains the price on the board.

Localisation is not adding a novelty item. It is a staged process with a predictable sequence, and the menu data shows exactly how far each market has travelled.

Menu boards are designed documents, not lists. Where the money items sit, what the ordering of panels is doing, and how to find the price you actually want.
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