Your Pie is one of the original fast-casual pizza concepts that pioneered build-your-own pizza in the United States. Founded in Athens, Georgia in 2008, the brand blends classic Neapolitan-style pizza with a fully customizable experience, giving customers over a billion possible combinations. For aspiring franchise owners, Your Pie offers a compelling opportunity in a growing segment of the restaurant industry. But turning that opportunity into a reality requires securing the right financing. A Your Pie franchise loan gives you the capital to cover startup costs, build out your location, and launch your business with confidence.
This guide covers everything you need to know about financing a Your Pie franchise, from understanding the total investment to choosing the best loan type and qualifying for approval.
In This Article
A Your Pie franchise loan is a business financing product specifically designed to cover the expenses associated with opening or expanding a Your Pie pizza restaurant. Rather than one specific loan product, franchise financing is a category that includes several loan types, all aimed at providing franchise owners the capital they need to get their restaurant up and running.
What makes franchise financing distinct from standard business loans is how lenders evaluate risk. When you invest in an established franchise brand like Your Pie, lenders are not just evaluating your personal finances. They are also assessing the strength of the franchise system itself. Your Pie's proven business model, established training programs, and brand recognition all work in your favor when approaching a lender.
These loans can fund your:
For entrepreneurs serious about entering the fast-casual pizza space, understanding Your Pie franchise financing is the first step toward opening day.
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Apply Now ->Before applying for financing, you need a clear picture of what opening a Your Pie location will cost. Your Pie discloses this information in its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which all prospective franchisees receive before signing. Here is a breakdown of the typical startup investment:
Your Pie charges an initial franchise fee of $30,000 for a single unit. This fee grants you the right to use the brand, trademarks, and operating systems. Multi-unit development agreements may offer reduced per-unit fees for owners committing to open multiple locations.
The estimated total initial investment to open a Your Pie location ranges from approximately $350,000 to $650,000. The wide range reflects differences in real estate markets, build-out costs, and individual operator choices. Here is a more detailed breakdown:
In addition to startup costs, franchisees pay:
Your Pie typically requires prospective franchisees to have:
Understanding these requirements is essential because lenders will also evaluate whether you meet them when deciding whether to extend franchise financing. Lenders want to see that you have skin in the game and the financial stability to weather the early months of operation.
Important: The cost ranges above are estimates based on publicly available franchise data. Always review the official Your Pie FDD carefully and consult with your franchise representative and financial advisor before making any investment decision.
No single loan product fits every franchise owner's situation. Depending on your financial profile, investment timeline, and capital needs, one or more of these financing options may be right for you. Crestmont Capital works with franchise owners to identify the best combination of small business loans for their specific situation.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan program is widely considered the gold standard for franchise financing. The SBA does not lend money directly but guarantees a portion of the loan made by an approved lender, reducing the lender's risk and making it easier for borrowers to qualify.
Key advantages include:
Your Pie is listed on the SBA Franchise Registry, which means the SBA has already reviewed and approved its franchise agreement structure. This can significantly speed up the loan approval timeline compared to franchises that are not pre-approved. For more on the program, visit SBA.gov.
If you are purchasing real estate or making large equipment investments, an SBA 504 loan may be more advantageous. The 504 program pairs a conventional first mortgage from a bank with a second loan from a Certified Development Company (CDC), allowing borrowers to put as little as 10% down on commercial property or major equipment.
Conventional term loans do not carry a government guarantee but can offer faster approval timelines for highly qualified borrowers. These loans typically require:
Conventional long-term business loans are a good fit for franchisees who need a fast approval and can meet stricter qualification criteria.
Pizza restaurant equipment such as conveyor ovens, refrigeration units, prep tables, and point-of-sale systems can be financed separately through equipment financing. Because the equipment itself serves as collateral, this option is generally easier to qualify for than unsecured financing.
Benefits include:
A business line of credit provides flexible access to funds you can draw on as needed. While not ideal for large startup expenses, a line of credit is invaluable for managing day-to-day cash flow once your restaurant is open.
Use cases include:
For immediate capital needs that do not require long repayment periods, short-term business loans can provide fast access to funds. These are best suited for existing owners needing working capital or covering a specific short-term expense rather than initial startup costs.
Qualifying for a franchise loan requires you to present yourself as a low-risk borrower. Lenders evaluate several factors, often summarized as the "Five Cs of Credit." Here is what you need to know:
Your personal credit score is a primary indicator of your financial reliability. For SBA loans, most lenders look for a minimum score of 680, though scores of 720 or higher will unlock the best rates and terms. Review your credit report before applying and address any errors.
Even though you are buying into an established franchise system, lenders still want to see a detailed business plan. Your plan should include:
Tip: Use financial performance data from Your Pie's FDD (Item 19) to build your revenue projections. This gives lenders confidence that your numbers are grounded in real franchise data rather than guesswork.
Lenders expect you to contribute a meaningful amount of your own capital. For SBA loans, the standard minimum is 10%. Conventional loans typically require 20-30%. Having a larger down payment improves your loan terms and approval odds.
Lenders may require collateral to secure the loan, particularly for larger amounts. Acceptable collateral may include:
For SBA loans, a personal guarantee is also typically required, meaning you agree to personally repay the loan if the business cannot. If you have concerns about bad credit, explore bad credit business loans as an alternative path.
You do not need to be a restaurateur to open a Your Pie franchise, but demonstrating management experience, leadership skills, and a track record of financial responsibility strengthens your application. Your Pie's system is designed to be owner-operated or manager-operated, so lenders want to see that you can successfully run a team-based food service operation.
Prepare to provide the following when applying:
By the Numbers
Your Pie Franchise Financing Overview
$350K
Minimum estimated startup investment for one location
$30K
Initial Your Pie franchise fee
10%
Minimum SBA loan down payment
$5M
Maximum SBA 7(a) loan amount available
Navigating the financing process for a new franchise can be overwhelming. Between gathering documentation, choosing the right loan type, and negotiating terms, it is easy to feel like you are spending more time on paperwork than on preparing to run your restaurant. Crestmont Capital simplifies the process.
Here is what sets us apart:
Our team understands how franchise lending works. We know what SBA lenders look for in a franchise application, how to structure your loan request for the highest chance of approval, and how to package your financials to tell the strongest story possible. We have helped franchise owners across dozens of concepts get funded, from food and beverage brands to service franchises. See our full Franchise Business Loans guide for an overview of how we work.
We are not limited to a single lending product. Crestmont Capital can match you with SBA loans, conventional term loans, equipment financing, and lines of credit, or even a combination of products to maximize your coverage at the lowest possible cost.
We know that your lease negotiations and franchise agreements have timelines. Our team works with urgency to process your application quickly, helping you secure funding on a timeline that aligns with your opening goals. Many of our clients receive decisions within days.
We believe in clarity at every stage. We will walk you through loan terms, explain the true cost of borrowing, and help you understand what you are agreeing to before you sign. There are no surprises with Crestmont Capital. According to CNBC, transparency in loan terms is one of the most important factors small business owners should evaluate when choosing a lender.
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Apply Now ->To illustrate how Your Pie franchise financing works in practice, consider these realistic scenarios:
Marcus has worked in restaurant management for eight years and has $100,000 in savings. He wants to open a Your Pie in a growing suburb with an estimated total investment of $450,000. He applies for an SBA 7(a) loan of $360,000 with a 20% down payment of $90,000 (keeping $10,000 as personal reserves). With a 10-year repayment term and competitive interest rate, his monthly payment is manageable even in the early months of operation. His restaurant management experience and detailed business plan help him get approved.
Jennifer has operated a successful Your Pie for three years and wants to open two additional locations. With three years of tax returns showing consistent profitability, she qualifies for a conventional term loan based on her business cash flow. The faster underwriting timeline allows her to sign both new leases before her territorial rights expire. Her second and third locations benefit from her operational experience, resulting in faster ramp-up periods.
David is opening his first Your Pie in a second-generation restaurant space that requires minimal build-out. His primary capital need is equipment. He finances his conveyor oven, refrigeration units, and POS system using equipment financing, locking in a 48-month term with the equipment as collateral. He reserves his SBA loan capacity for a potential second location in 18 months. This strategy allows him to start without over-leveraging.
Priya's Your Pie has been open for four months. Revenue is growing, but there are weeks where payroll timing creates cash flow challenges. She draws on a business line of credit she established before opening. The revolving credit line gives her the flexibility to bridge short-term gaps without disrupting operations, and she repays each draw within 30 days as collections come in.
Before you apply for financing, it helps to understand what makes Your Pie an attractive franchise investment. Here are several factors that lenders and investors value:
These factors make Your Pie a favorable candidate for financing because they demonstrate a lower risk profile. Lenders look favorably on franchise brands with strong unit economics, growing market segments, and robust franchisor support systems.
For a related example in the franchise financing space, see our guide on Blaze Pizza franchise loans, which covers another fast-casual pizza concept with a similar financing approach.
You may also find it useful to compare with the First Watch franchise loan guide for insights into how other fast-casual restaurant franchise financing works.
Because SBA loans are the most popular financing option for Your Pie franchise owners, it is worth understanding the program in more detail.
The SBA maintains a list of pre-vetted franchise brands whose agreements have been reviewed and approved. When a franchise is on the SBA Franchise Registry, lenders do not need to conduct the same level of due diligence on the franchise agreement itself, which can significantly speed up the review process. Your Pie's registration status should be confirmed with your lender or at SBA.gov at the time of your application.
To qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan, you and your business must meet the following general criteria:
SBA loans are originated by approved lenders. The bank or lender underwrites the loan according to SBA guidelines, submits the application to the SBA for review, and receives the government guarantee upon approval. This process typically takes 30 to 90 days, though it can be faster with an experienced lending partner. Our full guide to SBA Loans explains the process in detail.
The estimated total initial investment to open a Your Pie franchise ranges from approximately $350,000 to $650,000. This includes the $30,000 franchise fee, leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, technology, initial inventory, training, marketing, and working capital reserves. Your exact cost will depend on your location, market conditions, and the specific build-out requirements of your space.
2. What loan types are best for a Your Pie franchise?The SBA 7(a) loan is most commonly used because it offers the highest loan amounts, the longest repayment terms, and the lowest down payment requirements. Equipment financing is excellent for purchasing kitchen equipment and technology. Business lines of credit are valuable for ongoing working capital. Conventional term loans work well for highly qualified borrowers who need faster funding.
3. How much do I need for a down payment on a Your Pie franchise loan?Most lenders require a down payment of 10% to 30% of the total project cost. For an SBA loan, the minimum equity injection is typically 10%, though lenders often prefer 20% or more. If your total investment is $500,000, you would need between $50,000 and $150,000 of your own capital. Your Pie's own requirements of $150,000 in liquid capital aligns well with these expectations.
4. Does Your Pie offer direct franchise financing?Your Pie does not provide direct loans to franchisees. However, the company has relationships with preferred lenders experienced in franchise financing. You can also seek financing independently through lenders like Crestmont Capital, which specializes in franchise loans and can match you with the most favorable options available.
5. What credit score do I need to finance a Your Pie franchise?Most lenders require a minimum personal credit score of 680 for SBA loans. Scores above 720 will qualify you for better rates and terms. Conventional lenders typically require 700 or above. If your credit score is lower, you may still have options through alternative lenders, though rates will be higher.
6. How long does it take to get a Your Pie franchise loan approved?Timelines vary by loan type. Equipment financing decisions can come within 24 to 48 hours. Conventional bank loans typically take two to four weeks. SBA loans generally take 30 to 90 days from application to funding. Working with an experienced franchise lender like Crestmont Capital can compress these timelines significantly by streamlining your application package.
7. Can I finance multiple Your Pie locations?Yes. Lenders are generally willing to finance multi-unit agreements, especially if you have a successful track record with your first location. Multi-unit development agreements may also make you eligible for reduced franchise fees on additional units. As you build a track record of profitability, subsequent loans often come with better terms.
8. What documents do I need to apply for a Your Pie franchise loan?You will typically need a completed loan application, two to three years of personal tax returns, a personal financial statement, a business plan with financial projections, your signed franchise agreement or Letter of Intent from Your Pie, and a proposed commercial lease agreement. Having these documents organized before you apply speeds up the process considerably.
9. Can I use a Your Pie franchise loan to buy an existing location?Yes. SBA loans and conventional business acquisition loans can be used to purchase an existing Your Pie franchise from a current owner. In fact, lenders often view established franchise resales favorably because the location has an existing revenue history, which reduces the underwriting risk compared to a brand-new startup.
10. Is a Your Pie franchise a profitable investment?Your Pie provides financial performance data in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. While individual results vary based on location, management, and local market conditions, Your Pie's unit economics are generally regarded as favorable within the fast-casual pizza segment. You should review the FDD carefully, speak with existing franchisees, and consult with a financial advisor before making an investment decision.
11. What ongoing costs should I factor into my financing plan?Beyond startup costs, plan for ongoing royalty fees (approximately 5% of gross sales), marketing fund contributions (approximately 2%), rent, utilities, labor, food and beverage costs, insurance, and equipment maintenance. Your lender will want to see that your projected revenue comfortably covers both your loan payments and these ongoing operating expenses.
12. How does a personal guarantee work in franchise loans?A personal guarantee is an agreement that you will personally repay the loan if your business cannot. This is standard for SBA loans and many conventional loans. It means that in a worst-case scenario, your personal assets could be at risk. It is important to understand this obligation and discuss it with your attorney and financial advisor before signing.
13. What is the difference between an SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loan for franchise owners?The SBA 7(a) is more versatile and can fund franchise fees, construction, equipment, and working capital in a single loan. The SBA 504 is better suited for purchasing commercial real estate or major equipment, and it typically offers longer repayment terms for those specific asset types. Most franchise startups use the 7(a) because it covers the full scope of startup expenses.
14. Can I get a Your Pie franchise loan with bad credit?Having a credit score below 680 makes traditional SBA and bank financing more difficult to obtain, but it does not necessarily disqualify you from all options. Alternative lenders, equipment financing, and partnerships with co-borrowers who have strong credit may still provide a path to funding. Crestmont Capital works with a broad network of lenders and can help identify options for borrowers with challenged credit histories.
15. How do I get started with a Your Pie franchise loan through Crestmont Capital?The process is simple. Complete our quick online application at offers.crestmontcapital.com/apply-now. A Crestmont Capital franchise financing specialist will review your information, contact you to discuss your project in detail, and walk you through the best financing options available. We guide you from application through funding, making the process as smooth as possible.
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Start Your Application ->Your Pie offers franchise investors a compelling opportunity in one of America's fastest-growing restaurant segments. With a pioneering brand, a flexible business model, and strong franchisor support, it is well-positioned for long-term success. But turning franchise ownership into reality requires smart financing. Whether you choose an SBA loan, a conventional term loan, equipment financing, or a combination of products, having the right lender in your corner makes all the difference.
Crestmont Capital specializes in helping franchise owners secure the capital they need at the best available terms. Our team understands franchise lending, works with urgency, and provides transparent guidance at every step. When you are ready to move forward, we are ready to help.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.