Pete’s Fish & Chips is a long‑standing family‑owned fast‑food restaurant concept in Arizona, known for its classic fish & chips, shrimp, chicken, burgers and signature sauce. Founded in 1947, it has developed a cult following and currently operates multiple locations throughout the Phoenix/Mesa area with a proud tradition of quick service, outdoor dining and drive‑thru options.
However, Pete’s Fish & Chips does not publicly advertise a national franchise program, and no official U.S. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is currently available from the company’s own website or typical franchise databases.
That means — as of now — this business is a family‑owned restaurant chain without an established franchise opportunity revealed online. If you are exploring franchising Pete’s Fish & Chips or a similar fish‑and‑chips concept, this guide still provides realistic benchmarks and a general template for evaluating a food franchise in this category.
❓ Is Pete’s Fish & Chips Actually Available for Franchise?
Based on available public information:
- Pete’s operates several locally owned and managed restaurants in Arizona.
- There is no official franchise application or franchise investment information publicly listed on Pete’s Fish & Chips’ official site.
- Multiple press and history articles describe the brand as family‑run and not outwardly franchising beyond its core locations.
Conclusion: As of now, Pete’s Fish & Chips appears to be a regional, family‑operated restaurant brand rather than a traditional franchisor with standardized franchise investment information.
If the company does open a franchise program, the process will be very similar to other QSR franchise opportunities — and this guide will still help you understand the typical costs and requirements you should expect.
🍤 What a Fish & Chips Franchise (General) Costs in the USA
Since Pete’s doesn’t publish franchise figures, let’s look at standard fish‑and‑chips/QSR food franchise investment ranges that can act as realistic benchmarks.
Note: These figures are industry benchmarks, not specific to Pete’s Fish & Chips.
Typical Franchise Fee
Most small‑to‑regional food concepts charge a franchise fee ranging from:
- $20,000 – $50,000 upfront to join a system (industry norm for similar QSRs).
Total Initial Investment
Small fish & chicken / seafood franchise formats can vary based on size and buildout:
| Format | Typical Investment Range (USD) |
| Small Take‑Out / Counter Service | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Full Restaurant with Seating | $300,000 – $600,000+ |
| Ghost Kitchen / Delivery‑Only | $60,000 – $150,000* |
Ghost kitchens reduce buildout and real estate costs.
These ranges are based on multiple franchise benchmarks in the seafood & fast‑casual sector.
📦 Ongoing Fees You Should Expect
In a typical QSR franchise model (like fish & chips or seafood concepts), ongoing fees often include:
| Fee Type | Typical Amount |
| Royalty Fee | 4% – 7% of gross sales (industry standard) |
| Marketing/Brand Fund | 1% – 3% of gross sales |
| Tech/POS Fees | Varies by system |
Why these matter:
- Royalty fees give you ongoing support, systems, and brand usage.
- Marketing funds help build and sustain customer demand.
These fees must be clearly spelled out in the FDD once a franchise program is available.
📈 Profit Potential (Industry Benchmarks)
Profitability for a fish & chips / seafood QSR depends on several factors:
✔ Expected Sales
- Small QSR location: $30,000 – $80,000 per month
- Larger restaurant: $80,000 – $150,000+ per month
These are general franchise benchmarks, not specific data from Pete’s.
✔ Net Profit Margin
Typical net profits in a well‑run fast food/quick service restaurant after operating expenses are:
- 10% – 20% net profit margin (varies with rent, food cost, and labor)
✔ Break‑Even Expectation
- 12 – 24 months for many fast casual franchises.
Profit depends on location quality, food cost management, marketing, delivery integration (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub), and efficient operations.
🧠 Why a Fish & Chips or Seafood QSR Can Work
Strong Consumer Habits: Seafood and hearty comfort foods remain popular across age groups.
Delivery & Takeout Growth: Drive‑thru and delivery models boost revenues with limited dine‑in space.
Brand Familiarity: Unique menu items like classic fish & chips create loyal customers — seen in long‑running local chains like Pete’s.
📋 Franchise Eligibility & Requirements (Typical)
Any typical restaurant franchise — including a potential Pete’s program — would expect:
Financial Requirements
- Minimum liquid capital: $100,000 – $200,000+
- Net worth: $300,000 – $750,000+
These numbers vary brand‑to‑brand and must be confirmed in the FDD.
Operational Requirements
- Food service or management experience (helpful but not always mandatory)
- Ability to hire and lead a team
- Commitment to brand standards and operating systems
Location Requirements
- High‑traffic corridors
- Near residential centers or commercial hubs
- Proximity to schools, offices, and shopping centers
🧩 Pros & Cons of a Fish & Chips QSR Franchise
Pros
✔ High popularity and repeat purchase potential
✔ Strong takeout/delivery appeal
✔ Simpler menu = easier kitchen training
✔ Multiple formats possible (drive‑thru, kiosk, dine‑in, ghost kitchen)
Cons
❌ Profitability hinges on food cost control and location
❌ No official franchise data from Pete’s yet (requires due diligence)
❌ Fried food concepts face health trend challenges
🧭 Due Diligence Checklist (Before You Invest)
If Pete’s Fish & Chips ever opens formal franchising, ensure you:
- Request the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) — must include Item 7 (investment cost) and Item 19 (financial performance).
- Talk to existing franchise owners (if available).
- Visit operating locations to understand volume and menu appeal.
- Work with a franchise attorney and CPA for legal and financial review.
- Build a 12‑month pro‑forma with conservative sales estimates.
📍 Final Verdict
While Pete’s Fish & Chips is a beloved local institution with over 70 years of history, it currently does not publicly offer a formal franchise program.
If it ever moves toward franchising, you should expect:
- Franchise fees: Estimated $20k–$50k
- Total investment: Roughly $150k–$400k+
- Ongoing royalties & marketing contributions: 4%–7%+
- Profit potential: Modest to strong with efficient operations
Until an official Franchise Disclosure Document is made available by the company, entrepreneurs should use industry benchmarks and consider comparable fish & chips/seafood franchise opportunities if national expansion or franchising is their goal.
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