Papa Gino’s Pizzeria started in East Boston as a single location called Piece O’ Pizza.  This location was opened in 1961 by Helen and Michael Valerio and in 1968 they changed the name to Papa Gino’s Pizzeria.  This was also when they started to expand into multiple locations.  In 1997 the company bought D’Angelos Sandwich Shop, which was another Massachusetts based restaurant.  In early 2005 they announced the plans for expanding outside of New England and secured rights for franchises in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Florida.  A few months after this announcement the executives of the holding company bought out the company.  There are currently over 200 Papa Gino’s Pizzeria located in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

Papa Gino’s Pizzeria serves American-style pizza, pasta, subs, salads, and many appetizers as well.  They are most well-known for their specialty pizzas which include the Rustic Pizza (thin crust with 4 cheeses), the super veggie pizza, buffalo chicken pizza, Paparoni (50% more cheese and pepperoni), and many other choices.  They also offer a build your own pie that can have up to 6 different toppings on it.  Papa Gino’s Pizzeria also serves burgers and kids meals as well.

Papa Gino’s Pizzeria offers restaurant franchise opportunities in the New England area and other areas as well.  Right now the franchisee must have a total net worth of $500,000 and at least half of it should be in liquid assets.  This if or a single unit franchise, but for a multi-unit franchise the franchisee must have at least $750,000 in liquid assets and $1.5 million as their total net worth.  If the franchisee wants to develop outside of the New England area they must have $1.1 million in liquid assets and $3 million as their net worth with a 20 unit minimum.  The initial franchise fee is $30,000 for the first unit and $25,000 for all additional units.  They also charge a 6% royalty of the gross sales every week along with 3% of the gross sales paid towards advertising.