At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
Risk signals from FDD disclosures. Higher score = lower risk. Verify all figures in each franchise's current FDD before investing.
| Risk Factor | Planet Fitness | Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 1% | N/A |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | +6%/yr | N/A |
| Total Fee Burden | 14.0% | 5.0% |
| Territory Protection | ✅ Exclusive | ✅ Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: Planet Fitness vs Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC)
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 192+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Planet Fitness and Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Planet Fitness operates in Fitness & Health while Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) is in Pizza & Family Entertainment. Cross-industry comparisons are valuable when you're evaluating which business model best fits your skills and lifestyle.
From a capital perspective, Planet Fitness has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket. If passive ownership matters to you, Planet Fitness supports a semi-absentee model — you can hire a manager and maintain other income sources.
Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $1.5M | $2.0M |
| Max Investment | $4.9M | $3.8M |
| Franchise Fee | $20K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 7.0% | 5.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 7.0% | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $2.5M | N/A |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 2,500 | 117 |
| Annual Growth | 6.0% | N/A |
| Failure Rate | 1.0% | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 82/100 | N/A |
Track Record
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 32 | 1,964 |
| Years Franchising | 22 | 1,968 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $3.0M | $1.0M |
| Liquid Capital Required | $1.5M | $500K |
Operations
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 20 | N/A |
| Training Weeks | 4 | N/A |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 1.0% | N/A |
| Annual Unit Growth | 6.0% | N/A |
| Units Opened Last Year | 150 | N/A |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Planet Fitness or Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units and a 82/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) has 117 total units and a track record in its industry. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Planet Fitness franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Planet Fitness franchise requires an initial investment of $1.5M – $4.9M. The franchise fee is $20K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) franchise requires an initial investment of $2.0M – $3.8M. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 5.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Planet Fitness vs Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC)?
Planet Fitness's royalty rate is 7.0%. Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC)'s royalty rate is 5.0%. That means Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Planet Fitness or Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC)?
Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units. Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) has 117 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Planet Fitness or Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) semi-absentee friendly?
Planet Fitness is typically run as a semi-absentee model. Mr Gatti's Pizza (FEC) is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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