(Press Release) Dallas, TX, November 8, 2013 — CiCi's Pizza, the iconic nearly 500-unit national pizza buffet concept, has recently announced a partnership with Newmark Grubb Knight Frank (NGKF), one of the world's leading commercial real estate advisory firms, to help achieve the brand's strategic development goals in the Northeast. The addition of NGKF brings a unique and highly attractive business opportunity for potential CiCi's Pizza franchise owners.
Coppell, Texas-based CiCi's Pizza has a presence in 34 states and is best known for its family-friendly atmosphere, endless variety of pizzas on its custom buffet and freshly-made dough at an affordable price. Through extensive research, CiCi's Pizza has already identified specific markets for expansion within the Northeast including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Md., Buffalo, N.Y., Philadelphia, Pa. and northern New Jersey. The new relationship with NGKF will help expedite the franchise's growth.
"Joining forces with one of the most respected and talented broker firms gives us the resources to reach our expansion goals," said Thomas McCord, vice president of real estate and franchise development. "We will be able to give our franchisees and prospects an experienced broker network that will assist in their success. We're looking forward to working with a partner who sees the big picture, who understands our customer and has the resources, knowledge and tools to support CiCi's in achieving our strategic development objectives."
To successfully and efficiently grow the brand, NGKF will leverage its broad network of relationships to promote the expansion of CiCi's Pizza into new and existing markets. NGKF's on-the-ground expertise and knowledge of the local market will enhance CiCi's Pizza's own advanced technologyand extensive site model research. Experienced advisors at NGKF will work with CiCi's Pizza franchisees directly to assist in site selection, site renewals, lease negotiations and can refer construction and finance specialists.
"We are excited about the opportunity to partner with CiCi's Pizza on a regional level to help them achieve their growth initiatives. CiCi's Pizza is a strong brand in the franchising world and one that has the legs to expand exponentially in the Northeast," said Jennifer Watson, senior managing director at NGKF. "By partnering with NGKF, CiCi's Pizza will benefit from our extensive real estate experience to ensure that they meet their long-term development goals."
This partnership is part of a much larger company mission to strategically grow the brand in the coming years. To help augment brand expansion in new and mature markets, CiCi's Pizza has developed several financing and incentive programs, including its Investment Partnership Program designed to assist existing and prospective franchisees with creative financing options. During 2014, the company will also explore growth potential internationally in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, as well as in nontraditional venues such as airports, casinos, military bases and universities.
About CiCi's Pizza
Coppell, Texas-based CiCi's Pizza opened its first restaurant in Plano, Texas, in 1985 and now has approximately 500 restaurants in 34 states. The family-oriented restaurant, known for its endless pizza, pasta, salad, soup and dessert buffet, was named America's favorite pizza chain in the 2012 Market Force survey and has been listed by Zagat and Parents magazine as a top family-friendly restaurant. Also in 2012, CiCi's fully redesigned website was honored as an outstanding website by WebAwards, CiCi's was recognized by G.I. Jobs as a Military Friendly Franchise®, and Entrepreneur named CiCi's to its Franchise 500 list. For more information about CiCi's, visit www.cicispizza.com or www.facebook.com/cicis.
For franchising information, contact Michael Iglesias at miglesias@cicispizza.com, 972-745-9313.
About Newmark Grubb Knight Frank
Newmark Grubb Knight Frank (NGKF) is one of the world's leading commercial real estate advisory firms. Together with its affiliates and London-based partner Knight Frank, NGKF employs more than 11,000 professionals, operating from more than 340 offices in established and emerging property markets on five continents.
With roots dating back to 1929, NGKF's strong foundation makes it one of the most trusted names in commercial real estate. Its integrated services platform includes leasing advisory, global corporate services, investment sales and capital markets, consulting, program and project management, property and facilities management, and valuation services. A major force in the real estate marketplace, NGKF serves the local and global property requirements of tenants, landlords, investors and developers worldwide. For further information, visit www.ngkf.com.
NGKF is a part of BGC Partners, Inc. (Nasdaq:BGCP), a leading global brokerage company primarily servicing the wholesale financial and real estate markets. For further information, visit www.bgcpartners.com.
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