December 1, 2006 – Newport Beach, CA — zpizza, the Southern California based gourmet pizza chain recently announced its plans to expand in Oregon. The company looks to bring stores all over the state and particularly Portland, which was recently ranked number 17 in Men’s Fitness magazine’s annual Fittest Cities ranking.

“We feel like zpizza is a perfect match for Oregon and its residents,” said Chris Bright, zpizza president. “Locals in the state live healthy lifestyles and enjoy great food. Right now they are missing out by not having a zpizza near them.”

zpizza has 60 franchise locations open nationwide and another 200 in ongoing development in 13 states. The chain is looking to have over 100 stores open by end of 2007.

Featured on Good Morning America as a healthy dining option, zpizza takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment, offering a large selection of premium quality and creative pizzas. zpizza’s menu offers 17 tasty and adventurous pizzas as well as sandwiches, salads, calzones and the opportunity to create your own pizza with a selection of crusts—including whole wheat, organic sauces, low-fat cheeses, veggies and toppings.

The rapidly expanding pizza chain has received rave reviews from coast to coast since its inception in 1986. Most recently voted “Best Pizza Restaurant” and “Best Pizza Delivery” in Washingtonian magazine, “Best Crust on the Planet” by LA Times and “Best Pizza in the City” by Phoenix New Times, zpizza continues to impress its nationwide customer base and broaden its status as the premier gourmet pizza restaurant in the industry.

To learn more about franchising with zpizza or to locate the nearest store to you please visit zpizza’s website at www.zpizza.com or contact Katie Magers at 703-837-5183 or katiem@fransmart.com.