ATLANTA – (April X, 2010) – Stevi B’s Pizza, the industry’s only national premium pizza restaurant, is expanding further into the Southeastern United States with the announcement of six new locations in Georgia, Florida and Alabama. With the opening of six locations in 2009, and eight more openings expected this year, Stevi B’s continues a steady growth of 25 percent since last year.
Stevi B’s Pizza, headquartered in Atlanta, is excited about adding three Georgia locations, making a total of 28 in the state. Father-son duo Harvey and Jarius Bee will be opening their Stevi B’s location in Kathleen, Ga., near Warner Robins. The Bee’s have chosen to open a Stevi B’s Pizza because of the family-oriented and community aspect of the brand.
Franchisees Jeremy and Rachel Lindsey plan to open a location in Smyrna, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta. With a history of working in the restaurant franchise industry, the Lindsey’s feel Stevi B’s has a strong potential for growth, and with their background, they feel they have what it takes to successfully bring the Stevi B’s experience to Smyrna.
“We are so excited to open a Stevi B’s in Smyrna states Jeremy Lindsey, franchisee of the Smyrna Stevi B’s location. “Stevi B’s is a great family-friendly concept and we wanted to own a concept that not only had great tasting food, but really fit in the community we live. We are excited to bring all of Stevi B’s unique specialty pizzas to Smyrna and hope to have the chance to really play an active part in the community we serve.”
Additional franchisees bringing Stevi B’s to Georgia include Kashmira and Atul Pandya. The Pandya’s are new to the brand and plan to open a Stevi B’s in Stockbridge, Ga. As experienced businesses owners, Kashmira and Atul hope the Stockbridge location will be the first of many.
Familiar to the Stevi B’s brand, second-time franchisee Nick Barone will be opening his second location in Alabama. Already an owner of the Gadsden location, Barone will be making his way into Fort Payne as he sees a great potential for a Stevi B’s in this local community. Involved in local schools, churches and other family activities, Barone hopes his second location will be just as popular and well-received as the first.
The state of Florida will welcome additional Stevi B’s locations from current franchisees Andy Patel, Urmesh Dahya and Mike Palanza. With one location currently open in Port St. Lucie and one opening this summer in Vero Beach, these franchisees plan on developing a total of 10 Stevi B’s locations over the next few years. Their current plans include opening a third location in Lake Park and a fourth in Stuart, Fla.
“We are thrilled to further expand the Stevi B’s brand into the Southeast,” states Melissa McFarlin, director of franchise sales and development. “With the state of economy on an upturn, we are seeing more and more franchisees able to get the financing they need to start their own business, and Stevi B’s is the perfect brand for entrepreneurs who are looking for a successful business model that they can take to their local market.”
For more information, including franchising, visit Stevi B’s website at www.stevibs.com
About Stevi B’s Pizza
Stevi B’s Pizza, the industry’s only national “premium” pizza buffet restaurant franchise, was founded in 1996 in Atlanta. Recently purchased by Argonne Capital, an Atlanta private equity firm focused on growing restaurant and retail companies into category leaders, Stevi B’s Pizza currently has 31 franchised and four company-owned locations in seven states throughout the United States. Recognized for serving the highest quality pizzas “made from scratch,” Stevi B’s is a family friendly, community-driven brand that offers a distinct menu of specialty pizzas such as the Loaded Baked Potato, Chicken Fajita, Cheeseburger and Spinach Alfredo served fresh and at a great value in an atmosphere that is fun for adults and children. With the recent rollout of a new store design, Stevi B’s Pizza is primed for growth throughout the United States. Follow Stevi B’s Pizza on twitter at www.twitter.com/stevibs or on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/stevibspizza. For more information, visit www.SteviBs.com or contact Stevi B’s by e-mail at info@SteviBs.com.
