Annapolis, MD October 12, 2011—Squisito® NY Pizza and Pasta, the fast casual, award-winning Italian concept, has ramped up its expansion plans with the signing of two new partnership deals. Known for its authentic, Old-World Italian fare, the company currently has 8 restaurants located throughout the state Maryland.
Squisito® has entered into a partnership with Fransmart, the industry leading franchise development company behind the explosive growth of brands like Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Qdoba Mexican Grill and zpizza. Fransmart will help Squisito® NY Pizza and Pasta further penetrate the Maryland market via new franchise partnerships, and begin its expansion into additional US states. The company is also exploring international development.
Soon after the launch of the Squisito® franchise program, the company also signed a development deal for three new restaurants with franchisee John Minnick. The new franchisee plans to open his first restaurant in Burtonsville, Maryland in the first half of 2012.
A Department of Homeland Security employee and military veteran, John Minnick was faced with the opportunity for early retirement. Said Minnick, “Early retirement just didn’t suit me. I have long had a passion for the restaurant business, and I have shopped franchise opportunities for many years waiting for the right opportunity. I came to know Squisito® as a customer, and was immediately drawn in. Outstanding Italian food, first rate service, and efficient, streamlined operations. I followed through, and talked to management from other Squisito® locations. The restaurants do amazing volumes, and the financial model is sound. This is not only a solid investment that will carry me into my long-term retirement goals, it is one I can be passionate about and enjoy.”
About Squisito® NY Pizza and Pasta:
Executive Restaurateurs & founders of Squisito® NY Pizza and Pasta, Gennaro DiBenedetto, Gennaro Dimeo & Lino Dimeo are “true Italians” who came to the US restaurant industry after years of family owned Italian restaurants in Italy. The Italian word “Squisito” is translated in English as “exquisite,” a guiding principle that is applied to all facets of the Squisito® dining experience, from the delectable cuisine, to the open-style kitchen that allows our guests to experience not just the taste and smells of Italy, but also the live preparation of fresh, authentic Italian fare. Squisito® embraces a fast casual ordering setup and affordable price-point ($8-$10) while touting a full-service menu consisting of hand-crafted, hand-tossed, NY-style pizzas, perfectly portioned pastas and freshly tossed salads, all featuring premium, fresh ingredients. All sauces are made from time-honored, Old World Italian family recipes. In 2011, the company launched its signature “Eat Well, Eat Italian®” campaign which included a new Healthy Choices menu, full nutritional analysis and improvement of all menu items, and better sharing of nutritional information with customers. The company has a firm commitment to philanthropy, with partnerships in place with both regional and national non-profits.
