Pi Pizzeria, a full-service pizza bar and restaurant known for its crunchy cornmeal pizza crust and local craft beers, has partnered with Fransmart, a franchise development company, to expand nationwide.
Pi Pizzeria operates a store in Washington, D.C., and four locations in St. Louis. The most successful location in St. Louis brings in just over $4 million a year in sales, the company said in a press release.
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“Every day we see stories of old, tired casual-dining chains closing or filing for bankruptcy, making room for high-volume, specialty full-service restaurants. Pi Pizzeria is the next evolution in full-service chains. This is going to be the next big neighborhood pizza bar,” said Dan Rowe, CEO and founder of Fransmart.
Launched in March 2008, Pi Pizzeria “elevates the pizza experience through legendary hospitality and premium ingredients,” the press release states. “The pizzeria’s loyal customers love the concept’s reasonable price-point, unique culture and bustling atmosphere. Pi Pizzeria’s strong sales and unique flavor profiles also make it extremely attractive to landlords looking to elevate lifestyle centers.”
“Our upscale, yet approachable restaurants, most with full bars and large craft beer offerings, have driven Pi to be a go-to spot for families, date-night, corporate events and any guest looking for an elevated, memorable dining experience,” said Chris Sommers, owner of Pi Pizzeria. “Pi’s three award-winning crusts are undoubtedly a major differentiator, with flavor profiles that one just can’t find elsewhere.”
Pi Pizzeria caught the attention of President Barack Obama in 2009. The restaurant was invited to the White House to cook for the First Family, which made Pi Pizzeria the first non-staff to prepare food at the Obama White House. The Pi team went on to cook for the president, vice president and other politicians and celebrites on numerous occasions.
Pi Pizzeria previously franchised six locations in the Middle East and is looking for experienced multi-unit foodservice operators to develop franchise territories in top markets across the globe.
To learn more about Pi Pizzeria franchising opportunities, visit brands.fransmart.com/pi-pizzeria.
