With an updated new look, a return to its product roots and a royalty-free franchise incentive program beginning September 1st, Pizza Inn (Nasdaq:PZZI) has announced an expansion campaign designed to add several new restaurants nationwide over the next year.

Officials at the Dallas-based chain are so confident in the new approach that they plan to continue opening new company-owned stores and grow in the DFW market.

The latest of the new prototype restaurant opens Thursday in Fort Worth, Texas. The company-owned restaurant, at 4833 South Hulen in Fort Worth, across from Hulen Mall, features a game room and party room as well as the signature buffet and salad bar.

The new prototype gives a nod to the company’s rich history with the return of the original icon of the national chain, JoJo, along with a refocus on the restaurant’s core product line that includes its popular pizza buffet, pizzerts, pastas, soups and salad bar.

“We are experiencing our strongest growth in years, especially in those areas where we have introduced the new prototype,†said Morrison. “We decided to look at where our successes had been over the years and put all of our energy on building up those areas. This new prototype brings back the personality of the restaurants and already the early response has exceeded even our own expectations.â€

As an incentive to potential franchisees, on September 1st Pizza Inn will begin offering a program in which new franchisees pay no royalties the first year, 2 percent the second year and 4 percent beginning the third year.

“We are so confident in the long-term potential that we are willing to help prospective franchisees during the important early years of business,†said Morrison.

In addition to new locations, existing Pizza Inns nationwide will be encouraged to incorporate the new look and operations into their restaurants.

“This is the future of Pizza Inn,†said Morrison. “It allows us to showcase our heritage as well as the variety and quality of our food in a fun, family atmosphere.â€

In an effort to further increase national and regional growth, Pizza Inn is seeking single- and multi-unit franchisees to help grow the company’s network of restaurants in the region.

For more information on franchise opportunities with Pizza Inn, please visit www.pizzainn.com or contact Dino Chavez, Director of Franchise Development at (800) 284-3466.

About Pizza Inn

Headquartered in the Dallas suburb of The Colony, TX, Pizza Inn, Inc., is an international pizza chain featuring traditional and specialty pizzas, as well as freshly made pastas, sandwiches, and desserts. Founded in 1958, publicly traded Pizza Inn (Nasdaq:PZZI) franchises approximately 315 restaurants and directly owns and operates four restaurants. For more information, please visit www.pizzainn.com.