Empire Pizza Restaurant & Bar, founded in 2009 by the Doulaveris family, keeps growing in the Carolinas. Location No. 6 will open on Wednesday, July 10, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The new store is corporate-owned, but the Doulaverises are reportedly looking for franchisees as well. As the Charlotte Business Journal reported last November, the company wants to open 10 corporate-owned stores in the next two years, but franchise growth in the Carolinas and the Southeast is also key to the brand’s future.

“We’ve changed,” Empire Pizza President Constantine Doulaveris said at the time. “We’ve grown. We’ve remodeled and solved problems. We continue to do so to this day. I think the model is ready for a franchisee to come in.”

Related: How Dave Portnoy will help a legendary pizzeria rebuild after a devastating fire

The new location is the brand’s second in North Carolina. “We are excited to expand our presence in Charlotte and bring our unique dining experience to more families,” Doulaveris said in a statement. “Our new location on Pineville-Matthews Rd combines great food, fun and a welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to becoming a cherished part of this community.”

The large menu focuses on New York-style pizza, pastas, wraps, pastas and quesadillas, among other items. Specialty pizzas include the Queens (garlic Romano and herbs, mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil); the Mama’s (mozz, ricotta, sliced meatballs and fresh basil); and the Chicken Bruschetta (garlic Romano and herbs, mozz, feta, chicken, tomatoes, onions, fresh basil and a balsamic glaze).

During the grand opening on Wednesday, guests will be able to enjoy exclusive food specials throughout the day. Like other Empire locations, kids always eat for free on Monday nights.

Anyone interested in learning more about Empire Pizza’s franchise opportunities can click here to make an inquiry.

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