Why &pizza’s CEO Believes the Brand is Finally Ready to Franchise
&pizza CEO Mike Burns believes fast-casual pizza is dead. Or at least, it’s changed from what consumers knew it to be.
Pre-COVID, &pizza was 70 percent dine-in, as was most of its peers. The brand had a reputation for loud music, cool employees, and a differentiated in-restaurant experience. It wowed customers with thick crusts designed for on-premises occasions. The dough was fresh with five ingredients and no preservatives.
But in recent years, with consumers switching to digital, &pizza’s dining mix flipped to majority takeout and delivery. The chain responded by adjusting its dough to hold longer and changed the pizza box to ensure it could maintain heat. It added kiosks in dining rooms for another layer of convenience and switched digital platforms from a proprietary system to partnerships with Thanx, Toast, Olo
&pizza launches franchising
&pizza has begun franchising, according to a press release.
The push comes on the heels of the hiring of Mike Burn as the brand's new CEO, an overhaul to its tech stack and a new loyalty program.
"This is an incredibly exciting time for &pizza. I'm proud of all the work that's been put in by this team to get us to this point," Mike Burns, CEO of &pizza, said in the press release. "Over the past several years, &pizza started to drift away from the counter culture and trailblazer vibe that set us apart in the industry. We lost our voice and mainstream became our normal. My directive when I came on board last year was to inject energy back into the brand and get us to where we once were. One thing's for sure — we're back! We have a solid financial backing from dedicated investors and have assembled an incredible team behind the brand. I'm eager to starts peaking with entrepreneurs about their future and opportunities to scale with us under the &pizza banner."
The brand is looking for partners in markets where it has a strong presence and brand recognition, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.
Wedding Bells Are Ringing at &Pizza as Couples Say ‘Pi Do’ on March 14
Getting married on Pi Day might sound like a nerdy affair, but if the math adds up, why not say “Pi Do” at your favorite pizzeria?
East Coast chain &pizza will host a free nuptial and vow renewal ceremony for two couples on Friday, March 14, with founder Michael Lastoria presiding over the ceremony. And it won’t be the first time—Lastoria occasionally helped lovebirds tie the knot during his tenure as &Pizza’s CEO, so he knows the rites better than the average pizza guy. In fact, Pi Day weddings have been a tradition—described as a “cherished celebration of love, inclusion and unity”—at the brand since 2016.
&pizza Brings Back its ‘Dickle’ Pie
The people have spoken and The Dickle has officially returned. Available now across all &pizza locations, the dill pickle covered pie is topped with grilled onions and then smothered in ranch and garlic drizzles for a tantalizing finish. Guests are encouraged to come fast as The Dickle pie is only here until early May, while supplies last.