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According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fastcasual.com/news/pizza-launches-franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns-2728945" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">recent article on FastCasual.com</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://andpizza.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns-2728945" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&amp;pizza</a>, the Washington, D.C.-based fast-casual pizza chain known for its oblong-shaped customizable pizzas and edgy branding, is entering a new phase of growth with the launch of its franchise system. After years of company-owned development, co-founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellastoria/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns-2728945" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Michael Lastoria</a> — who once swore off franchising — has tapped new CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-burns-4733198a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns-2728945" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mike Burns</a> to lead the charge toward a franchise-driven future. The company filed its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) in February 2025 in 30 states, with plans to expand that to more than 40 states by April. Burns, who joined the brand in 2023, expects to open between 250 and 300 new stores by 2030, with 80-90% of them franchised.Burns brings significant franchising experience to the role, having held executive positions at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.raverg.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns-2728945" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rave Restaurant Group</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peiwei.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns-2728945" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pei Wei Asian Kitchen</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bojanglesfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns-2728945" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bojangles</a>. Under his leadership, &amp;pizza has undergone a significant transformation to prepare for franchising. The brand has overhauled its technology infrastructure with a redesign of its website, mobile app, loyalty program and POS systems. At the same time, it has streamlined operations to make the pizza-making process more efficient and consistent. In-store kiosks have been introduced in 60% of locations to streamline ordering, and a focus on smaller, more efficient store designs — between 700 and 1,200 square feet — is aimed at improving profitability and supporting delivery and drive-thru demand.The initial rollout will be cautious, with only one or two company-owned stores opening in 2025 to test the franchising framework before broader growth. Already, &amp;pizza has three to four franchise deals close to finalization. The brand’s appeal lies in its unique positioning — its design-forward stores, localized aesthetics, tattoo-friendly branding culture and a menu focused on fresh, natural ingredients. With an investment range of $400,000 to $800,000 and an average unit volume of $1 million for mid-tier stores, the brand presents a potentially attractive opportunity for franchisees looking for a modern, tech-savvy concept.From a franchising industry perspective, &amp;pizza’s shift is a strong signal of how even previously franchise-resistant brands are now embracing the model to drive scalable growth. It also highlights a growing trend of rethinking what a franchise model looks like — leaning into smaller footprints, tech-integrated operations and targeting underserved markets. Burns’ deliberate approach to franchising — fixing operations first and then scaling — sets a strong example for emerging brands. For franchise investors, it suggests that innovation, efficiency and adaptability are the cornerstones of future success in an increasingly competitive and fragmented fast-casual market.Read the original article <a href="https://www.fastcasual.com/news/pizza-launches-franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns-2728945" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns-2728945" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Franchising Launch Marks Major Shift in Growth Strategy

1851 Franchise

After closing 13 units in 2024, the fast-casual pizza chain is retooling its operations, targeting smaller markets and preparing to open up to 300 locations by 2030.

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

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Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

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Right at Home

Right at Home® Named a 2025 Top Franchise Brand for Multi-Unit Owners by Entrepreneur Magazine

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Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite -Tips-to-Ease-Dog Anxiety-for-4th of July- July-2025

Dog Training Elite Shares Tips To Ease Dog Anxiety for 4th of July

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Melting Pot

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Lexington Herald Leader: This Restaurant Chain Eyes a Return to Lexington After 10 Years

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Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Keke's Breakfast Cafe - John and Kimberly Ehrhard - 1851 Franchise

Empowering Leadership, One Pancake at a Time: How John and Kimberly Ehrhard Are Building a Franchise Legacy with Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

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