1851

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

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

Mosquito Hunters

Photo of Pest Hunters and Humbug Holiday Lighting teams

Mosquito Hunters Triples the Opportunity: 3-in-1 Franchise Model Fuels Growth

mosquito-hunters-three-in-one-franchise-model

Shuckin' Shack

Photo of Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar beverages

Shuckin’ Shack Looks To Expand South Carolina Presence With Growth in Florence

shuckin-shack-franchise-florence-south-carolina

United Water Restoration Group

The Importance of Quick Response in the Water Restoration Business: How United Water Restoration Group Leads the Way

the-importance-of-quick-response-in-the-water-restoration-business-how-united-water-restoration-group-leads-the-way

Senior Care Authority

Senior Care Authority Celebrates Major Wins and Welcomes Four New Franchisees in Q1 2025

senior-care-authority-celebrates-major-wins-and-welcomes-four-new-franchisees-in-q1-2025

Children's Lighthouse

Why This Hotel Franchise Owners is Investing in Children’s Lighthouse 

why-this-hotel-franchise-owners-is-investing-in-childrens-lighthouse

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Jersey Mike's - Blackstone - Global Growth - 1851 Franchise

Jersey Mike’s Ramps Up Global Growth Following Blackstone Acquisition

jersey-mikes-blackstone-growth

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

cfos-see-recession-as-likely-in-25-why-now-is-the-time-to-water-the-franchise-buyer-seeds

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Venetya Evans and Sylvan Learning logo

IT Leader Celebrates One Year of Sylvan Learning in Simi Valley: A Passion for Education and Technology Drives Her Mission to Help Students Succeed

it-leader-celebrates-one-year-of-sylvan-learning-in-simi-valley

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS