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

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of HomeTeam Inspection Service representative giving presentation

Strategic Partnerships Fuel Franchise Growth at HomeTeam Inspection Service

hometeam-inspection-service-franchise-growth-partnerships

Express Employment Professionals

What’s in the 2025 FDD? A Closer Look for Express Employment Professionals Franchise Buyers

whats-in-the-2025-fdd-a-closer-look-for-express-employment-professionals-franchise-buyers

petbar

How-petbar-Makes-Pets-and-Their-Owners-Happy-as-Part-of-the-Family-in-a-Clean-and-Fun-Environment

How petbar Makes Pets and Their Owners Happy as Part of the Family in a Clean and Fun Environment

petbar-franchise-opportunity-boutique-pet-grooming

petbar Franchisees Win the $6.89B Global Market With Complete Transparency, Self-Service and Membership Models, Creating the Happiest Place for Dogs

petbar-franchise-opportunity

Why petbar Wants to Be the “Disney World for Dogs” — and a Dream Business for Franchisees

petbar-franchise-dan-ashley-o-loughlin-qa

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 Development Website Builder

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

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

Hardee’s Lawsuit Highlights the Risk of Going Off-Model in Franchising

hardees-franchise-lawsuit-paradigm-investment-group

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sold to Roark Capital in $1 Billion Deal to Fuel Global Expansion

daves-hot-chicken-sold-to-roark-capital-in-1-billion-deal-to-fuel-global-expansion

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ed Holmes and Papa Murphy's logo

Thirty Years of Take ‘n’ Bake: Ed Holmes Reflects on a Lifetime With Papa Murphy’s

papa-murphys-franchise-ed-holmes-30-years

Design with outline of three houses and people working on laptops within them

Top 10 Low-Cost Home-Based or Mobile Franchises for 2025

low-cost-home-based-mobile-franchises

From Personal Care to Purpose-Driven Business: Why This Couple Is Bringing Griswold to Houston

from-personal-care-to-purpose-driven-business-why-this-couple-is-bringing-griswold-to-houston

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS