&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

According to a recent article on FastCasual.com, &pizza, 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 Michael Lastoria — who once swore off franchising — has tapped new CEO Mike Burns 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 Rave Restaurant Group, Pei Wei Asian Kitchen and Bojangles. Under his leadership, &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, &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, &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 here.

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