Round Table Pizza Proves Pandemic-Proof, Inks 23 New Deals in Q1 2021

Round Table Pizza®, the leading West Coast pizza brand known for its time-honored recipes and handcrafted pizzas, entered 2021 bolstered by a year of success despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. While other restaurant concepts across the country saw plummeting sales, Round Table Pizza exceeded its projected sales goals as pizza became the go-to comfort food for many Americans. 

Now, the beloved pizza purveyor is expanding its franchise reach. The brand footprint is expected to reach 500 locations in the next two years, providing an opportunity for franchisees to join a growth-oriented brand with the prowess of an established name and a detailed operational plan. 

“Round Table not only weathered the 2020 storm but it exceeded its performance goals for the past year,” said Chris Cheek, Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands, Quick Service Restaurant Division, the multi-brand franchisor of Round Table Pizza. “During a difficult time, Americans continually turned to a reliable and beloved brand to help feed their comfort food cravings.” 

Today, Round Table Pizza is as vital as it’s ever been, and, filled with new momentum, the brand is ready to expand its pizza empire from coast to coast. And there’s never been a better time to grow. As a result of the pandemic, many storefront restaurant and retail spaces are becoming vacant. Prime real estate abounds at affordable prices, offering an opportunity for franchisees to enter new markets with landlords eager to fill leases with established brands. 

In April of 2021, the brand debuted its first ghost kitchen concept in Los Angeles. Serving a streamlined menu and open exclusively for takeout and delivery, ghost kitchens provide further opportunity for growth without the operational costs of a full brick-and-mortar dine-in restaurant. 

“We’ve seen a significant shift in consumer dining trends since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as more customers begin to rely on takeout and delivery options,” said Leticia Vasquez, a longtime Round Table franchisee and owner of the brand’s first ghost kitchen. “Ghost kitchens allow us to bring Round Table Pizza to a larger customer base, creating huge potential for continued growth of the brand.”

Round Table Pizza benefits from its ability to fill both traditional and non-traditional space alike and the brand recently launched innovative new buildout concepts that require less space than previous locations, reducing its overall footprint by nearly half. The design concept gives owners a range of buildout configurations to choose from, including for dine-in, takeout and delivery options. This flexible footprint came as a result of COVID-19 and allows the brand to meet consumers where they are with their current post-pandemic dining preferences. 

“If COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s that brands need to be willing to adapt to their circumstances. We no longer live in a one-size-fits-all franchise world,” said Cheek. “Round Table has found success by adapting with the times while also offering a superior product that resonates with consumers of all ages and demographics.” 

A leading brand in an increasingly competitive space, Round Table Pizza sticks out in the crowd by remaining true to its commitment to using only the best ingredients like its proprietary three cheese blend, high-quality meats, hand-sliced vegetables and toppings that go all the way to the edge of the crust. 

The current initial investment for a Round Table Pizza franchise ranges from $471,500 to $1,062,250 for a dine-in model and $327,300 to $510,250 for a delivery/carryout model. Franchise fees are $25,000 for each model. For more information, visit roundtablepizzafranchise.com

About Round Table Pizza 

Inspired by the honor, valor and revelry of the Knights of the Round Table, Round Table Pizza’s® superior pizza and commitment to quality and authenticity have earned the reputation of “Pizza Royalty™” for over 60 years. With more than 410 restaurants across the United States, Round Table celebrates community, family and making merry. For the latest news from Round Table, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For franchising information, please visit Round Table Pizza Franchise.