Yum Brands Inc., which thrives on budget diners at its Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell chains, will increase menu prices this year in various parts of the world in response to rapidly rising food costs.

The pricing plan, which will be implemented in varying stages, follows on the company’s strong fourth-quarter results posted Monday and positive 2012 outlook, instilling confidence among investors who may have been concerned about Yum’s momentum given its high exposure to volatile emerging markets. The stock rose 2.75%, to $64.93 in Tuesday trading–marking a 10% rise so far this year.

Yum’s restaurants in China–namely Pizza Hut Casual Dining and KFC–have the biggest impact on its overall business, helping increase its profits 30% in the fourth quarter. However, food and labor inflation are nibbling away at its China restaurant margins, which fell to 15.8% in the quarter from 18.2% the year before, despite menu price increases.

Continue reading . . .

New Store Model Targets Better Service and Speed During Peak Business Periods

Pizza Patron Opens Double Drive-Thru Store in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Pizza Patrón, the nation’s #1 Latino pizza brand, celebrated the opening of its seventh store in San Antonio on Monday. The store, located at 6700 S. Flores St., is the company’s newly developed ‘double drive-thru’ model, the first of its kind in the chain.

The concept was designed to minimize customer wait time by featuring two drive-thru lanes and Lincoln Fast-Bake™ ovens that cook fresh, custom-made pizzas in only 3.5 minutes. Cars enter a single lane and place their order at the menu board. After the orders are placed, motorists split into one of two pick-up lanes: Lista orders or custom orders. Lista is a Spanish word that means ‘ready’ or ‘no waiting.’

Custom orders are completed in less than 5 minutes. Lista orders are ready as soon as the customer drives up, no waiting. Items offered on the Lista menu are: large pepperoni pizza for $4.99, QuesoStix, wings (buffalo, lime-n-pepper and garlic-con-queso), churros and dips (ranch and spicy ranch).

“We created the double drive-thru concept to increase the speed and convenience for our Lista customers,” said Andrew Gamm, brand director for Pizza Patrón. “They no longer have to wait behind cars with custom orders.”

The concept, which comes on the heels of the development of two freestanding Pizza Patrón QSP™ (Quick Service Pizza) units in San Antonio, was also designed to improve the flow of traffic during peak lunch and dinner periods.

“The speed of the double drive-thru and our low prices make our pizza a particularly competitive lunch option for customers who have limited time and budget,” Gamm said. “Pizza Patrón’s slogan ‘Más Pizza. Menos Dinero.®’ has always defined the brand. Now, ‘Más Pizza. Menos Dinero.®’ is quicker and more convenient than ever.”

About Pizza Patrón

Since 1986, Pizza Patrón has been committed to making its promise of “Más Pizza. Menos Dinero.®” a reality for every customer. From the beginning, the brand has been recognized for its ‘fresh-dough’ pizza, its low prices and its trademark “friendly, bicultural service.” In 2007, the company drew international media attention when it decided to accept Mexican Pesos at all of its restaurants, gaining over 500 million media impressions in the U.S. alone. Today, Pizza Patrón is the nation’s premier Latino pizza brand and remains dedicated to bringing its unique experience to life with every pizza made, and in every community it serves.

Website – http://www.pizzapatron.com
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pizzapatron
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/pizzapatron

Heads up! Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss Lands on 'Heads,' Giving Free Papa John's Pizza to Millions

Louisville, KY  (RestaurantNews.com)  Hey America, are you ready for some free Papa John’s pizza – the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL and Super Bowl XVLI? In one of the most anticipated “flips” in history, the coin toss for Super Bowl XVLI landed on “heads” this evening, resulting in a free large one-topping Papa John’s pizza and 2-liter Pepsi MAX for the millions of members of Papa John’s Papa Rewards customer loyalty program.

Fans who were enrolled in Papa Rewards as of 6 p.m. ET today will receive an email Monday with instructions on how to get their large one-topping pizza and 2-liter Pepsi MAX.

“No matter which team you are rooting for, everyone enrolled in Papa Rewards walks away a winner after Super Bowl XLVI,” said John Schnatter, Papa John’s Founder, Chairman and CEO. “It’s our way of celebrating a terrific NFL season and rewarding our loyal Papa Rewards customers.”

America chose which side of the coin it would be on via a popular vote Jan. 22 through Feb. 1 at www.papajohns.com. “Heads” prevailed with 60 percent of the vote.

Papa John’s Super Bowl Coin Toss Experience was supported via an integrated marketing campaign that included a national television commercial featuring NFL stars Peyton Manning and Jerome “The Bus” Bettis, along with Schnatter, as well as digital media advertising, social media, media relations, and interactive, video-rich Web pages at www.papajohns.com.

Papa John’s is in the second year of a multi-year sponsorship with the NFL.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world’s third largest pizza company. For 10 of the past 12 years, consumers have rated Papa John’s No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Papa John’s also was honored by Restaurants & Institutions Magazine (R&I) with the 2009 Gold Award for Consumers’ Choice in Chains in the pizza segment. Papa John’s is the Official Pizza Sponsor of the National Football League and Super Bowl XLVI and XLVII. For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John’s at www.papajohns.com.

© 2012 NFL Properties LLC. All NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. ONLY PAPA REWARDS MEMBERS AS OF 6 PM ET ON 2/5/12 WHO ARE LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.) 13 AND OLDER MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A PRIZE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Voting takes place from 1/22/12 to 2/1/12. For Official Rules, visit www.papajohns.com.

America Calls 'Heads' for Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss and Chance for Free Papa John's Pizza

Louisville, KY  (RestaurantNews.com)  Papa John’s, the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, today announced that America has called “heads” in Papa John’s Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss Experience. With America’s call, the millions of fans enrolled in the company’s Papa Rewards customer loyalty program will receive a free large one-topping pizza and 2-liter Pepsi MAX if the coin toss in Super Bowl XLVI lands on “heads.”

America chose which side of the coin based on popular vote the past 10 days at www.papajohns.com. “Heads” prevailed with 60 percent of the vote.

But making the call is just part of Papa John’s Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss Experience. Americans can enroll in Papa Rewards at www.papajohns.com until 6 p.m. ET Super Bowl Sunday to receive the free pizza and Pepsi MAX if America’s call is correct.

“We’re thrilled with the response of NFL fans and our customers to Papa John’s Super Bowl Coin Toss Experience,” said John Schnatter, Papa John’s Founder, Chairman and CEO. “Recognizing it’s not every day that you get a chance for free pizza and Pepsi MAX on the simple flip of a coin, we expect the rush of people signing up for Papa Rewards to continue right up until the official coin is tossed.”

“I’ve never seen so much excitement about a coin toss,” said NFL star and Super Bowl XLI champion Peyton Manning. “I’ll be crossing my fingers with all of America for the coin to land on heads and reward everyone with free Papa John’s pizza.”

Added Super Bowl XL Champion and Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist Jerome “The Bus” Bettis: “For years, the coin toss I participated in on Thanksgiving Day 1998 has been recognized as one of the most famous in NFL history. If this year’s coin toss comes up ‘heads,’ I may be passing Papa John’s the torch for the most memorable coin toss.”

Last year for Super Bowl XLV, Papa John’s set a single-day sales record by selling more than 1 million pizzas, driven in part by offering a free large pizza to everyone in America if the game went into overtime. In the fourth quarter, the teams were separated by only 3 points, but the game did not go into overtime. In fact, no Super Bowl has ever gone into overtime.

“We generated a lot of excitement toward the end of Super Bowl XLV,” Schnatter said. “For Super Bowl XLVI, we’re flipping our strategy – literally – and generating a lot of drama for NFL fans and our customers at the beginning of Super Bowl XLVI.”

If the coin toss for Super Bowl XLVI lands on heads, each Papa Rewards member will receive an email Monday, Feb. 6, with instructions on how to get their free large one-topping pizza and 2-liter Pepsi MAX.

Papa John’s is in the second year of a multi-year sponsorship with the NFL.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world’s third largest pizza company. For 10 of the past 12 years, consumers have rated Papa John’s No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Papa John’s also was honored by Restaurants & Institutions Magazine (R&I) with the 2009 Gold Award for Consumers’ Choice in Chains in the pizza segment. Papa John’s is the Official Pizza Sponsor of the National Football League and Super Bowl XLVI and XLVII. For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John’s at www.papajohns.com.

© 2012 NFL Properties LLC. All NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. ONLY PAPA REWARDS MEMBERS AS OF 6 PM ET ON 2/5/12 WHO ARE LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.) 13 AND OLDER MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A PRIZE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Voting takes place from 1/22/12 to 2/1/12. For Official Rules, visit www.papajohns.com.

Pizza Lovers Now Have a One-Stop Shop For Pizza Available At iTunes Store

Mobi Pizza Launches Free 'Pizzeria Challenge' Game for iOS; App Combines Game with Yelp, Pizza Ordering

Tucson, AZ  (RestaurantNews.com)  Pizza lovers rejoice! Now, users with iOS devices who crave pizza have an all-in-one app to fulfill their pizza cravings. Mobi Pizza (http://mobipizza.us/) is the only independent app where pizza lovers can play the entertaining “Pizzeria Challenge” game, make their dream pizzas and look up Yelp listings for local pizza parlors directly from their iOS device (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch).

Now available on the iTunes store (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mobi-pizza/id454823634?mt=8) as a free download, the Mobi Pizza app combines the “Pizzeria Challenge” game with Yelp integration so pizza lovers can play the fun for all-ages game and when their craving gets to be too much, order a pizza by looking up local pizza restaurants on Yelp. In the coming months, Mobi Pizza will also offer users the ability to order pizza directly from their phones via the app.

“Mobi Pizza was created to give pizza lovers an all-in-one app that not only features a fun pizza-making game, but will soon allow users to also order pizzas directly from the app,” said Rollin Roos, CEO, Mobi Pizza.

The new family-friendly “Pizzeria Challenge” game is a 2D time-management game that puts the player in charge of a pizza parlor for the day, making pizzas and fulfilling orders against a ticking clock. With numerous toppings and sauces to fulfill, players of the “Pizzeria Challenge” have to manage their orders carefully and are ensure that they make enough “Mobi Money” at the end of the day to continue their pizza parlor business.  Users can also purchase “Mobi Money” within the app. With full shareability across social media platforms, players can challenge their family and friends to beat their totals.

Mobi Pizza also features Yelp integration so pizza fans can research local pizza restaurants via Yelp’s comprehensive database of reviews, listings and directions.

The Mobi Pizza app is compatible with iPads, iPhones and iPods and has been optimized as a native app for both iPads and iPhones. The Mobi Pizza is available now at the iTunes store for free (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mobi-pizza/id454823634?mt=8).

New products, increased franchise support, new advertising campaign to drive year’s expansion

CiCi's Pizza Announces 2012 Growth Plans

Coppell, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  CiCi’s Pizza, home of the custom pizza buffet, announced today its 2012 growth plans to support its continuing 10-year “Build the Brand” initiative to add 500 new restaurants by 2020. Progress in 2011 included 22 new restaurant openings representing a nearly 25 percent increase in new locations over the previous year, and multiple new partnerships to accelerate expansion.

“As we enter year three of our ‘Build the Brand’ strategy, we are gaining significant momentum with the new partnerships and tools we’ve put in place,” said CiCi’s Pizza CEO Mike Shumsky. “2012 is a pivotal year as we move from the planning stages to deployment of our 10-year program in new and existing markets.”

Upcoming initiatives for 2012 include:

• New products will be introduced quarterly to CiCi’s custom buffet. Recently hired culinarian Rebecca Stone, who serves as senior director of food and beverage, will oversee development of new menu items.

• A new advertising campaign, the first with new agency of record Publicis Dallas, breaks in mid-February to introduce a new signature pizza to CiCi’s buffet and to highlight CiCi’s variety and value offerings.

• A redesigned interactive website at www.cicispizza.com, developed by nFusion, launches in early February.

• A new site model, developed in partnership with Birchwood Resultants, rolls out in early February to help franchisees maximize growth potential through better real estate selection and restaurant design.

• A test of online ordering with ONOSYS begins in select markets in the second quarter.

• Kitchen efficiencies, designed to lower franchise investment costs, reduce waste and increase ROI, will be directed by Clif Geisler, recently hired as CiCi’s director of operational systems.

• Franchise incentive programs designed for new and existing operators will launch in mid-February as well as a new program to help U.S. military veterans become CiCi’s franchisees.

• New financing options through companies such as Boefly and others are being offered.

CiCi’s will continue its focus on restaurant design improvement in 2012. Last year, CiCi’s debuted a new 4,000-square-foot test restaurant in Murphy, Texas, equipped with features that may be incorporated into future restaurants such as an extended buffet line, redesigned salad bar, expanded menu boards, new carryout options and new color scheme and decor. Additionally, 41 existing restaurants were re-imaged, bringing more than 80 percent of the system up to date with the brand’s new look and feel. In 2012, the company will test a redesigned to-go-only restaurant as well as restaurants with smaller footprints for small towns or urban areas.

To fuel CiCi’s Pizza’s growth in 2012, the company is actively seeking qualified multi-unit and single-unit operators to help grow the brand in Southern California, the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and South Florida, as well as select cities in Texas and other regions across the nation. Prospective franchisees benefit from an approximate 2-to-1 sales-to-investment ratio and four distinct revenue streams: the custom buffet, catering, to-go orders and a game room.

“CiCi’s is passionate about exceeding guests’ expectations, and these new programs allow us to apply that same commitment of tremendous service and support to our franchise candidates,” said CiCi’s Pizza Chief Development Officer Bill Spae. “This approach is key as we strengthen our presence in the new markets we entered last year while continually improving our offering to support mature market growth.”

About CiCi’s Pizza

Coppell, Texas-based CiCi’s Pizza opened its first restaurant in Plano, Texas, in 1985 and is now one of the nation’s fastest growing pizza chains. The family-oriented restaurant, known for its pizza, pasta, salad, soup and dessert buffet, has about 600 restaurants in 35 states. In 2011, Zagat recognized CiCi’s on its list of most child-friendly fast-food chains, and Entrepreneur named CiCi’s first in its category on the Franchise 500 list. In 2010, CiCi’s was named to Inc. Magazine’s top 5,000 list, and to Parents’ list of top family-friendly restaurants. Nation’s Restaurant News ranked CiCi’s No. 1 in sales and unit growth among pizza chains for the past four years.

For more information about CiCi’s, visit www.cicispizza.com or www.facebook.com/cicis.

Franchisees are required to demonstrate a minimum of $250,000 in liquid capital, a net worth of $750,000 per unit, and a credit score of 700 or higher. For more information on franchising, visit http://franchise.cicispizza.com or call 972-745-9316.

Little Caesars Pizza Helps Football Fans Score Without Breaking the Bank This Sunday

Detroit, MI  (RestaurantNews.com)  Feeding friends and family for the game this Sunday doesn’t have to break the bank!  Fans can turn to Little Caesars® Pizza’s HOT-N-READY® menu line up for a crowd pleasing and economical solution. “Game day preparation is easy with Little Caesars,” said Ed Gleich, senior vice president of global marketing, Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. “Our quality HOT-N-READY pizzas are ready for carry-out when our customers want them, with no waiting or need to call ahead to order. Customers simply go to their Little Caesars store, and fresh pizzas are ready. They’re a great, convenient addition to any host’s entertaining playbook.”

Little Caesars’ delicious, large HOT-N-READY pizzas are made with high quality ingredients including naturally-aged mozzarella cheese, dough made fresh daily in the stores and sauce made with tomatoes picked at the peak of ripeness. All for just $5 plus tax at participating locations.

“Little Caesars’ HOT-N-READY pizzas are a great way to keep everyone happy and stay on budget,” said Gleich. “Whether it’s feeding a family or a larger group on game day, Little Caesars’ quality and value can’t be beat.” For the fourth year in a row, Little Caesars has been named the “Best Value in America”* among all major quick-serve restaurant chains across the country.

Besides pizza, core HOT-N-READY menu items at Little Caesars stores include football fan favorites Caesar Wings®, Crazy Bread®, Caesar Dips® and more. Customers can locate their closest Little Caesars store by visiting the store locator on LittleCaesars.com.

Little Caesars is proud to sponsor ESPN’s SportsCenter Specials today through Friday, February 3, 2012, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET and ESPN.com now through Sunday, February 5, 2012.

About Little Caesars

Little Caesars Pizza is currently the largest international carry-out chain, with restaurants on four continents.  The company’s founders, Michael and Marian Ilitch, opened their first restaurant in Garden City, Michigan in 1959. In 2010, Little Caesars added more stores around the world than any other pizza chain.

Little Caesars is growing in prime markets, offering strong franchisee candidates the opportunity for independence with a proven system. In addition, Little Caesars supports its franchisees through strong brand awareness with one of the most recognized and appealing characters in the country, Little Caesar.

Mike and Marian Ilitch’s other companies in the food, sports and entertainment industries include: the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, Ilitch Holdings, Inc., Uptown Entertainment, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, and a variety of venues within these entities. In addition, Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers and Marian Ilitch owns MotorCity Casino Hotel.

For more information about Little Caesars and available franchise opportunities, visit www.LittleCaesars.com or call 1.800.553.5776.

* “Highest-Rated Chain – Value for the Money” based on a nationwide survey of quick-service restaurant consumers conducted by Sandelman & Associates, 2010

Chain Looks to Energize Brand With Three New Hispanic Campaigns

Pizza Patron Returns to Pizza por Pesos Roots in 2012

Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Five years after weathering the media firestorm that erupted when Pizza Patrón advertised its Pizza por Pesos® promotion, the company announced today that it is planning three new campaigns for 2012 designed to celebrate the brand’s Latino roots.

In January 2007, Pizza Patrón launched Pizza por Pesos® announcing that it would accept Mexican pesos at all of its U.S. locations. When company executives received threats over the program, Pizza Patrón was catapulted into the international news spotlight. Today, every Pizza Patrón location across the U.S. continues to gladly accept Mexican pesos (bills only) as a method of payment.

“In 2007, when we began accepting Mexican pesos at our restaurants, it admittedly generated a lot of negative feedback,” said Andrew Gamm, brand director for Pizza Patrón. “But, in the end we received a preponderance of positive support from our customers, the American people, and business advocates from around the world.”

This year, Pizza Patrón will roll out three new campaigns that will reinforce the brand’s commitment to its Hispanic roots and honor the positive force of change immigrants bring to communities throughout America. The first campaign is slated for late April and will celebrate the language that unifies most Hispanics. The second campaign, scheduled for a July 4th launch, will honor the history of American immigration. The final campaign in October will promote community action and will feature Mexican pesos, putting a Latin twist on the company’s annual fundraising efforts for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Five years after Pizza por Pesos® our brand focus remains laser sharp,” said Gamm. “With these new campaigns, we want to send a message to our core customers that we are here for them, and we are here to stay.”

Pizza Patrón is headquartered in Dallas and celebrated the opening of its 100th restaurant in 2011 with locations in seven states and 85 more under development. Franchise opportunities, offering a proven system for hard-working franchisee candidates, are available in prime Hispanic markets throughout the country.

About Pizza Patrón

Since 1986, Pizza Patrón has been committed to making its promise of “Más Pizza. Menos Dinero.®” a reality for every customer. From the beginning, the brand has been recognized for its ‘fresh-dough’ pizza, its low prices and its trademark “friendly, bicultural service.” In 2007, the company drew international media attention when it decided to accept Mexican Pesos at all of its restaurants, gaining over 500 million media impressions in the U.S. alone. Today, Pizza Patrón is the nation’s premier Latino pizza brand and remains dedicated to bringing its unique experience to life with every pizza made, and in every community it serves.

Website – http://www.pizzapatron.com
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pizzapatron
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/pizzapatron

Flippers Pizzeria Celebrates 25 Years in Central Florida

Orlando, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  This month, January 2012, Flippers Pizzeria, an Orlando pizza restaurant with eleven locations and a central commissary that supports the growth of the pizza franchise,celebrates its twenty?fifth year in Central Florida.

When Flippers Pizzeria opened its first location in 1987 near Sea World, business owners had a specific goal in mind for the new pizzeria—creating delicious pizzas from the freshest ingredients possible and treating every guest with five?star customer service.

Eleven locations, a commissary, and a wholesale division later, Flippers Pizzeria’s mission remains the same since 1987, but owners say that after 25 years, it’s still just the “opening inning” for the flourishing pizza maker.

“During these past few years, we have really stepped up our game,” said said Scott Kousaie, Co? President & Founding Partner. “And it’s only beginning of where we’re headed… we’re just getting up to bat here, and all of us are really excited about the future possibilities for our business.”

When consumers walk into a Flippers Pizzeria restaurant today, things don’t look the way that they did in 1987, but the friendly, neighborhood atmosphere and delicious food that made Flippers Pizzeria a success in the first place, is still thriving.

“Our stores have been enhanced over the years due to evolving customer tastes, available technologies, and new conveniences that are now available to us as restaurant owners,” said Flippers founders. “Also critical in our success is the fact that that we have been perfecting the operational structure of the business for more than 25 years; retooling it over time so that every process works in the most efficient and productive way possible.”

Recently, Flippers Pizzeria went through a major rebranding. Stores were remodeled, new menu items added, and a future expansion plan went into effect, offering franchise opportunities to qualified investors who shared a passion for making delicious pizza.

Online ordering was developed, catering menus were improved, and plans to feature a mobile website and iPhone application were set into motion.

Flippers Pizzeria is constantly evolving. “We know that we must remain connected to our customers in order to prosper for another 25 years,” said a Flippers executive team member. “We never rest on our laurels. Our team is constantly searching for the best ingredients, modifying our recipes, and communicating with our patrons to make sure that we are always exceeding their expectations.”

Recently, flat screen TVs and free wireless Internet access were added in restaurants. The Flippers brand also retains a strong social media and Web presence with more than 5,000 active followers who are very vocal and passionate about the Flippers brand.

We are always improving our menu and communicating with our consumers on a daily basis— both online and off,” said a Flippers marketing team member. “Currently, we’ve been promoting our newest menu items on our social media profiles; we enjoy receiving consumer feedback and getting them involved in our conversations and decisions.”

It’s clever uses of today’s technology like this that keeps Flippers Pizzeria at the top of its game.

“We are very proud to have been part of the Central Florida community for more than twenty? five years, and we look forward to celebrating our milestone 25th year in 2012,” said a Flippers representative.

Later this year, Flippers Pizzeria plans to open its twelfth location in The Villages area of Central Florida.

Flippers Pizzeria was recently ranked “Number 1” on MyFoxOrlando’s Mojo Pages for “Best Pizza in Orlando.” Earlier this year, the Orlando pizza franchise began to offer t?shirts for fans of the pizza restaurant to show their support for the brand. The shirts are now available at all locations.

About Flippers Pizzeria

“Fresh Honest Ingredients.” From authentic brick?oven baked pizzas and pastas, to handcrafted calzones and flatbreads, Flippers Pizzeria maintains consistency in taste and freshness. Customers have the option of enjoying a delicious Flippers meal in the comfortable, family friendly environment of their restaurants or the convenience of pick?up and delivery services, as well as Orlando catering services. Flippers Pizzeria is one of the only delivery services that offer the quality of authentic brick?oven?baked pizza. Follow Flippers Pizzeria on Facebook (facebook.com/flipperspizzeria) and Twitter (@flipperspizzaus).

America to Consume More Than 16 Million Slices of Pizza Hut Pizza on Sunday

$10 Any Deal Preps for MVP Performance on Company’s Busiest Day of the Year

Pizza Hut Expects to Surpass 2 Million Pizzas Sold on Football's Biggest Day

Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  When teams from New York and New England meet on the gridiron in Indianapolis this Sunday, professional football’s ultimate crown will be on the line.  When it comes to choosing a meal for the Big Game, fans across the nation will look to Pizza Hut to deliver a championship spread just in time for kickoff. This year for the Big Game, Pizza Hut is expecting to surpass 2 million pizzas sold – more than 16 million slices – making it the chain’s busiest day of the year.

“There’s no question that football’s biggest day of the year will be the busiest day of the year at Pizza Hut,” said Kurt Kane, Pizza Hut CMO.  “Drivers, cashiers and cooks at more than 6,000 Pizza Hut restaurants are prepping for the madness of game day. With our famous $10 Any deal in place, we’re prepared to sell more pizzas on Feb. 5 than any day in Pizza Hut history.”

While Pizza Hut offers other fan favorites like pasta, wings and breadsticks, the No. 1 Big Game order will be pizza, to the tune of more than 2 million pies! To better demonstrate the sheer amount of Pizza Hut pizzas expected to exchange hands Sunday, the Pizza Hut research team released some mind-bending statistics.

• 442: Miles of Pizza Hut pizza to be sold on the big day, enough pizza  to lap the historic speedway in Indianapolis 176 times
• 1,200: Tons of dough that will be used to make Pizza Hut pizza for Big Game orders– more than 5-times the weight of the Statue of Liberty
• 90,000: Gallons of marinara sauce that will be spread across Pizza Hut pizzas on game day – enough to fill 5.7 million Boston Cream Donuts
• 80: Percentage of Big Game orders that will include America’s favorite topping, pepperoni; more than 14 billion pepperonis were consumed last year at Pizza Hut – enough to circle Earth 13.5 times

MVP: Most Valuable Pizza

With the epic return of the $10 Any Pizza deal – any pizza, any crust, any size for just $10 – fans can order crowd-pleasing favorites for one low price. For an additional charge, customers can enjoy Pizza Hut’s signature crust, Stuffed Crust Pizza.  The Pizza Hut $10 offer is available for a limited time, and no coupon is required.

Online Ordering – Why Wait?

Pizza lovers are encouraged to place early orders online at PizzaHut.com starting today. In addition to online ordering, fans can place orders for their favorite pizza, pasta and wings from their mobile devices via apps on the Apple iPhone, Apple iPad and Android smart phones, as well as text message and mobile web.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2012 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com, or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com.

Five Lucky Guests Will Win Free Pies for a Year

Fast Pizza, Fast Growth: Pie Five Pizza Co. Opens Fifth Location In North Dallas

The Colony, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Today, the name says it all. Pie Five Pizza Co. is celebrating the grand opening of its fifth location with a new restaurant at 15250 North Dallas Parkway near Beltline and the North Dallas Tollway. Five lucky guests will also win free pies for a year in honor of the occasion. People can sign up for a chance to win at www.piefivepizza.com.

“We have redefined fast-casual dining for our speed in creating pies as well as our speed in developing stores,” said Charlie Morrison, president and CEO of Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc. “This new address marks the perfect way to start this year, and we’re not done yet.”

Pie Five Pizza, which has grown to five locations in seven months, has created a new pizza dining experience, giving customers the option of any sauce and topping combination or one of 12 specialty pies on the menu, assembled before them on a 9-inch Crispy Thin or Classic Pan crust, baked and ready to eat in less than five minutes.

Doors open today at 11 a.m. at the new North Dallas location. New sites echoing the industrial chic design are already in development at Midway and Park in Carrollton and in Arlington. Pie Five is on track to have eight locations open by June of this year for the chain’s first anniversary.

A complete menu and more information on Pie Five^™ restaurants is available at www.piefivepizza.com. The company is also on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/PieFivePizza) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/PieFivePizza).

About Pie Five

Pie Five is a subsidiary of Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc. Headquartered in the Dallas suburb of The Colony, TX, Pizza Inn, Inc., is an international pizza chain with restaurants featuring traditional and specialty pizzas, as well as freshly made pastas, sandwiches, and desserts. Founded in 1958, publicly traded Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:PZZI) franchises approximately 300 restaurants and directly owns and operates nine restaurants. More information is available at www.pizzainn.com.

Just in Time for the Big Game, Pizza Patron Reminds It Is One-Stop Shop for Wings and Pizza

Pizza Patron Introduces the Super Wing & Pizza Party Paqs

Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Pizza Patrón announced today four exciting new party paquetazos (combos) that each includes chicken wings and pizza, just in time for those planning events and parties for the big game.

“Over the years, we have discovered that our customers often times make two trips for their parties or game-watching events — one for pizza and the other for wings,” said Andrew Gamm, brand director for Pizza Patrón. “This promotion is designed to remind customers that we have fantastic wings, and that Pizza Patrón is the one-stop shop for wings AND pizza for their next party.”

Party Paquetazo 1 includes 30 wings, two 5-piece orders of QuesoStix, two large pepperoni pizzas, and 3 dips for $34.99.

Party Paquetazo 2 includes 45 wings, two 5-piece orders of QuesoStix, two large pepperoni pizzas, and 4 dips for $44.99.

Party Paquetazo 3 includes 60 wings, four 5-piece orders of QuesoStix, four large pepperoni pizzas, and 6 dips for $64.99.

Party Paquetazo 4 includes 90 wings, four 5-piece orders of QuesoStix, four large pepperoni pizzas, and 8 dips for $84.99.

“Even though we are rolling this out to coincide with the big game, we plan to continue offering these party paqs throughout the year,” said Gamm. “Pizza Patrón has always stood for great value propositions, and our four new party paqs offer customers tasty and convenient party solutions in attractive, low-priced packages.”

Pizza Patrón is headquartered in Dallas and celebrated the opening of its 100th restaurant in 2011 with locations in seven states and 85 more under development. Franchise opportunities, offering a proven system for hard-working franchisee candidates, are available in prime Hispanic markets throughout the country.

About Pizza Patrón

Since 1986, Pizza Patrón has been committed to making its promise of “Más Pizza. Menos Dinero.®” a reality for every customer. From the beginning, the brand has been recognized for its ‘fresh-dough’ pizza, its low prices and its trademark “friendly, bicultural service.” In 2007, the company drew international media attention when it decided to accept Mexican Pesos at all of its restaurants, gaining over 500 million media impressions in the U.S. alone. Today, Pizza Patrón is the nation’s premier Latino pizza brand and remains dedicated to bringing its unique experience to life with every pizza made, and in every community it serves.

Website – www.pizzapatron.com
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pizzapatron
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/pizzapatron

Papa John's to Give Free Pizza to America If Fans Correctly 'Call' Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss

Louisville, KY  (RestaurantNews.com)  No National Football League sponsor knows a quality “toss” like Papa John’s founder, Chairman and CEO John Schnatter, but he’s counting on America to call the coin toss for Super Bowl XLVI so that the country can flip over free pizza.

Papa John’s, the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, today unveiled its Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss Experience, which includes a free large one-topping pizza and 2-liter Pepsi MAX for the millions of fans enrolled in Papa John’s Papa Rewards program … if America correctly “calls” the Super Bowl coin toss. No matter which team wins the Super Bowl, Papa John’s fans have skin in the game.

“Papa” John Schnatter, who started Papa John’s in 1984 out of the back of his father’s tavern in Jeffersonville, Ind., has recruited Super Bowl champions Peyton Manning and Jerome “The Bus” Bettis to help spread the word and “coach” America on the coin toss vote.

Bringing this powerful threesome together is the crescendo of Papa John’s NFL season-long marketing strategy that has surprised and delighted millions of Papa John’s customers. Papa John’s, the only national pizza chain with a system-wide rewards program, will continue this blitz the next two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl XLVI coin toss. The integrated campaign includes a national television commercial featuring Manning and Bettis that first aired during yesterday’s NFC and AFC Championship games, digital media advertising, social media (#freepapajohns), and interactive, video-rich Web pages at www.papajohns.com.

America will make its “heads” or “tails” call for the Super Bowl XLVI coin toss by voting at www.papajohns.com today through Feb. 1. Schnatter will announce the result of America’s vote Feb. 2 on the NFL Network in Indianapolis and via social media and at www.papajohns.com.

If America’s call is correct, everyone enrolled in Papa Rewards as of 6 p.m. ET Super Bowl Sunday will receive an email the following day with instructions on how to claim their pizza and Pepsi MAX prize.

“This won’t be an easy call for America, but as the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, it’s an easy call for Papa John’s to offer a promotion like this to our loyal customers,” Schnatter said. “The Super Bowl is the largest stage in all of sports, and it’s the biggest sales day of the year for us. We’re going all out with quality players like Peyton Manning and The Bus to make sure our customers have a great experience with the highest-quality pizza.”

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Papa John’s team and this exciting promotion that revolves around the biggest day of the year – the Super Bowl,” said Manning, who won Super Bowl XLI. “I really didn’t expect to be a referee this year, but – like I said in the commercial — ’a man’s gotta work.’”

“The pressure is on, America,” said Bettis, who is a finalist this year for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “It’s hard to believe there could be an NFL coin toss with bigger stakes than what I experienced Thanksgiving Day 1998 … but with free Papa John’s and Pepsi MAX on the line for millions of fans in Super Bowl XLVI, this certainly is huge!”

Occurring between the singing of the National Anthem and kickoff, the Super Bowl coin toss puts viewers on the edge of their seats … and players and coaches simply on edge. In fact, the NFC is on an incredible 14-year winning streak with Super Bowl coin tosses (Super Bowl XXXII – Super Bowl XLV). Some additional interesting Super Bowl coin toss statistics:

• In 45 Super Bowls, heads has been called 23 times and tails 22
• 24 of the 45 tosses have come up heads, and 21 tails
• The NFC has 24 Super Bowl wins, with a dominating 31 coin toss wins
• The AFC has 21 Super Bowl wins, compared to only 14 coin toss wins

Last year for Super Bowl XLV, Papa John’s set a single-day sales record by selling more than one million pizzas, driven in part by offering a free large pizza to everyone in America if the game went into overtime. In the fourth quarter, the teams were separated by only 3 points, but the game did not go into overtime. In fact, no Super Bowl has ever gone into overtime.

This year, America’s odds of winning free Papa John’s are much better … on the toss of a coin.

Papa John’s is in the second year of a multi-year sponsorship with the NFL.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world’s third largest pizza company. For 10 of the past 12 years, consumers have rated Papa John’s No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Papa John’s also was honored by Restaurants & Institutions Magazine (R&I) with the 2009 Gold Award for Consumers’ Choice in Chains in the pizza segment. Papa John’s is the Official Pizza Sponsor of the National Football League and Super Bowl XLVI and XLVII. For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John’s at www.papajohns.com.

© 2012 NFL Properties LLC. All NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. ONLY PAPA REWARDS MEMBERS AS OF 6 PM ET ON 2/5/12 WHO ARE LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.) 13 AND OLDER MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A PRIZE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Voting takes place from 1/22/12 to 2/1/12. For Official Rules, visit www.papajohns.com.

Contact

Papa John’s International, Inc.
Tish Muldoon
Senior Director, Public Relations
502-261-4987
tish_muldoon@papajohns.com

NPC International, Inc. Announces Agreement to Acquire 36 Units from Pizza Hut, Inc.

Overland Park, KS  (RestaurantNews.com)  Consistent with NPC International, Inc.’s objective to continue its growth within the Pizza Hut system, NPC announced today that it had entered into an Asset Sale Agreement (ASA) with Pizza Hut, Inc. and affiliates (PHI) pursuant to which NPC has agreed to purchase from PHI 36 Pizza Hut units for $18.8 million in cash, plus an additional amount for inventory, prepaids, and store cash.

The units being acquired include five fee-owned locations. This acquisition will be funded with available cash on hand and borrowings from the Company’s $100.0 million revolving credit facility.

The units to be acquired pursuant to the ASA are located in and around Jacksonville, Florida and are comprised of 27 delivery/carry-out units and 9 dine-in restaurants. According to information provided to NPC, 30 of the units to be acquired generated $27.8 million in net product sales during the 53 weeks ended December 2011; the remaining 6 units to be acquired are not included in these results because none of these units was open and/or under PHI management for a full year.

NPC expects the closing to occur in February 2012 and it is subject to obtaining customary approvals.

Jim Schwartz, Chairman and CEO of NPC International, Inc. said, “We are very excited to add this market to our portfolio and look forward to joining forces with the operations team in Jacksonville. These units are a perfect fit within our current geographical footprint which will allow us to leverage our existing operational infrastructure and expand our presence in the Florida market.

This transaction clearly demonstrates our continued strong belief in the Pizza Hut system and our continuing partnership with our best-in-class franchisor.

We expect the transaction to improve our overall credit statistics.”

NPC International, Inc. is the largest Pizza Hut franchisee and the largest franchisee of any restaurant concept in the United States (U.S.) according to the 2010 “Top 200 Restaurant Franchisees” by Franchise Times. The Company is also the eighth largest restaurant unit operator in the U.S. according to the 2011 “Chain Restaurant Industry Review” by GE Capital, Franchise Finance. The Company was founded in 1962 and operates 1,151 Pizza Hut units in 28 states with significant presence in the Midwest, South and Southeast. As of the third quarter of 2011, the Company’s operations represented approximately 19% of the domestic Pizza Hut restaurant system and approximately 21% of the domestic Pizza Hut franchised restaurant system as measured by number of units, excluding licensed units which operate with a limited menu and no delivery in certain of the Company’s markets.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release that do not relate to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements. These may include statements regarding NPC’s or management’s intentions, expectations or predictions of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. NPC’s actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including lower than anticipated consumer discretionary spending; deterioration in general economic conditions; competition in the quick service restaurant market; adverse changes in food, labor and other costs; price inflation or deflation; the ability of NPC and other parties to acquisition transactions to satisfy the conditions to the closing of such transactions; the ability of NPC to obtain sale-leaseback financing on acceptable terms and other factors. All forward-looking statements made in this news release are made as of the date hereof. NPC does not intend to update these forward-looking statements and undertakes no duty to any person to provide any such update under any circumstances. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

Contact

NPC International, Inc.
Troy D. Cook
913-327-3109
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

“Ultimate Pizza Artist” takes home Crystal Pizza Cutter award, cash and prizes

Houston Area Pizza Artisan Wins Second Annual CiCi's Pizza Throwdown

Frisco, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  With lightning speed, Florinda Albarron of the Tomball, Texas CiCi’s Pizza restaurant, stretched, sauced and baked a full buffet of perfect CiCi’s pizzas to win the second annual CiCi’s Pizza Throwdown finals, held in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Ultimate Pizza Artist Albarron, a Houston resident, will receive an all-inclusive trip for four to Universal Studios in Orlando, $2,500 in cash and the coveted Crystal Pizza Cutter award. CiCi’s also has emblazoned her name on a CiCi’s distribution truck that will travel more than 100,000 miles in 2012 making product deliveries to CiCi’s restaurants across the nation.

With a time of 23 minutes, 28 seconds, she set a new overall company record and bested three other Throwdown finalists to win the title. Other results include:

• Second place: Beatriz Segundo of Kansas City, Mo., whose 25-minute, 16-second time topped last year’s Ultimate Pizza Artist’s winning time, will receive a Blu-ray disc player and $1,500. Her coworker, Elizabeth Cruz, won the Throwdown last year in 25 minutes and 29 seconds.

• Third place: Jorge Caballero of Marshall, Texas, who won the quality portion of the competition, wins a laptop computer and $1,000. He follows in the footsteps of his cousin, Martin Caballero of Lynchburg, Va,, who placed second in last year’s competition.

• Fourth place: Jose Gomez from High Point, N.C., who was the Throwdown’s fastest dough stretcher, will receive an iPod Touch and docking station and $500.

The four finalists competed in local and regional Throwdown events beginning in September, beating out a field of more than 300 to reach the Throwdown finals.

Albarron, who has been with CiCi’s for 12 years, had a winning time that was three minutes faster than last year’s top time. Overall times for all four places were better than last year, demonstrating contestants’ hard work and training for the event.

“We had a talented lineup in an exciting, highly competitive event, and we congratulate Florinda on winning the coveted Crystal Pizza Cutter award,” said CiCi’s Pizza Director of People Development Chris Patterson. “She demonstrates the values and skills that have made CiCi’s one of the nation’s fastest growing pizza chains. We encourage our pizza artisans to start training now for next year!”

Places and times

Overall competition
- Florinda Albarron, 23:28
- Beatriz Segundo, 25:16
- Jorge Caballero, 25:34
- Jose Gomez, 26:31

Fastest dough stretching – Jose Gomez, 3:18

Fastest sauce and cheese time – Florinda Albarron, 5:10

Fastest cook time – Florinda Albarron, 4:57

Best quality – Jorge Caballero

About CiCi’s Pizza

Coppell, Texas-based CiCi’s Pizza opened its first restaurant in Plano, Texas in 1985, and is now one of the nation’s fastest growing pizza chains. The family-oriented restaurant, known for its pizza, pasta, salad, soup and dessert buffet, has about 600 restaurants in 35 states. In 2011, Zagat recognized CiCi’s on its list of most child-friendly fast-food chains, and Entrepreneur named CiCi’s first in its category on the Franchise 500 list. In 2010, CiCi’s was named to Inc. Magazine’s top 5,000 list, and to Parents’ list of top family-friendly restaurants. Nation’s Restaurant News ranked CiCi’s No. 1 in sales and unit growth among pizza chains for the past four years.

For more information about CiCi’s, visit www.cicispizza.com or www.facebook.com/cicis.

For franchising information, contact Bruce Evans at bevans@cicispizza.com or 972-745-4318.

Pizza School of New York Officially Launched

New York  (RestaurantNews.com)  The world famous Goodfella’s of Staten Island announced today the launching of its new website http://pizzaschoolnewyork.com and the Pizza School of New York. The Pizza School of New York will be one of the most comprehensive pizza schools and websites in the country. Focusing on the art of wood fired pizza, gourmet breads, custom brick ovens, revolving brick ovens and complete consulting on how to open a pizza restaurant. Founder Scot Cosentino says, “We will be running the school from our original location at 1718 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, New York. It will be a completely hands-on experience turning pizza makers from all over the world into gourmet artisans who will master the art of wood fired pizza. We also will be focusing on gourmet breads, sauce making and offer a variety of services from brick oven skills, to complete consulting on startup operations. We currently have students from all over the world and are helping many people make their dreams come true.”

Goodfella’s Brick Oven Pizza has also entered the brick oven building business and launched another new website at http://www.brickovensforsale.com and is specializing in custom brick ovens and revolving brick ovens. Goodfella’s was founded in 1992 and has been an industry trendsetter and leader in gourmet brick oven pizza since its inception. Wining numerous national and international prizes for its gourmet creations, such as the Vodka Pie, Smokin Goodfella and Sally Pie. Goodfella’s has also been known as one of Rudy Giuliani’s favorite places for pizza and as a local celebrity hot spot for years. They have also been featured on many TV segments, catered on the Presidential Yacht and rumor has it that they are now working on a TV series.

Contact:

Scot Cosentino
http://www.goodfellas.com
Store: (718) 987- 2422
Cell: (917) 622-0303
Email: gfscot@aol.com

Russo's Has Appetite for Expansion

Houston, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Despite a weakened economy that has stalled growth for most businesses, Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen are defying recession-conservatism by implementing plans for further expansion throughout the south and supporting growth with advances in operations and marketing for the brand – sparking encouragement among current and potential franchisees.

“As other restaurants are closing their doors in the current economic state, Russo’s is surging forward and positioning everything to reflect positive growth for the brand,” said Anthony Russo, who opened his first restaurant at 17 in Galveston, Texas and his first Russo’s New York Pizzeria in 1992. “While we cannot change the economic climate, we can implement strategy to ensure continued success for existing restaurants and future franchisees.”

Throughout the last 12 months, the Houston based restaurant franchise has implemented a new menu to compliment its existing authentic Italian favorites, designed a new logo to embrace the brand’s culture and established a new training facility to ensure success among new and existing franchisees.

On the heels of these changes, Russo’s has experienced tremendous growth. In addition to opening two restaurants in 2011, the burgeoning brand signed five separate agreements for 31 locations throughout the United States and the Middle East.

Company plans call for opening an additional 10 franchise locations in 2012.

“With all the positive changes implemented into the brand, now is the perfect time to execute growth procedures, and we are pleased with the expansion that we are seeing both domestically and internationally,” Russo added.

The Russo’s restaurants have been serving Authentic Italian dishes to hearty appetites for almost 20 years with favorites including Gnocchi Bolognese, Chicken Picatta, Pasta Di Mare and handcrafted Italian Cannolis. Anthony has recently revamped the menu, adding dishes with quality ingredients and a fresh take on classic Italian cuisine that include Eggplant Rollatini and Spinach and Artichoke dip.

“Our restaurants become a local gathering place for families and a social hub for friends,” Russo added. “We have put everything in place to welcome new franchisees into the Russo’s family and to teach them everything they need to know to be successful within our system. We look forward to continuous growth into 2012 as we roll up our sleeves and roll out the Russo’s experience across the nation and internationally.”

About Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen

Russo’s operates with a simple promise: “If it isn’t fresh, don’t serve it.” Founded in 1992 by Chef Anthony Russo, Russo’s New York Pizzeria is known as the only place to find authentic New York Pizza and Italian dishes in Texas. Russo launched his Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen concept to complement the Pizzeria in 2008, with an expanded selection of Italian menu items.  Current company operations include 28 restaurants in three states, with plans for significant expansion through franchising in key U.S. markets already underway. For more information and to learn about available franchise opportunities visit www.russorestaurants.com.

Sends 10,000 Chicago Deep-Dish Pizzas Overseas

Pizzas 4 Patriots Teams With DHL and UNO to Deliver a Slice of Home to U.S. Troops for Super Bowl Sunday

Plantation, FL and Chicago, IL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Pizzas 4 Patriots is teaming up with DHL Express, the world’s leading international express shipping provider, and UNO, the inventor of deep-dish pizza, to dish out 10,000 pizzas to U.S. servicemen and servicewomen on Super Bowl Sunday, the largest pizza-eating day of the year for Americans.

With DHL Express donating its global express shipping network for the non-profit organization, Pizzas 4 Patriots will send enough of Chicago’s Original Deep Dish Pizza to feed more than 30,000 service men and women.

“Although a significant draw-down of U.S. troops continues in Iraq, more than 100,000 service men and women are serving heroically in Afghanistan,” said Ret. Master Sergeant Mark Evans, founder of Pizzas 4 Patriots. “We need to let U.S.troops serving thousands of miles away know that Americans at home still remember they are there and deeply appreciate their service to our country.”

This week, the Chicago-style pizzas packed in temperature-cooled containers will depart the U.S. via a DHL Express direct flight to the Middle East. Once in Afghanistan, the shipment will be distributed to Camp Bastion, Bagram Airbase and Kandahar as well as various Forward Operating Bases in the country. DHL Express will provide door-to-door, final mile delivery for the distribution, working closely with the U.S. military to ensure the pizzas are delivered fresh and ready to heat and serve at various military bases.

“Our partnership with Pizzas 4 Patriots is part of our ongoing efforts to support our troops and honor our U.S. service men and women,” said Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express U.S. “We’re extremely honored to leverage our international network, global reach and expertise to bring a special ‘slice’ of home to U.S. servicemen and women to ensure they know they are not forgotten by friends, family and Americans at home.”

Since 2008, Pizzas 4 Patriots has worked with DHL Express to send more than 70,000 pizzas in support of U.S.military personnel overseas.

“With the passing of time, some Americans have shifted their attention away from the conflicts thousands of miles away, but our troops are still there and we never, ever, want to forget them,” said UNO’s CEO Frank Guidara, also a veteran. “Sending them a taste of home, namely a deep dish pizza, is a way for us to show our appreciation.”

For more information on Pizzas 4 Patriots, please visit: www.Pizzas4Patriots.com.

About Pizzas 4 Patriots

Pizzas 4 Patriots, founded by Ret. Master Sergeant Mark Evans, is a non-profit organization with the mission of making a positive difference in the lives of our service men and women.  We proudly support those patriots presently serving, as well as our wounded Veterans.  It is our goal to provide our Armed Forces with unique gifts from home. We have been fortunate to receive donations, ranging from financial to products and services, from individuals, families, corporations, and other organizations, all wanting to show appreciation for the sacrifice of our brave troops.  Our goal is to bring a little bit of home to the troops, and show them that they are supported by the country and residents who enjoy the freedoms that they provide for us.  For more information on our programs, please visit: www.Pizzas4Patriots.com.

DHL – The Logistics company for the world

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 51 billion euros in 2010.

About UNO’s – The inventor of Deep Dish Pizza

Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation includes 150 company-owned and franchised restaurants located in 24 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Honduras, Kuwaitand Saudi Arabia, and approximately 9,000 employees worldwide. Based in Boston, UNO’s mission is to deliver intensely flavorful, delicious and nutritious food in an environment of heartfelt hospitality, and was named America’s Healthiest Chain Restaurant by Health magazine. The Company also operates a fast casual concept called Uno Dué Go, a quick service concept called Uno Express and a consumer packaged foods business which supplies airlines, movie theatres, hotels, airports, travel plazas, schools and supermarkets with both frozen and refrigerated private-label foods and Uno branded products. For more information, visit www.unos.com.

Media Contact

DHL Express U.S.
Robert Mintz
Phone: 1 425 368 2163
E-mail: Robert.mintz@dhl.com

Santa Clara Family Restaurant, Pizz'a Chicago Announces Three New Menu Items

Santa Clara, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  From the beginning of a meal to the end, Santa Clara’s family restaurant, Pizz’a Chicago, introduces three new menu items to ensure that everyone will discover something new to enjoy this new year.

Looking for a crisp, refreshing salad? Try Pizz’a Chicago’s new Greek salad, featuring cucumbers, red onions, red peppers, grape tomatoes and kalamata olives, that is tossed in a red wine vinaigrette dressing and topped with feta cheese.

Santa Clara’s best restaurant knows customers will love the combinations in its new “Wicker Park” pizza. Fresh spinach, button mushrooms, red onions and crumbled bacon top this item.

For dessert, Pizz’a Chicago also offers a new apple crisp that is made with tart apples, oats, nutmeg and cinnamon, and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

“Let your stomach be your guide and enjoy our delicious fare,” Art Harris of Pizz’a Chicago said.

Pizz’a Chicago’s goal is to serve the highest quality, gourmet, deep dish pizzas at reasonable prices, and in a fun and interesting atmosphere. Pizz’a Chicago hopes customers discover a warm and friendly restaurant to come back to time and time again.

For more information about Pizz’a Chicago or any of its products, call 408-565-8457, view the company on the web at http://www.pizzachicagoonline-santaclara.com or visit 1576 Halford Ave. in Santa Clara.

About Pizz’a Chicago

Pizz’a Chicago in Santa Clara has made customers’ online experiences more user friendly by including complete, interactive menus with online ordering and color images of all menu items. The family restaurant also provides catering services.

In addition to maintaining the highest standards possible for the quality of its pizzas, Pizz’a Chicago believes strongly in doing its part to help the environment. Therefore, it recycle its glass, cardboard, cans and plastic whenever possible. It also uses unbleached boxes and napkins.

Fan Recipe’d Pepperoni Caprese Pizza Featured on Menus throughout January; Free Sampling All Week

Zpizza Celebrates National Pizza Week with Addition of 'Dream' Pizza

Los Angeles, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  To kick-off National Pizza Week, January 9-15, Zpizza adds the fan-created Pepperoni Caprese Pizza to its menu through the end of January.

Last October Zpizza asked Facebook fans to build their dream pepperoni pizza via the “Pure Pepperoni Design Your Dream Pizza” recipe contest, using pepperoni and any existing ingredients at Zpizza. Entries were judged by Zpizza’s culinary team, known as Sid’s Kitchen, and a food and restaurant reporter for The Orange County Register. The winning “Pepperoni Caprese” recipe was created by Mellissa Clark of Ohio.

The Pepperoni Caprese, made with 100 percent certified organic wheat flour dough, takes a twist on the Italian antipasto dish “Insalata Caprese” of sliced fresh mozzarella, roma tomatoes and basil, seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper, with the addition of roasted red peppers and Zpizza’s new, all-natural pepperoni, known as Pure Pepperoni. The pizza can also be made with gluten-free or wheat crust.

“The fresh, bright flavors from the classic salad in the style of Capri highlight the robust taste of our all-natural pepperoni,” said Sid Fanarof, founder, Zpizza and contest judge. “We chose this recipe because of its unique flavor profile that best complemented the pepperoni and that it was inspired by a simple Southern Italian dish.”

Zpizza locations will be sampling the Pepperoni Caprese pizza in stores during National Pizza Week from January 9-15. In addition, from January 15-19, members of ztribe, Zpizza’s loyalty program, will receive an exclusive email offer for a free small Pepperoni Caprese Pizza with purchase of any extra large pizza.

As part of its commitment to providing the highest quality ingredients at reasonable prices, Zpizza’s culinary team spent two years developing a specially formulated, all-natural, MSG-free pepperoni with no added nitrites and no preservatives. Pure Pepperoni has the same flavor profile and nutrition content, but is a higher quality product and is the only pepperoni used in all 100 Zpizza locations.

A great place to order for delivery, dine-in or take out, Zpizza offers health-conscious, artisan pizzas, rusticas, pastas, calzones, sandwiches and salads, and the opportunity to create personalized pizzas with a selection of premium ingredients. Zpizza also has a full catering menu for business lunches, parties, events and any catering needs. For deals and news, check out Zpizza on Facebook (facebook.com/zpizza) and Twitter (@zpizza) and join ztribe for email offers at http://www.zpizza.com/ztribe.

About Zpizza

Featured on “Good Morning America” as a healthy dining option and rated by Parents magazine as one of the “Top 10 Best Fast-Casual Family Restaurants,” Zpizza takes a unique approach by appealing to traditional pizza lovers, health conscious consumers and gourmet palates alike. Artisan pizzas, rusticas, pastas, calzones, sandwiches and salads are made with all natural and organic ingredients with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, combining select ingredients using award-winning skim mozzarella from Wisconsin, certified organic tomato sauce, MSG- and nitrite-free pepperoni, additive-free sausage, and fresh produce. Dough is made from 100% organic wheat flour prepared fresh every day, hand-thrown and fire-baked until uniquely crisp. Founded in 1986 in the art colony of Laguna Beach, California, where creativity and craftsmanship have flourished for almost a century, all ingredients are selectively chosen for superior quality. Zpizza has over 90 locations and another 400 in development worldwide. More information at http://www.Zpizza.com.

Pittsburgh, PA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Unique Pizza and Subs Corporation  (OTC Markets Groups Inc.: OTC Pink: UPZS) a Delaware Corporation, is pleased to announce it is negotiating leases in the Monroeville PA market to open a Corporately Owned Unique Pizza and Subs Sports Bar. UPZS has narrowed its search down to two possible Monroeville spaces for its Showcase Location. They are currently in the final stages of negotiating the leases and have deemed both locations to be outstanding, so it now comes down to the most favorable lease.

James Vowler President and CEO of Unique Pizza and Subs Corporation said, “We have wanted to open a Flagship Corporate Store for the past couple of years but needed to fully complete the restructure before we could move forward. This location will be a first class Unique Pizza and Subs Sports Bar offering our full menu options  in a family friendly atmosphere. This locations will run as a four profit center facility; Dine-In, Bar area, Delivery, Take-Out. Each of the four separate profit centers will be operated and incentivized of their own, this will allow our Flagship Corporate Store to enjoy tremendous success. This location will have a separate cooking station in the dining room allowing our helpful staff to show kids how to make their own pizza, there will be live entertainment and many sponsored local events. This Corporately owned location will house our Corporate Office’s and will also be used as a training facility for Pittsburgh stores and future franchisees.”

This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approval for anticipated actions.

Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc. Names Jerry Trojan as Chief Financial Officer

The Colony, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:PZZI) has named Jerome L. Trojan, III as Chief Financial Officer. Trojan joins the company at a time of considerable growth, bringing strong financial experience in leadership roles for private and publicly-traded companies in the small cap space and in franchising.

“Jerry is a great addition to our executive team as we embark on an exciting year,” said Charlie Morrison, CEO and President for Pizza Inn Holdings. “Our brands continue to make progress that positions us for further opportunity, reflected in our financial performance and in the addition of stores for Pizza Inn and Pie Five Pizza Co.”

Trojan previously served as Chief Financial Officer for CLST Holdings, a publicly-traded company based in Dallas. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of Finance and CFO for Palm Beach Tan, which operates and franchises more than 250 locations across the U.S. He has also held CFO positions with Moll Industries, Inc. and VLPS Lighting Services International, Inc., both located in Dallas.

“This is an amazing time to be part of Pizza Inn Holdings,” Trojan said of his new role. “I am honored to join this company and this team that have brought the best of a historic brand and an exciting new fast-casual concept together for an impressive future.”

Trojan holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and master’s degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas.

About Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc.

Headquartered in the Dallas suburb of The Colony, TX, Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc., is an owner, franchisor and supplier of a system of restaurants operating domestically and internationally under the trademarks “Pizza Inn” and “Pie Five Pizza Co.”   Pizza Inn is an international pizza chain featuring traditional and specialty pizzas, as well as freshly made pastas, sandwiches, and desserts. Pie Five Pizza Co. is a new fast-casual concept offering individual pizzas made to order and cooked in less than five minutes. Founded in 1958, publicly traded Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:PZZI) franchises approximately 300 restaurants and directly owns and operates eight restaurants. For more information, please visit www.pizzainn.com.

Cheese, Meat, Veggies, Pie – Oh My! Seattle’s Favorite Pizza House Welcomes Pizza Holiday With New Beers on Tap and 15 Percent off Orders

Seattle's Bambino's Pizzeria Offers Bottles and Pizza Pairings During National Pizza Week

Seattle, WA  (RestaurantNews.com)  In honor of National Pizza Week, starting Monday, January 9 through Friday, January 13, Bambino’s Pizzeria, a favorite pizza-and-microbrew restaurant located in the heart of Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, will offer 15 percent off all pizza orders and boasts a new lineup of highly coveted beers.

“At Bambino’s Pizzeria, our customers are our friends and family, and we are known in the community for serving great beer and delicious pizza made with only the freshest ingredients,” said Belle Coelho, owner of Bambino’s Pizzeria. “To give thanks to our network of supporters, we are offering an amazing discount during National Pizza Week with a discount as the perfect way to say thank you for letting Bambino’s Pizzeria be a part of the neighborhood.”

In addition to a 15 percent discount off all pizza orders during the second week of January, Bambino’s Pizzeria will add Hitachino Nest Ancient Nipponia, Port Santa’s Little Helper, and St Feuillien La Blanche to its highly regarded selection of beers. To prepare for the celebration, Bambino’s Pizzeria took the grunt work out of taste bud experimentation by meeting with local brewing companies and handpicking the best beer to pair with the pizzeria’s most popular dishes. The carefully selected combinations offer a unique and delicious dining experience to Bambino’s guests. With the perfect pairing of sweet, dry, flowery, or hoppy, the selected menu items will come to life. Buon appetito!

Bambino’s Bottles and Bambino’s Pizzeria Pairings:

• Lost Abbey Avante Garde suggested pairing: Benedetto Calzone -
  Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Spicy Calabrese, Sausage, Spicy Pepper
• Russian River Pliny the Elder suggested pairing: Gaius Plenius Pizza -
  Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Spicy Salami, Castelvetrano Olive, Pecorino Pepato
• Hitachino Nest Ancient Nipponia suggested pairing: Cheese Plate: Monchego -
  Monchego Cheese served with House made Crostinni
• The Bruery Autumn Maple suggested pairing: Primavera Pizza -
  Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Olive, Onion, Tomato, Mushroom, Pepper
• Port Santa’s Little Helper suggested pairing: Tropicale Pizza -
  Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Ham, Pineapple
• St Fuellien La Blanche suggested pairing: Tre Gusti Pizza -
  Truffle Oil, Fontal, Potatoes, Onion
• Lost Abbey Judgment Day suggested pairing: Mole Pizza -
  Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Salumi’s Mole Salami

“Pizza is a personal food and the individuality in each of our dishes is brought to life when washed down with a tasty ale,” said Coelho. “Beer and pizza connoisseurs are some of the most passionate people and our customers tend to seek us out for our rare beers and flavorful fare for which we always deliver.”

Bambino’s Pizzeria first opened in 2005 and grew to become a Seattle staple, helped along by its stellar brew line-up that includes cult favorites like Abbaye De Saint Bon-Chien, La Baladin Super Baladin, and Ommegang Gnomegang. The food itself is authentic New York Neapolitan Style cuisine incorporating local ingredients, with the exception of the true Italian crust that uses Caputo 00 flour — a hark back to Coelho’s native Italy. Pizzas and calzones are heated in a wood fire oven for a crispy, mouthwatering texture. Bambino’s Pizzeria boasts 12 different pizza combinations and nine calzone selections with the ability to customize your own concoction. Meals are accompanied by a variety of beers and wine including authentic barrel wine such as 2009 Mouvedre Washington Syrah for the perfect flavorful pairings.

Bambino’s Pizzeria is the ideal destination for great food and drink and open seven days a week year-round. The restaurant takes reservations for larger groups and can be located at 401 Cedar St, Seattle, WA 98121 or reached by phone at (206) 269-2222. For more information or to keep up with Bambino’s Pizzeria’s happenings, please visit us on Facebook at BambinosPizzeriaSeattle or follow the restaurant on Twitter at @bambinosseattle.

Editor’s Note:
Additional details on the company, as well as tasting opportunities for media are available upon request. Please contact Jessika Goldstein at Jessika@duopr.com to learn more.

About Bambino’s Pizzeria and Catering

Bambino’s Pizzeria serves and delivers authentic New York Neapolitan Style Pizza and focuses on bringing to life fresh ingredients through a brick fire oven. Located in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle since 2005, Bambino’s Pizzeria provides great tasting food, rare domestic and imported beers and wines and a family friendly atmosphere. Open in the Winter Monday thru Friday 11 am – 2 pm and 4 pm – 11 pm, Saturday thru Sunday 4 pm – 11 pm. For further information, visit http://www.getbambinos.com.

Pizza Hut Top This! Contest Urges Consumers to “Show Us Your $10 Any Song” on Facebook for a Chance to Appear in a Commercial

Pizza Hut Releases "$10 Any Song" to Celebrate Famous Pizza Deal

Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Pizza Hut is ringing in the New Year by bringing back the most famous deal in pizza history: the $10 Any pizza deal. To celebrate in style, Pizza Hut has launched a new TV ad that sings the praises of the legendary deal, reminding consumers that they can get any size, any crust and any toppings for just $10.

“The $10 Any deal is such an unbelievable value on the best tasting pizzas around, that it has our customers singing,” said Kurt Kane, Pizza Hut CMO. “So, we’re taking it a step further and asking our fans to ‘top this’ by sending us their own renditions of the song for the chance to be in our next ad.”

Pizza Hut Top This! Contest

As $10 Any Song-mania sweeps the nation, Pizza Hut is urging consumers to upload their own rendition of the song to the Pizza Hut Facebook page (facebook.com/pizzahut) by Jan. 15, 2012 to be entered into the Pizza Hut Top This! Contest. After “liking” the Pizza Hut Facebook page, users can view the contest Official Rules for how to record and submit their videos.

Pizza Hut will select six Top This! grand prize winners whose $10 Any Song videos may be featured in a national TV spot. The six grand prize winners will also receive free Pizza Hut pizza for a year (gift cards valued at $599). The first 1,000 entrants who are determined to have eligible $10 Any Song videos will receive one free Pizza Hut pizza (gift card valued at $10).

In the new spot developed by The Martin Agency, a rocker dons red pants and performs the song with his electric guitar and the following lyrics:

Here’s a deal, an amazing pizza steal
Get any Pizza Hut pizza for ten dollars it’s for real
So go ahead and ask yourself, what have I got to lose?
For just ten dollars, now you get to choose
Any pizza, any toppings, any crust
There’s no stopping, any size, you decide
For ten dollars you can buy
Any pizza, any toppings, any crust
There’s no stopping, any size, you decide
For ten dollars you can buy

The Historic $10 Any Pizza Deal

For ten bucks, pizza fans can pick any size pizza they want, select from more than a dozen topping options, and choose from the Pizza Hut signature crusts – including Pan Pizza, Hand-Tossed Style Pizza, and Thin ‘N Crispy^® Pizza. For an additional charge, customers can enjoy Pizza Hut’s signature crust, Stuffed Crust Pizza. The Pizza Hut $10 offer is available for a limited time, and no coupon is required.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began more than 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what’s new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com, or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com.

New restaurant will include THINCREDIBLE® pizza, full bar and carryout service

Zaffiro's Pizzeria & Bar to Open January 9 at Parkwood Cinema in Waite Park

Waite Park, MN  (RestaurantNews.com)  Marcus Theatres^® today announced that its second Zaffiro’s Pizzeria & Bar restaurant will open to the public on Monday, January 9, 2012 at the Parkwood Cinema located at 1533 Frontage Road, Waite Park, Minn.

“Zaffiro’s thin, crispy-crust pizza, a Milwaukee, Wis. tradition first introduced by the Zaffiro family in 1954, has arrived in the St. Cloud area at the newest Zaffiro’s Pizzeria & Bar,” said Bruce J. Olson, president of Marcus Theatres.  “The restaurant will feature the classic, original THINCREDIBLE pizza made from the Zaffiro family recipe developed almost 60 years ago. In addition to pizza, Zaffiro’s will serve a variety of popular Italian menu items including bruschetta, tasty pastas, Zaffiro’s ‘Kitchen Sink’ salad, sandwiches and delectable desserts.  And that’s not all.  The full-service bar will offer signature cocktails, an extensive wine and beer list and happy-hour specials.  The 120-seat restaurant also includes a patio for those who enjoy dining alfresco during the warmer months, which we believe will be very popular.”

Mike Zaffiro, owner of the original Zaffiro’s restaurant in Milwaukee, said, “The Marcus family has taken great care in replicating the pizza my father and uncle created. I remember being taught as a young boy how to make the sausage from scratch and this original recipe is still used today. My father would be proud to know his famous thin-crust pizza loved by generations of Milwaukeeans will also now be enjoyed by families in the St. Cloud area.”

Olson said the modern, yet classic Tuscan-influenced interior will have a warm and intimate feel.  “Guests will be able to choose from a variety of booths and tables for dining in a friendly and relaxing environment.  With the opening of the new pizza restaurant, moviegoers will be able to have a delicious lunch or dinner and enjoy a movie – all in one convenient location.”

“Another exciting amenity we will offer as part of the theatre renovation project is Zaffiro’s Express.  Guests can order 8” or 16” pizzas, along with their choice of wine or beer, to enjoy in the comfort of their seat while watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster.  Moviegoers will also be able to order cocktails and beverages from the Zaffiro’s restaurant bar to bring into any of the theatre’s newly renovated auditoriums,” said Olson.

Olson added that the Zaffiro’s restaurant will offer a carryout service and iPads for guests to enjoy as they dine.  In the coming months, the restaurant also plans to introduce a delivery service as well as live acoustic music on Friday evenings.

Other renovations currently underway at the Parkwood Cinema include a new lobby area, expanded concession stand and box office, and completely renovated auditoriums with the finest state-of-the-art, comfortable memory-foam velour cushioned reclining seats.  Three of the auditoriums will be converted to intimate Luxury® Suite auditoriums featuring oversized leather UltraLuxury VIP seats with side tables and 16 inches of additional legroom.  The theatre’s restrooms will also be remodeled.

“When all of the renovations are finished, the Parkwood Cinema will be transformed into a complete entertainment destination that will appeal to residents throughout the area,” added Olson.

The theatre renovations are expected to be completed in early 2012.

For more information on Zaffiro’s Pizzeria & Bar, please visit http://zaffirospizzeria.com or visit the restaurant’s Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/ZaffirosParkwood.

About Marcus Theatres

Marcus Theatres^®, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE:MCS), is the sixth largest theatre circuit in the United States and currently owns or operates 695 screens at 56 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio.  For more information, please visit www.marcustheatres.com.

Stamford, CT  (RestaurantNews.com)  Stamford, Conn.-based Olympus Partners has acquired NPC International, Inc. (“NPC”), the largest Pizza Hut franchisee and the largest franchisee of any restaurant concept in the United States. The company operates 1,153 Pizza Hut units (approximately 19 percent of the domestic system) in 28 states with significant presence in the Midwest, South and Southeast.

Olympus has a long history of investing in successful restaurant franchisees, including previous investments in the Taco Bell, KFC, Wendy’s, Chili’s and Golden Corral systems.

Paul Rubin of Olympus Partners commented, “We are excited to be partnering with Jim Schwartz, Troy Cook and the rest of the highly experienced management team at NPC who have a long track record of delivering growth and superior operating results. We are also enthusiastic about investing again with YUM! Brands, this time in supporting Pizza Hut, the leading pizza brand in the U.S.”

Founded in 1988, Olympus Partners is a Stamford, Conn.-based private equity firm focused on providing equity capital for middle market management buyouts and for companies needing capital for expansion. Olympus is an active, long-term investor across a broad range of industries, including restaurants, consumer products, healthcare services, financial services and business services.

Olympus manages in excess of $3 billion on behalf of corporate pension funds, endowment funds and state-sponsored retirement programs. The investment in NPC is Olympus’ eighth investment out of its $1.5 billion fifth fund.

The Olympus team included Paul Rubin, Evan Eason, Chase Ormond and Jason Allevato.

Grimaldi's Pizzeria in Clearwater is Open

Scottsdale, AZ  (RestaurantNews.com)  The highly anticipated Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in Clearwater, Florida is now serving award-winning, hand-tossed, coal-fired brick oven pizzas and calzones, fresh salads and delicious desserts. Open for lunch and dinner, this location is the fourth in Florida for the ever-expanding restaurant brand.

In the world of pizza, Grimaldi’s is an institution that has garnered more awards than any other pizzeria in the country with more celebrity sightings than most 5-star restaurants. Using only the freshest ingredients, a “secret recipe” pizza sauce, handmade mozzarella cheese and dough, Grimaldi’s serves traditional pizza (as it began in Naples, Italy) in an upscale yet casual, family oriented pizzeria.

Designed and built by hand, the coal-fired oven at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria delivers a unique flavor and consistency that is just not possible from wood or gas ovens. Weighing in at 25 tons and heated by 100 pounds of coal per day, the oven heats up to 1,200 degrees. The intense heat of the oven evenly bakes the pies to create Grimaldi’s famous crispy and smoky thin crust that Zagat has voted best pizza year after year.

It has been said that the secret to true New York-style pizza is the water. Grimaldi’s believes that too, going to great lengths to keep the integrity of the water used in the Brooklyn pizzeria by hiring a chemist to analyze and recreate the mineral content and exact composition of the water to ensure the dough tastes the same in Clearwater.

Grimaldi’s offers guests a selection of beers as well as an extensive list of wines (by the glass and bottle) to complement their freshly prepared salads, hand tossed pizzas, calzones and famous desserts. For more information on Grimaldi’s Pizzeria visit http://www.grimaldispizzeria.com.

Media Contact

Brittany Maroney
bmaroney@grimaldispizzeria.com
480-947-7100