PizzaExpress Plans American Debut After 60 Years in Britain
PizzaExpress, a popular British restaurant chain that's been dishing out what it calls "Britalian" pizza for nearly 60 years, plans to make its U.S. debut in Florida this year.
The chain, which generates more than half a billion in annual revenue from its nearly 360 locations across the U.K. and Ireland, isn't just another pizza joint. Its unique blend of "Italian inspiration and British creativity" has made it a cultural icon in Britain, where its restaurants feature everything from thin-crust pizzas to live music performances.
"To debut in the U.S., it was vital to find an experienced franchise partner who shares our passion and vision," says Chris Holmes, chief development officer at PizzaExpress. The company found that partner in Purple Square, a franchise group that operates over 245 locations across 15 states.
The restaurant’s menu features distinctive creations like the Padana with goat cheese and caramelized onions, and a health-conscious Leggera pizza with a hole in the middle filled with salad. The atmosphere is equally unique – staff dress like Venetian gondoliers, and some locations double as music venues that have hosted performances by Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse and Norah Jones, among others.
Photo Credit: Pizza Express
For Purple Square's president and CEO Vik Patel, bringing PizzaExpress to America is personal. "This is a full circle moment to bring a brand I've loved and grown up with in London to a new market eager for an elevated pizza experience," says the British-born executive.
The first U.S. locations, ranging from 2,500 to 3,800 square feet, are being planned for Tampa and Orlando. These restaurants will feature both full-service live music venues and smaller "live light" performance spaces.
This American expansion is part of PizzaExpress's goal to reach 1,000 restaurants globally by 2030. The chain, owned by equity shareholders Bain Capital and Cyrus Capital Partners, already operates 110 international locations across 12 markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
