Operations

800 Degrees Go, REEF to open 500 units in next 5 years

April 28, 2022

Pizza company 800 Degrees Go and REEF, a delivery and ghost kitchen concept, are planning to open 500 800 Degrees Go locations over the next five years, both domestic and international, according to a press release.

In addition, Kenneth Rourke, executive vice president of kitchens and brands at REEF, with join 800 Degrees Go's board of directors. REEF will pursue an ownership stake in the company as well, according to a press release.

"As one of the largest operators of restaurant brands in the world, REEF is looking for incredible brands with potential for growth globally," Rourke said in the release. "We're investing heavily in the success of 800 Degrees Go into our ghost kitchens because we believe 800 Degrees Go is one of those brands. We look forward to growing the brand as well as our stake in the company."

800 Degrees Go has already launched more than 40 REEF locations in 13 markets, with plans to have more than 100 locations open by the end of 2022. Additionally, 800 Degrees Go will open its flagship brick-and-mortar location in Burbank, California, this summer, which will serve as the research and development and training hub for future franchise growth and the expansion of the 800 Degrees Go by Piestro robotic pizzeria pods. 800 Degrees Go is targeting over $19 million in annual sales by the beginning of 2023 and expects to grow that to $160 million within the next five years, not including 800 Degrees by Piestro sales.

"As our ghost kitchen business grows with REEF, we will significantly expand our brick-and-mortar footprint, followed by the '800 Degrees Go by Piestro' robotic pods," Tommy Lee, CEO of 800 Degrees Go, said in the release. "Explosive growth is well within our grasp as we move through the next five years of business."