STRATEGIC PARTNERS
August 9, 2019
Invigorated with a recent investment from Capitalspring, Detroit-based, Buddy's Pizza has begun a Midwest expansion that is taking the longtime brand out of the Motor City into other parts of Michigan, as well as Ohio and Indiana in the future, according to a news release.
The private investment firm bought a major stake in Buddy's last year and has, in the ensuing months, improved the brand's technology, back-office support and financial resources, while also providing some expert insights that are now allowing the brand to expand, including two locations that have already been added in Grand Rapids and at the Detroit Zoo.
"Bringing the Buddy's brand to new customers is our No. 1 priority," head of CapitalSpring's Strategic Operations Group and Buddy's Pizza Interim CEO Jim Balis, said in the release. "Buddy's wanted to bring in a knowledgeable partner to help identify and execute a growth strategy beyond their core market. Our past experience across 60-plus restaurant brands was the perfect fit as the concept embarked on expansion."
The brand is set to open three more Michigan units this year: one in Plymouth in July, another in Woodhaven in late August and one in downtown Detroit in November. Several more are under construction and in lease, with location signings in Ohio and Indiana in the near future.
"The downtown Detroit Buddy's will be a unique location and a reflection of the brand's connection to its hometown. ..." Balis said in the release. "We are developing a new limited-service prototype that will significantly upgrade the offering with heated-to-order slices as well as new sandwiches, desserts, beer and wine, and more contemporary decor."
