Operations

Cicis Pizza reports 50.6% systemwide sales growth, plans expansion

Photo: Cicis Pizza

July 29, 2026

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Cicis Pizza has achieved 50.6% systemwide sales growth over the past five years as President Jeff Hetsel celebrates 34 years with the nearly 300-unit buffet concept, according to a press release.

Hetsel, who has served as president for the past seven years, began his career as a restaurant manager and has been a Cicis franchisee for more than 20 years. He also leads JMC Restaurant Distribution, providing a unique perspective across both restaurant operations and the supply chain.

"The greatest responsibility of leading a legacy brand is making sure it's even more relevant for the next generation than it was for the last," Hetsel said in the press release. "A brand doesn't remain part of people's lives for nearly 40 years by relying on yesterday's success. You have to keep listening, keep improving and keep investing. That's exactly what we've done at Cicis — strengthening our stores, supporting our franchisees and enhancing the guest experience while staying true to who we are."

The brand attributes its recent momentum to operations modernization and digital innovation, highlighted by the late 2025 launch of Cicis Rewards. The brand's first national loyalty platform surpassed 1 million members in eight months and achieved a 98% redemption rate on its founding-member offer.

Other recent technology investments include a unified POS system, the Cicis Listens guest feedback platform, AI-powered training resources and integrated purchasing systems.

These initiatives have earned Cicis widespread industry recognition, including the No. 1 ranking on Pizza Marketplace's 2026 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list in 2026.

With operations spanning more than 20 states, Cicis expects to open three new restaurants by the end of the year. An additional 15 locations are currently in development.