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Former McDonald's franchisee signs development deal with Pie Five Pizza

Pie Five Pizza has a new development deal with a former McDonald's franchisee.

March 11, 2016

Pie Five Pizza has a new development deal with former McDonald's franchisee Peter Ballantine that will add up to 34 new Pie Five locations in Ohio and Pennsylvania, according to a company press release.

"Being in the restaurant business, I could see customer tastes changing," Ballantine said. "Pizza is an enduring, iconic product with a wide customer base, and with Pie Five's strong pizza heritage, I know they understand the pizza business better than any of the other fast casual players. Besides the business case, my entire family is excited about Pie Five — the kids can't wait to tell their friends!"

As a former McDonald's franchisee, Ballantine has more than 20 years of restaurant experience. He started working in restaurants at age 15 as a dishwasher and has served in nearly every restaurant position since. He owned eight McDonald's for the last 11 years and served as chairman of the board of operators for five of those years, building regional strategies to grow the business. Ballantine plans to start with sites in his hometown of Harrisburg, State College and Pittsburgh, as well as Columbus and the I-70 corridor, the release stated.

"We can't wait for Ohio and Pennsylvania to join our very addictive Circle of Crust," said Randy Gier, chief eating officer of Rave Restaurant Group Inc. "We're glad Peter ditched the burgers for pizza! He is going to be a phenomenal franchise partner thanks to his extensive restaurant experience and passion for the brand."