Franchising

Grimaldi’s expands Southwest Fla. footprint

Photo: Grimaldi's

September 4, 2026

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Grimaldi's Pizzeria is expanding its Southwest Florida presence through a franchise development agreement with UNIV Hospitality of Fort Myers, the company announced in a news release. The group acquired the brand's Bell Tower Fort Myers location and plans to open five additional restaurants across Sarasota, Lee and Collier counties.

"With the acquisition of Grimaldi's Bell Tower restaurant and plans to expand across Southwest Florida, we look forward to building on the restaurant's success and bringing Grimaldi's to even more communities throughout the region," Anil Harkhani of UNIV Hospitality said in a news release. "We plan to bring the same family-friendly, casual yet upscale atmosphere and award-winning pizzas to communities across southwest Florida."

The deal makes Southwest Florida the pizza brand's third domestic franchise territory, joining Alabama and Iowa, as Grimaldi's continues its expansion across the U.S. and internationally.

"We're excited to welcome Gary, Anil and the UNIV Hospitality team to the Grimaldi's franchise family," Michael A. Flaum, chief operations officer of Grimaldi's Pizzeria, said in the release. "Their experience and commitment to hospitality make them a strong partner as we continue to grow the Grimaldi's brand."

Franchising