Franchising

Grimaldi's inks deal for Iowa, hires franchise director

Provided

January 20, 2023

Grimaldi's Pizzeria has awarded a multi-unit franchise development agreement for the state of Iowa with Doughtime Pizza Company LLC, according to a press release.

The agreement is for five restaurants, with the first opening in 2023.

"Through their experience owning and operating restaurants, as well as their knowledge of the Iowa markets, Doughtime Pizza Company is clearly the ideal partner to expand our franchise program to Iowa," Joseph Ciolli, Grimaldi's Pizzeria CEO, said in the release. "The response since opening our first franchised location in Alabama has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to continuing to grow our franchising program to introduce Grimaldi's to communities across the country."

"Grimaldi's dedication to excellent service, fresh ingredients and authentic coal-brick oven flavors seamlessly aligns with our portfolio of restaurants and offered a natural addition for our company," Tom Baldwin Jr. of Doughtime Pizza Company said in the release. "Through our five planned franchise locations, we hope to bring the same family-friendly, casual yet upscale atmosphere and award-winning pizzas to communities across the state."

Grimaldi's has also hired Howard Barish as senior director of franchise development and project management. Barish joins the Grimaldi's team with over 30 years of experience as an owner, operator, multi-unit licensee and commercial bakery president.

"While I recently officially joined the team, my journey with Grimaldi's started many years ago as a frequent visitor and fan of the Las Vegas locations," Barish said in the press release. "Since then, I have enjoyed watching Grimaldi's evolve as a leader in the industry, and I look forward to helping introduce the concept to communities across the globe through this role."