Operations

Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream celebrates 50th anniversary with development deals

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January 25, 2022

Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream will mark its 50th anniversary with its most successful year in brand history. The 46-unit pizza signed 28 franchise deals — resulting in an over 60% increase in store count — and opened five restaurants, which is more than the brand has opened over the last five years combined, according to a press release.

"The fast-paced franchise momentum we've built this past year cannot be slowed down," Tom Sacco, CEO, president and chief happiness officer, said in the release. "At this rate, I have no doubt that on the year of our biggest birthday yet, we'll be celebrating much more than our milestone anniversary — Happy Joe's will be experiencing a record-breaking year. We have plans to open internationally and in new areas across the country in 2022. We can't wait to create magical moments that last a lifetime in more cities throughout the world."

Happy Joe's is set to break out of the Midwest with units in the U.S., Middle East and North Africa. In 2021, the concept signed a master franchise agreement with H.J. Happy Joe's for Restaurants LLC to grow the brand abroad. Led by Master Franchisee Ahmed El Batran, the group will develop or sub-franchise at least 25 Happy Joe's restaurants across Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. over the next 10 years. The first six locations will open in metro Cairo in the first half of 2022. Happy Joe's will expand to other cities in Egypt before developing in more Middle Eastern and African countries with the potential to operate between 50 to 75 Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlors across the region.

In addition to Happy Joe's international expansion, the brand inked deals stateside to open several restaurants in new markets throughout Arizona, Texas, Florida and Missouri. A longtime franchisee who signed on to expand his portfolio with the brand is even setting sights on international expansion in the U.K.

To support its rapid growth, Happy Joe's recently teamed up with global design consultant firm Harrison to utilize its award-winning strategic branding, interior design and architectural expertise to create a new image and brand design. Through its strategic storytelling approach, Harrison was tasked to create a look and feel that connects Happy Joe's nostalgic 49-year-long past with elements of today's dining and "eatertainment" venues. Harrison, in partnership is helping Sacco and the El Batran family design the first Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor, which will open in a retail area in Giza called SODIC.

Additionally, the brand elevated its digital capabilities by launching its first-ever app and loyalty program.

"All the branding and technological advancements we have undertaken during 2021 were a necessary part of setting Happy Joe's development and rapid growth up for success," Sacco said in the release. "We are well-positioned in our quest to be best in class as we broaden our reach, building 'Happy Places' domestically and internationally. Our hard-working franchisees and our corporate team members appreciate the passion that has been brought back to the brand in this next phase of our expansion."

Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream has 34 franchise locations throughout the Midwest.