Franchising

Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream inks deal for Florida Panhandle

Jeff and Jennifer Harding have signed a multi-unit franchise deal with Happy Joe's. Provided.

March 1, 2022

Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream has signed a franchise agreement to open multiple units in the Florida Panhandle, with the first set to open in Navarre, Florida, this summer. The agreement marks Happy Joe's second multi-unit Florida expansion in the last six months. The deal with inked with Jeff and Jennifer Harding, according to a press release.

"We're thrilled to expand our presence in the Sunshine State," Tom Sacco, Happy Joe's CEO, president and chief happiness officer, said in the release. "The Panhandle region of Florida will soon be able to experience Happy Joe's version of a slice of paradise with our one-of-a-kind, gourmet pizza creations and celebratory, family-friendly atmosphere. We're excited to work with the Harding's and look forward to bringing magic memories to Navarre and surrounding communities starting in just a few months!"

After completing their development plan in Florida, the Hardings hope to bring Happy Joe's to the Fort Collins, Colorado, area.

"The Happy Joe's experience is second to none, so we're beyond excited to join this franchise family," Jennifer Harding said in the release. "When I brought Jeff back to Dubuque for the first time, Happy Joe's was at the top of my list as a place to show him. We can't wait to bring the most delicious pizza to the Panhandle and help create more fun memories for families here!"

Happy Joe's has more than 30 restaurants in the development pipeline.