News

Leadership partners with investment firm to acquire Cicis

September 7, 2016

Cicis pizza buffet has new owners. The Arlon Group, a food and agriculture investment firm, has partnered with the chain's current management team to acquire the pizza franchise, a press release announced.

CEO Darin Harris will remain at the helm of the newly acquired company. He joined the company three years ago.

"Arlon is a strong financial partner that will help us maintain the momentum we’ve achieved, accelerate our growth and fortify our revitalization strategy," Harris said in the news release. "Arlon brings to Cicis significant expertise and experience from its extensive investments in the food and agriculture industry, and we share a commitment to growing our brand and bringing additional value to the company, team members, our franchisees and the guests who enjoy our restaurants."

Arlon Managing Principal Ben Fishman said his company's leadership has faith that the current Cicis management team can keep the chain growing.

"We look forward to partnering with the Cicis team and their franchisees to leverage our combined expertise to further fuel momentum and drive incremental value for the company," he said in the news release. 

Cicis currently has 440 locations in 33 states, and just completed a rebranding effort that includes an expanded menu. The news release credited the new menu for driving same-store sales up for 13 consecutive quarters and opening a pipeline for new locations and franchisees. 

Cicis also recently announced that it has signed 32 development agreements for more than 70 new restaurants in 53 markets, and that eight new franchisees have joined the chain since November.