News

Ovens helping 2 pizza chains break new ground

March 1, 2017

Pizza brands are spanning the country with new locations in coming weeks, including Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza in Chicago and Pie Five near the nation's Capitol, according to separate news releases. In both cases, the brand's ovens helped cut a path to their new territories. 

Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza will soon blow into the Windy City's suburbs of Lombard and Orland Park, Illinois. The Florida-based brand specializes in an assortment of cuisine baked in coal-fired-ovens with a spotlight on pizza preparation and bartending services, according to a press release. Those openings will be followed a short time later by similar ones in the suburbs of Vernon Hills and Kildeer.

"Chicago is a huge market for growth for Anthony’s," COO Chuck Locke said in a news release. "We’re bringing something completely different to the marketplace and feel that our coal-fired concept will be embraced by new fans in the area, just like it has been in the Northeast and Southeast regions."

In fact, the company said over the next few years, it is developing up to 20 restaurants in Chi-Town, all with full bars and take-out service. Those join with 60 other existing locations of the chain.

Meanwhile outside Washington, D.C., Pie Five Pizza Co will land its latest location Friday at Baltimore-Washington International Airport. The pre-security main terminal location is situated between concourses B and C and is open daily, 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This is the first of two locations at the airport with the next opening in early May in the past-security area of concourse B. Pie Five franchisee Creative Food Group has operated airport restaurants since 2004, while operating eateries at the DC-area hub since 2012.  

"Pie Five presented the perfect model to offer consumers a better way to dine during travel. …" Creative Food Group President Altaf Isani said in a news release. "We're sure guests will love the ability to customize their own personal pie."

Pie Five said one reason the chain is actually able to operate in airport locations like this one is that its oven does not require a hood.