Operations

Pizzeria Uno experiences first net growth in restaurant units in 15 years

Photo: Pizzeria Uno

October 31, 2023

Uno Restaurant Holdings Corp., parent company of Uno Pizzeria & Grill, posted its first net positive restaurant growth for the first time in 15 years, according to a press release.

It's the first time since 2007 that the brand returned to expansion mode, having opened five hotel-based restaurant locations from previously under performing dining concepts. The brand began expanding into the hotel space last year.

"Moving into the hotel restaurant conversion space is a key go-forward strategy for us," Erik Frederick, CEO of Uno Restaurants, said in the release. "Hotel owners are quickly joining the Uno's family because of our track record turning loss leading restaurant space into a profit center. When they learn of this solution, owners recognize the wisdom in creating a Pizzeria Uno in their hotel."

Hospitality expert, No Vacancy podcast creator and host, and corporate strategic advisor Glenn Haussman said the niche is a great a pairing for Unos and hotel owners.

"Hotel restaurants typically under perform compared to other dining establishments within a community," he said in the release. "Smart hoteliers understand the Pizzeria Uno concept checks many boxes for hotel owners, reinvigorating an existing space with a universally loved product, pizza! Plus, it creates unrealized revenue streams, directly leading to higher profitability."

Uno Restaurant Holdings Corp. includes approximately 80 company-owned and franchised Uno Pizzeria & Grill locations in 18 states, the District of Columbia, India and Saudi Arabia.