Franchising

Rapid Fired, Artichoke Basille's open stores

Rapid Fired soon-to-open Atwater, Texas store gets finishing touches. (Photo provided)

October 29, 2020

Pizzerias are popping up all over, proving the strength of the category at the moment.

New York City's Artichoke Basille's Pizza will open in Red Bank, New Jersey at 177 Broad St., in Monmouth County, according to a news release.

The 1,800-square-foot store is the second in the Garden State and 16th store in the franchise. The location will offer in-store dining in its New York City-store-inspired interior, featuring exposed brick and a tin ceiling.

Takeout will also be available at the restaurant which will also incorporate tributes to the local rock legends into the design. The location will open some time during the upcoming holiday season, the release said.

"We're excited to finally bring a second New Jersey location, this time company-owned, of Artichoke Basille's Pizza to Red Bank," Artichoke Basille's Co-owner Francis Garcia, said in the release.

"The town of Red Bank has special importance to me because it's where I met and fell in love with my wife. It's a town with a lot of heart, great nightlife and, we think, will be the perfect community for our next location."

Based in the Big Apple, Artichoke Basille's Pizza operates 15 locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Arizona and California

Meanwhile, further south in Texas, Ohio-based Rapid Fired Pizza is opening its third Lone Star State store on Highway 46 in New Braunfels, according to a release.

The 2,200-square-foot locations seats more than 50 people plus additional seating outside on the dog-friendly patio. The opening date was not provided.

Restaurant owners/operators, Dennis Buck and Pedro Andrade will oversee the Clear Springs-area store. This location will also offer select Texas-based draft beers, bottled beers as well as a selection of wine.

Kettering, Ohio-based, Rapid Fired Pizza has 36 stores in five states.

Pizza Factory, which has more than 100 locations on the West Coast, announced this week that its Atwater, California, store is under new ownership. Nick Ahnen and his wife, Josslyn, are excited to to get into the pizza business.

"As I was looking for my next business venture, I came across Pizza Factory in Atwater and knew it was the perfect opportunity because for so long, I've truly loved all that the brand has to offer. …" Nick Ahnen said in a company press release. "During a time when the pizza industry is booming, the Atwater restaurant will definitely provide longevity as a business owner."