The Loop Pizza Grill cracks South Carolina market

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.—The Loop Pizza Grill, known for its Chicago-style pizza, fresh-tossed salads and award-winning burgers, will open its first South Carolina restaurant June 14. According to a news release, the new location was chosen because of the area's tremendous growth potential and its proximity to Charleston, one of the fastest-growing cities in the state.

The 3,750 square-foot location will seat 110 inside and 30 on the outdoor patio. The pizzeria features custom mosaic tiles and hand-blown Italian lighting and Wi-Fi Internet access.

"We used to eat at The Loop Pizza Grill all the time when we lived in Jacksonville," said franchisee Rob Zeigler, referring to the chain's headquarters city. "When we moved back home to South Carolina five years ago, we thought, 'Wouldn't it be great if we had a Loop restaurant right in our backyard?' Two years later, our dreams have been realized and we can't wait to open our doors this month."

There are 27 Loop Pizza Grills throughout the Southeast. Four new restaurants are slated to open in 2006 in Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina. An additional 70 locations are under construction and/or under contract throughout the southern region.