News

The Original Italian Pie spreading across Southeast

June 20, 2011

The Original Italian Pie has hit a growth spurt.

The New Orleans'-based franchise has announced plans to open 25 more locations throughout the Southeast over the next 10 years.

Big Game Brands, who recently purchased the pizza chain, is partnering with Linver Leffel, a franchise owner and area developer, to open the restaurants. Leffel, with more than 30 years of restaurant management and development experience, plans to open units in North Florida, Southern Alabama and Southern Georgia.

In addition to the area developer deal, The Original Italian Pie recently opened its first corporate location in Charlotte, N.C., and plans to open a franchised location in the Garden District of New Orleans in July. With single-unit operators and area developers already taking an interest in the brand, Big Game Brands sees growth potential in the Southeast.

"We believe this increase has to do with the concept's quality menu items and focus on exceptional customer service," said Daryl Dollinger, president of the Original Italian Pie. "With increased opportunities for capital, we believe more small business owners will choose franchised concepts such as The Original Italian Pie due to their established success rate."