Russo’s Pizza cuts franchise fee in half for Texas multi-unit developers

November 2, 2026

Russo's New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is offering a 50% discount on initial franchise fees for developers who commit to opening at least three Texas…

From pizza lover to franchisee: How Dane Kopnisky built a life with Donatos

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

After leaving Ohio for an office career in Boston, Dane Kopnisky and his family returned to his longtime favorite, Donatos, opening a location in Summerville…

The Big Dilla: How Maggie Gordon, co-founder of Dilla’s Quesadillas, built a new brand category

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

On this episode of “Built to Breakthrough,” I talk with Maggie Gordon, co-Founder of Dillas Quesadillas. Since opening in Plano, Texas, in 2013, Maggie and her…

Hungry Howie’s opens 7 restaurants across 5 states

October 20, 2026

Hungry Howie's opened seven restaurants in the third quarter of 2026, expanding its footprint across South Carolina, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona and Texas, the…

Slice House opens 1st Contra Costa County location

October 15, 2026

Slice House by Tony Gemignani will open its first Contra Costa County location on October 17, the company has announced in a news release.

Cicis Pizza names Kimberly Thompson EVP of Development

October 14, 2026

Cicis Pizza has announced the appointment of franchise development veteran Kimberly Thompson as executive vice president of development, bringing more than a…

Beyond the BBQ Chicken Pizza: The values that built California Pizza Kitchen

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

In the second installment of this two-part series, California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield recounts the company's culture that made it a success…

Bloomin’ leadership lessons with Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Outback Steakhouse co-Founder Tim Gannon shares how with only $37, a ripped-up $1 million check and two great partners, a legendary brand was built and the…

FCES keynote: To go far, go together

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

Chicken Salad Chick’s story shows that scaling successfully isn’t necessarily about moving faster or constantly reinventing the brand. It’s about knowing what…

Verifran launches platform to streamline franchisee qualification

October 2, 2026

Verifran has launched a franchise intelligence platform designed to help franchisors evaluate prospective franchisees earlier in the development process, the…

Prince St. Pizza to make Louisiana debut near LSU

September 30, 2026

Prince St. Pizza will open its first Louisiana location on Oct. 9 in Baton Rouge, near the LSU campus, the company announced in a news release. The restaurant…

Chuck E. Cheese expanding Adventure World concept to more than 20 communities

September 29, 2026

Chuck E. Cheese is expanding its Adventure World indoor playground concept to more than 20 U.S. communities in 2026 and 2027 following the success of its first…

Russo’s New York Pizzeria opens second Arizona location near ASU

September 28, 2026

Russo's New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen has opened its second Arizona location near the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, the company announced…

Pizza Guys expands in Texas with Fort Worth location

September 23, 2026

Pizza Guys has signed a lease for its second Texas restaurant, bringing the Sacramento, California-based pizza franchise to Fort Worth. The new location is…

What is driving Kona Ice’s success?

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Tony Lamb is the Founder and visionary behind Kona Ice, the tropical shaved-ice brand that turned an ice cream truck nightmare into experiences that customers…

Donatos targets 100 Texas locations as Dallas, Houston expansion grows

September 17, 2026

Donatos Pizza is accelerating its Texas expansion with a long-term goal of opening more than 100 restaurants across the state, including locations in the…

10 Questions: Mountain Mike’s CEO Jim Metevier

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

In the debut of Pizza Marketplace’s 10 Questions series, Mountain Mike’s CEO Jim Metevier talks franchisee success, restaurant economics, leadership and the…

Mountain Mike’s expands Oregon footprint

September 15, 2026

Mountain Mike's Pizza has opened a restaurant in Wilsonville, Ore., marking the pizza chain's seventh location in the state, the company has announced in a…

Domino’s franchisee closes 13 Ohio locations

September 14, 2026

A Domino's franchisee has abruptly closed 13 restaurants in Northern Ohio amid reports of financial difficulties, adding to a wave of pizza restaurant closures…

When and why to say ‘no’ in franchise development

The strongest franchise brands know that sustainable growth isn't about saying yes to every deal—it's about knowing when to say no. Marco's Pizza prioritizes…