CiCi's Pizza Targets 500-Store Expansion Over the Next Six Years

Focus is on franchisee recruitment, target markets and nontraditional development.

2010-09-16

COPPELL, TX, September 15, 2010 (Press-News.org) CiCi's Pizza, home of the $4.99 endless pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet, announces today its plans to add 500 restaurants in the next five to six years.

"Our 'One Brand' mission is well underway, ensuring we have a repeatable approach to operations that gives guests across the country a consistent, high-quality experience with every visit," said Mike Shumsky, CiCi's Pizza CEO. "Our team of industry leaders will take CiCi's to the next level and grow the company."

CiCi's has hired two industry veterans Bill Spae and Nancy Hampton to drive the expansion of the more than 600-unit company. Spae brings more than 30 years of experience as a president, CEO, investor and franchisee to his position as Chief Development Officer (CDO). Hampton, a 20-plus year restaurant veteran, will serve as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). She brings experience from big-name brands like Chili's Bar & Grill and Corner Bakery Cafe and most recently ran her own consulting firm.

Both executives were brought on to help lead CiCi's strategic growth plan. Spae's team will seek out developers and potential franchisees, particularly those interested in multi-unit agreements. Additionally, the plan targets nontraditional locations, like airports.

"CiCi's Pizza has an opportunity to double in size," Spae said. "The company's value proposition will remain attractive in the marketplace going forward, and CiCi's pizza buffet is a simple concept that translates well to all kinds of customers."

Through recent market and demographic research, the company has identified these prime areas for expansion: the Inland Empire, Chicago, Upstate New York, Philadelphia, Miami and Phoenix.

"My goal is growth and lots of it," Spae said. "But I also want to ensure that CiCi's grows in a well-researched, strategic, and, most importantly, profitable way. I'm ready and available to talk to those who can partner with us to achieve those goals."

Marketing will play a key role in CiCi's strategic plan. As Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Hampton will draw on her experience leading successful reimage campaigns, increasing sales and profits and delivering consistently positive ROIs. Her experience and skills will ensure the success of CiCi's continued growth initiative and value proposition.

"With its devoted fan base and strong value message, CiCi's is already on the right path," Hampton said. "As more consumers get to know CiCi's and the incredible quality, value and extraordinary service we offer, we know even more pizza lovers will become our loyal guests."

Both Spae and Hampton joined the CiCi's team earlier this month. For information on franchise partnerships with CiCi's Pizza. contact Jim Sheahan, Vice President of Franchise Sales, at jsheahan@cicispizza.com or 972-745-9318.

About CiCi's Pizza
CiCi's Pizza, started in Plano, Texas in 1985, is as a family-oriented restaurant with a fresh, hot pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet featuring up to 20 varieties of pizza made with fresh ingredients for $5 and change. CiCi's has been recognized has a top franchise business, ranking No. 1 in the pizza category for the past three years by Nation's Restaurant News. CiCi's has also been recognized by USA Today, Restaurants & Institutions, Entrepreneur, the Wall Street Journal, Franchise Today and Parents. CiCi's has more than 600 restaurants in 35 states and the recent One Brand Tour, led by CEO Mike Shumsky, ensures each and every franchise always upholds the highest standards. CiCi's corporate support center is lead by a strong team of experts with more than 150 years of combined experience in franchising, business, operations, human resources, growth strategy, advertising, marketing and public relations.

For more information about CiCi's, visit www.cicispizza.com or www.facebook.com/cicis.

Media contacts
Erin White or Rebecca Wilkins
SPM Communications
(214) 379-7000
erin@spmcommunications.com
rebecca@spmcommunications.com

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