Plano-based CiCi’s expanding to California and New York

by PegNews wire

PLANO — Craig Moore, president of CiCi's Pizza, has announced that the company will expand coast to coast this year opening restaurants in two major markets, California and New York, as well as Delaware and New Jersey. For the second consecutive year, CiCi's Pizza will continue with their aggressive expansion plan growing the company to more than 700 locations and opening approximately 185 restaurants by single-unit and multi-unit franchisee operators between 2008 and 2009. CiCi's will continue to expand in the Midwest and Southeast where the company already enjoys solid brand recognition.

"We don't see any slowing in our momentum anytime soon," says Moore. "CiCi's offers a unique dining experience, exemplary service, and a high-quality menu which is proving to be a welcome diversion from typical quick serve and fast casual fare. By giving both consumers and investors the unbeatable value they want, we're well positioned for continued sales and unit growth."

"Our concept is competitive with the best performing restaurant franchises which has increased the level of interest from multi-unit operators and investors looking for innovative concepts and new avenues for growth. They're realizing that it just doesn't make sense to compete in crowded restaurant categories especially when many leading brands are already over developed," said Jim Sheahan, vice president of franchise sales.

CiCi's Pizza's inquiries about franchise opportunities has grown exponentially over the last year, due in part to increased advertising efforts, media awareness, and overall positive guest relations. The company will continue to push forward in 2008 with a focused brand message that emphasizes how CiCi's Pizza stands out from its competitors with distinctive food and menu offerings within the industry.

"Telling the story about our food is critical," said Moore. "Our guests come to CiCi's Pizza for the quality flavors and freshness we deliver and our marketing team has done an exceptional job conveying that message in an engaging and distinctive way."

Founded in 1985, CiCi's Pizza is a family-oriented restaurant serving guests fresh pizza, pasta, salad, and dessert, all you want for under $5.00. CiCi's mission then and now is to exceed each guest's expectation in food, service, and cleanliness at an affordable price. Since opening its first restaurant in Plano, Texas, CiCi's has grown to over 600 restaurants in 29 states.

Industry professionals have taken notice of CiCi's Pizza's continuous growth and success. Nation's Restaurant News has ranked CiCi's number one for sales and unit growth in the pizza chain category for the past three years. In its recent 2007 ranking, Entrepreneur magazine designated CiCi's as the top brand in the Italian restaurant franchise category. StartupJournal.com, The Wall Street Journal's guide for entrepreneurs, ranked CiCi's as one of the top 25 highest-performing brands in the nation and Franchise Today placed the company in the top 200 of all franchise concepts. Other honors include "Best in Value" award among national pizza chains in Restaurants and Institutions magazine's 2006 Consumers' Choice Report and "Best Customer Service" from Corporate Research International in 2007, 2006, and 2005.

Source: CiCi's