Pizza Express has previously traded in the US but under the brand San Marzano. A handful of sites launched on the East Coast following a joint venture with Avado but all closed around 2000.
The US launch is in partnership with Purple Square Management Company, a US franchise business founded in Tampa, Florida which has also worked with Dunkin’ Donuts and Popeyes.
Purple Square, led by British-born CEO and president Vik Patel, operates over 245 franchise locations across 15 states.
Pizza Express says that with over 20 years of US market expertise, Patel and his team bring proven success in scaling brands, making them the ideal partner for it to launch stateside as it ‘aims to fill a gap in the premium pizza market’.
Pizza Express has over 360 locations in the UK and and Ireland and over 100 international sites in locations including Europe, China, Canada, India and the UAE, the majority of which are run on a franchise basis.
Founded in London’s Soho in 1965, Pizza Express says it plans to reach a total of 1,000 restaurants globally - including the UK - by 2030.
Pizza Express is one of a number of major operators to look to make its mark stateside following in the footsteps of brands including Hawksmoor, Sexy Fish and Chotto Matte.
Dishoom and Gymkhana operator JKS Restaurants are also expected to cross the pond within the next year or so.
“Not everyone knows the love story that lies behind one of our most popular pizzas on the menu, the American,” says Pizza Express CEO Paula Mackenzie.
“Our founder, Peter Boizot had a Texan girlfriend which inspired his creation of the original meat topped pizza. With this link to our heritage, our launch in America tastes a whole lot better.”
“Worldwide we already thrive on the global stage and our commitment to delivering delicious pizzas while simultaneously offering a unique dining experience is what makes the brand so loved in the UK, and globally.”
Vik Patel, president and CEO of Purple Square Management Company, added: “This is a full circle moment to bring a brand I’ve loved and grown up with in London to a new market eager for an elevated pizza experience. We know this concept has the potential to resonate with US consumers in a truly unique way."
