Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has approved a domestic, multi-unit franchise development agreement for the state of Iowa with Doughtime Pizza Company.
The pizza chain will open five new restaurants, with the first location opening in 2023.
Grimaldi’s is considering the “Ankeny, Waukee, Iowa City and Ames area potentially for upcoming locations,” althought the exact site locations are unclear at this time, a spokesperson told the CBJ in an email.
“Through their experience owning and operating restaurants, as well as their knowledge of the Iowa markets, Doughtime Pizza Company is clearly the ideal partner to expand our franchise program to Iowa,” says Grimaldi’s Pizzeria CEO Joseph Ciolli in a statement. “The response since opening our first franchised location in Alabama has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to continuing to grow our franchising program to introduce Grimaldi’s to communities across the country.”
Pizza lovers in Iowa will soon be able to enjoy Grimaldi’s coal-fired brick oven pizza and calzones, according to a press release.
“Grimaldi’s dedication to excellent service, fresh ingredients and authentic coal-brick oven flavors seamlessly aligns with our portfolio of restaurants and offered a natural addition for our company,” says Tom Baldwin, Jr. of Doughtime Pizza Company. “Through our five planned franchise locations, we hope to bring the same family-friendly, casual yet upscale atmosphere and award-winning pizzas to communities across the state.”
To lead the expansion, Grimaldi’s will hire Howard Barish as senior director of franchise development and project management.
In 2023, Grimaldi’s plans to expand its international footprint with franchisee Tablez Food Company, which will open five Grimaldi’s restaurants in the United Arab Emirates. The first and second locations are planned to open in Dubai and Abu Dhabi later this year.
