Franchising

Domino's, Pieology expanding globally

Photo: iStock

August 5, 2020

U.S.-based pizza brands are moving up and out to new places in the world, beginning with Domino's, which has extended its global reach to Croatia under a master franchisee, a news release said. The Zagreb store falls under the ownership of All About Pizza D.O.O.

Domino's in Zagreb features the pizza theater design and a second Zagreb store is this year with other locations planned for next year, according to a company press release.

China is the latest country for fast casual chain Pieology, based in California. TZG Partners opened a store on July 29 in downtown Shanghai on Hengfeng Road in Jing'an District and will add another in Jing'an District Aug.18. Along with other master franchisees in Mexico and Spain, Pieology said it expected to more than double in size over the next five years.

"The store is a living, breathing example of Pieology's brand purpose of 'Serving Individuality,' with a custom loyalty program, regionalized crust and topping offerings, and a one-of-a-kind store experience that resonates with the residents of Shanghai," Pieology CEO Gregg Imamoto said in the news release. "We're very confident in TZG Partners and the team they've built to strategically grow our brand long-term."

The China openings will also help the brand to eventually expand throughout Asia.

Novel menu items targeted to Chinese pizza lovers include a bamboo charcoal thin-crust and kimchi as a topping option. The shop offers patrons digital and analog games as well as artwork by local artists, featuring dragons and the famous Shanghai skyline.

Pieology has more than 120 stores systemwide.