News

Miami Dolphins owner invests in &pizza

October 25, 2017

&pizza is growing thanks to a cash infusion from RSE Ventures, co-founded by Stephen Ross and Matthew Higgins. Ross is the chairman and founder of the global real estate firm Related Companies and principal owner of the NFL's Miami Dolphins.

&pizza, founded in 2012, by CEO, Co-founder and Creative DirectorMichael Lastoria, has 23 restaurants in Washington, D.C., New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, but the funding from RSE, however, will accelerate growth in major East Coast markets. Targeted areas include Miami, Boston and the debut of four to six shops in next year in New York City, according to a company press release.

"It's our aim at RSE to arm innovative and socially conscious brands with the tools they need to command their categories," Higgins said in the release. "Michael Lastoria has already upended the fast casual food space by fostering an enviable and authentic company culture through his financial commitment to &pizza's most valuable asset — its employees. We look forward to supporting Lastoria as he brings &pizza's inclusive message, smart business and superior product to new markets."

In addition to residential, commercial and mixed-use real estate holdings, Related and Ross have invested in experiential consumer-retail brands including Equinox and SoulCycle. RSE has also founded or helped incubate numerous companies, from the Drone Racing League, to RESY, and the International Champions Cup, the largest independent soccer tournament in the world. Higgins also serves as vice chairman of the Miami Dolphins. Both Higgins and Ross will join &pizza's board of directors.

RSE's investments in sporting events, marketing, technology and public relations firms have expanded of late with partnerships in the restaurant world, according to the release. In late 2016, RSE made a significant investment in Momofuku, David Chang's restaurant group, which includes full service, fast casual (Fuku) and bakery (Milk Bar) concepts. Higgins also sits on the boards of both RESY and Milk Bar.