Franchising

Mici Handcrafted Italian signs 1st franchise deal, hires chief growth officer

Provided

November 9, 2021

Mici Handcrafted Italian, a family-owned, fast casual concept based in Denver, Colorado, has signed its first franchise deal for 30 units in Phoenix, Arizona. These will be Mici's first locations outside of Colorado.

Founded in 2004 by siblings Jeff, Kim and Michael Miceli, the brand has positioned itself for growth since bringing on CEO Elliot Schiffer in 2017 to run the company with Founder Jeff Miceli, according to a press release.

To lead Mici's expansion and growth trajectory, the team welcomed industry leader Matt Stanton, who will join the business as partner and chief growth officer.

"It has always been a dream of mine to grow a high-potential brand from its early stages," Stanton said in the release. "The team at Mici has done a fantastic job building a solid foundation of attractive top and bottom-line unit economics, simple and smooth operations, and an unmatched customer loyalty. I've seen numerous franchise brands throughout my career, and very few offer the value proposition that Mici provides to both customers and franchisees."

The deal's principals are Lucas Farnham and David Doty. Farnham, a longtime operator of Black Bear Diner and Smashburger franchises, will move to the Scottsdale suburb of Phoenix with his family and will spearhead the Phoenix developments.

As the operating partner, Farnham brings a lot of energy and excitement to this expansion.

"I've been watching the Mici brand evolve over the years," Farnham said in the release. "And the combination of the food quality — you have to try the pizza to understand — and unit level economics made me want to partner with David Doty and bring the brand to the Phoenix market."

Doty, also a former Black Bear Diner and Smashburger franchisee, has been on Mici's board of directors since Schiffer joined as CEO in 2017.

Of the Phoenix deal, Doty said, "My association and involvement in the brand since partnering with Elliot and the Miceli family in 2017 fueled my desire to get back into the operations side of the business. With my experience in the Phoenix market and longtime connection with Lucas, it just seemed like a no brainer. I know Lucas brings the energy and leadership needed to successfully bring the brand to Phoenix."

This Spring, Mici opened its sixth location in Colorado Springs, Colorado, marking its first foray outside of the Denver Metro area, and has plans for several more locations in Colorado.

The team is building out their first delivery-and-takeout only location in Colorado Springs, a model which they hope to bring to Denver and Phoenix.