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On the Move: fast casual pizza joints expanding footprint

Fast casual pizza chains are a growing trend and two brands are expanding their footprints.

June 11, 2015

Fast casual pizza chains are a growing trend and two brands are expanding their footprints. Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint has launched its customized pizza in Birmingham, Alabama, the company announced in a press release. The Atlanta-based build-your-own pizza concept opened at 210 Doug Baker Blvd. in The Village at Lee Branch shopping center, June 4.

The opening marks the first of five Uncle Maddio's locations for the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa areas. The Birmingham restaurant is owned and operated by franchisee Sha Nateghi, who is also a Jimmy John's franchisee. Another location is slated to open in Huntsville, in late 2015.

"Birmingham residents can now experience the Uncle Maddio's made-from-scratch pizza ordered just how they like it," said Nateghi. "I think our guests will come to love the fresh and flavorful pizza concept, and we look forward to serving the community."

Uncle Maddio's also announced the opening of its first location in Rogers, Arkansas, scheduled for June 12. The restaurant will host a grand opening celebration at the store on Saturday, June13, where it will serve free 9-inch, build-your-own, three-topping pizzas to guests from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The new location is housed at 2012 Promenade Blvd.

"We can't wait for local Rogers' friends, families and office workers to try our pizza," Sivan Aballi, Uncle Maddio's franchisee, said in a statement. "Rogers is a booming community and we are thrilled to be the first fast-casual pizza place in town."

The Rogers location marks the second Uncle Maddio's store in Arkansas.  

Pie Five will unveil its fourth Chicagoland restaurant, located at 776 South Randall Road, on June 12.

The company will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:45 a.m. on opening day, alongside Algonquin community leaders, including representatives from the Northwest Herald, the Chamber of Commerce, Jacobs High School, Make-A-Wish Illinois, Algonquin Area Youth Baseball, Park District and members of the Village Board of Trustees.

Pie Five will donate 50 percent of pre-opening proceeds to the Illinois chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation, the company said. Additionally, the company will continue its partnership with Algonquin Area Youth Baseball, Local Park District and Jacobs High School Boosters, which will receive support from the new Algonquin restaurant.