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Pie Five cracks Fast Casual's Top 100, expands North and South

Pie Five Pizza Co. claimed the third-highest spot on the annual Top 100 Movers and Shakers ranking for 2015 published by FastCasual.com.

May 20, 2015

Pie Five Pizza Co. claimed the third-highest spot on the annual Top 100 Movers and Shakers ranking for 2015 published by FastCasual.com. Pie Five is the only fast casual chain to be on the coveted list three years in a row, the company said in an announcement. The pizzeria moved up 10 places from the year prior.

"It's always nice to be recognized by industry peers and we're honored," said Randy Gier, president and CEO of Rave Restaurant Group, parent company of Pie Five Pizza Co. "We work hard every day to give our customers a great pizza experience while supporting our franchise and company operators. In the end, it's really all about taking care of our customers and putting a smile on their faces one pie at time."

Analysts chose this year's winners from 800 nominations based on innovation, unit and revenue growth, technology and social media, branding, marketing and overall contribution to the fast casual industry.

This marks the 10th year for FastCasual.com's annual Movers and Shakers awards ceremony. 

Pie Five also announced that on Friday, May 29, the company will open its first area location in Detroit. Local franchisee, JD Draper, and his son John Draper II, are planning to open at least 25 Pie Five locations in Michigan and Wisconsin, the announcement said.

In another press release, Pie Five announced its first Mississippi location opening this May at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi. 

Nationally recognized restaurateurs Fred Gustin and Kurt Guttshall of Quality Restaurant Concepts LLC. are opening the location and have at least 25 additional locations planned throughout Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. 

Additionally, Pie Five plans to open up to ten stores across the state of Arkansas. The first three stores will be located in central Arkansas and are expected to open within the next year, the first of which is set to open this fall.

Local Pie Five franchisee, Rob Byford, and partner Michael Jett, will take on the project. Byford owns three Slim Chickens locations in central Arkansas.

Pie Five currently has 46 locations in 13 states, with more than 400 announced company-owned and franchise units in development.