Zia Lucia could double estate in UK rollout

London-based pizza brand Zia Lucia could double its estate as part of plans to expand across the UK.

The brand is looking to open 5-10 sites throughout the rest of the UK over the next three years, with a focus on the South, East and South West of the UK initially. It is seeking sites of between 1,000 and 1,500 sq ft in high streets locations.

Founded in 2016 by Italian-born Claudio Vescovo and Gianluca D’Angelo, Zia Lucia – which translates to ‘Auntie Lucia’ – serves pizzas made with 48-hour slow fermented doughs. The group operates from 10 sites across the capital, with its next outpost due to open in West Hampstead “very soon”.

Claudio Vescovo, Zia Lucia co-founder, said: “The love shown by our guests every day is overwhelming, and every new opening has been a huge success. London is where our brand is born, but after winning the UK National Pizza Award it was clear to us that there is a demand for our 4 types of pizza bases nation-wide. We look forward to bringing our black pizza to new cities!”

Carlene Hughes, head of UK restaurants and leisure at Savills, added: “Zia Lucia has become a hugely successful pizza brand in London, offering truly authentic Italian pizza in many areas throughout the city. We’re delighted to have been exclusively retained by them as they now embark on their rollout into other parts of the UK and look forward to seeing their business grow even further.”