PizzaExpress announces first US restaurant

PizzaExpress has announced its plans to open its first American restaurant in Florida next year.

The high-street pizza brand’s US expansion comes after a series of new openings in the UK including its first airport restaurant at London Gatwick Airport and Summertown, Oxford.

Paula Mackenzie, CEO of PizzaExpress said given the year of openings, it is “exciting for us to end the year with this news”.

The US launch is in partnership with Purple Square Management Company, a US franchisee founded in Tampa, Florida which has also worked with Dunkin’ Donuts and Popeyes.

Purple Square, led by CEO and president Vik Patel, operates over 245 franchise locations across 15 states.

Patel said: “This is a full circle moment to bring a brand I’ve loved and grown up with in London to a new market eager for an elevated pizza experience. We know this concept has the potential to resonate with U.S. consumers in a truly unique way.”

The group, which currently has nearly 360 pizzerias in the UK, and over 100 overseas in locations including Hong Kong, the UAE and Singapore, has plans to reach 1,000 restaurants globally (including the UK) by 2030.