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ALPHARETTA, Georgia (March 18, 2026) — Your Pie, the Ischia-inspired pizza brand celebrated for its customizable brick-oven pizzas and immersive open-kitchen dining experience, is embarking on a significant expansion phase, strategically targeting high-growth markets across the Southeast. Following a comprehensive 18-month period of operational refinement and model optimization, the company has announced plans to open new franchise locations in key areas, including Columbia, South Carolina; the greater Atlanta metropolitan area in Georgia; and the burgeoning Chattanooga-Knoxville corridor in Tennessee. This move represents a pivotal chapter for Your Pie, signaling a renewed focus on executing strategic franchise growth after a dedicated year of internal development and testing in 2025.
A Foundation Forged in Italian Inspiration and Fast-Casual Innovation
The genesis of Your Pie dates back to 2008, when founders Drew and Natalie French, inspired by the vibrant food culture and authentic wood-fired pizzas they encountered during their honeymoon on the Italian island of Ischia, brought their vision to life in Athens, Georgia. This pioneering venture established Your Pie as the nation’s first fast-casual pizza franchise, a concept that revolutionized the dining landscape by offering customers unprecedented control over their meal creation in a speedy, accessible format. The core philosophy was built around customizable brick-oven pizzas, crafted with hand-tossed dough and a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients, all prepared in an engaging open-kitchen environment that invited guests into the culinary process.
Over the years, Your Pie has steadily grown from its Athens roots, expanding its footprint and evolving its menu to meet diverse consumer preferences. While the iconic customizable pizza remains central, the brand has diversified its offerings to include a wider array of Italian-inspired dishes. Today, the menu extends beyond its signature pizzas to encompass oven-baked pastas, crisp fresh salads, savory oven-fired wings, and handcrafted sandwiches. Complementing the savory selections are Italian-style gelatos for dessert and a carefully curated selection of craft beer and wine, enhancing the overall dining experience. This continuous menu evolution is often guided by customer feedback, inspiring seasonal and chef-driven innovations such as the popular Cubano Craft series and the award-winning Peach Prosciutto Pie, showcasing the brand’s commitment to culinary creativity and responsiveness. Beyond the daily menu, Your Pie fosters community engagement through annual systemwide promotions and events, most notably its popular Pi(e) Day celebration held every March 14, which resonates with its loyal customer base.
The Strategic 2025 Refinement: Laying the Groundwork for Accelerated Growth
The announcement of this Southeast expansion comes on the heels of a critical 2025, which Your Pie dedicated to an intensive period of internal refinement. This strategic pause from aggressive external expansion allowed the brand to meticulously analyze and enhance its core operational framework. During this year, Your Pie focused on optimizing its restaurant model and operational strategy, undertaking a rigorous process that involved opening eight new company-owned and franchised stores to test and validate various improvements. This hands-on approach provided invaluable insights, allowing the corporate team to fine-tune every aspect of the guest experience and franchisee support system.
The comprehensive refinement process culminated in the introduction of a redesigned restaurant model, specifically engineered to bolster efficiency and scalability for its franchise partners. While specific granular details of all updates were not publicly enumerated, industry observers and the brand’s communications indicate that these improvements likely encompass several key areas critical to modern fast-casual operations. These would typically include optimized kitchen layouts designed for faster throughput and reduced labor costs, integration of advanced point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management systems, enhanced digital ordering platforms to streamline online and mobile transactions, and improvements in energy efficiency within restaurant infrastructure. Furthermore, the redesign likely focused on creating more flexible dining spaces, adapting to evolving consumer preferences for both dine-in and off-premise consumption, while maintaining the brand’s signature open-kitchen aesthetic.
A significant component of this refinement involved broadening Your Pie’s catering offerings. Recognizing the sustained and growing demand for off-premise dining, particularly for group meals, office lunches, and event-driven occasions, the brand invested in developing a more robust and scalable catering program. This strategic enhancement enables franchisees to tap into a lucrative segment of the food service market, providing them with additional revenue streams and strengthening their local market presence. Industry data consistently points to a substantial increase in off-premise consumption, accelerated by recent global events, making a strong catering arm an indispensable asset for fast-casual concepts aiming for sustainable growth.
Beyond traditional brick-and-mortar locations, Your Pie also experimented with updated operating formats and invested in non-traditional campus locations and new company-owned restaurants. This diversification in operating models allows for greater market penetration and flexibility, catering to different consumer environments and real estate opportunities. Such formats might include smaller-footprint stores, kiosks in high-traffic areas, or even specialized pick-up windows, all designed to maximize convenience and accessibility for customers while optimizing operational efficiency for franchisees.
Targeting the Dynamic Southeast: A Hub for Franchise Growth
The selection of Columbia, the Atlanta metro area, and the Chattanooga-Knoxville corridor for this expansion underscores a deliberate strategy to capitalize on the robust economic conditions and demographic trends prevalent in the Southeast United States. This region has consistently been identified as one of the top areas for franchised business expansion, with projections indicating a continued growth rate of approximately 1.7% for the franchising sector.
Several factors contribute to the Southeast’s appeal for brands like Your Pie:
- Business-Friendly Policies: Many states in the region offer attractive incentives, lower regulatory burdens, and supportive environments for small and medium-sized businesses, including franchises.
- Lower Costs of Living: Relative to other major U.S. regions, the Southeast often boasts a lower cost of living, which can translate to more disposable income for consumers and lower operational costs for businesses, including more competitive labor markets.
- Continued Population Growth: The region has experienced significant population migration, drawing new residents seeking economic opportunities and a higher quality of life. This influx creates a continuously expanding customer base for dining establishments. For instance, cities like Atlanta continue to be magnets for corporate relocations and job growth, fueling a diverse and growing population. Similarly, areas like the Chattanooga-Knoxville corridor benefit from their strategic location and growing industrial and tech sectors, attracting new residents and businesses. Columbia, as a state capital and university town, maintains a steady influx of students, professionals, and families, ensuring a consistent demand for diverse dining options.
- Strong Demand for Differentiated Fast-Casual Dining: Consumers in these markets are increasingly seeking convenient, high-quality dining options that offer value and a unique experience. Your Pie’s customizable, brick-oven concept, coupled with its expanded menu and commitment to fresh ingredients, positions it well to meet this demand amidst a competitive culinary landscape.
Leadership’s Vision for Community and Growth
Ken Caldwell, CEO & Head of Development of Your Pie, articulated the brand’s enduring mission and the strategic impetus behind the current expansion. "Your Pie has always been about more than pizza; it’s about creating spaces where people gather, connect and share great food," Caldwell stated. "After refining our operations and strengthening the restaurant model, we’re excited to partner with franchise owners who want to bring that experience to their communities." His remarks highlight the dual focus on operational excellence and community building, emphasizing that the brand seeks partners who resonate with its core values.
Lisa Dimson, CMO of Your Pie, further elaborated on the brand’s forward trajectory. "As we continue to refine the guest experience and evolve the menu, we’re also building a brand that is ready to grow," Dimson commented. "Our focus is on expanding with passionate franchise partners who want to bring handcrafted pizza, genuine hospitality, and a strong sense of community to more neighborhoods across the country." This reinforces the commitment to both culinary quality and the establishment of a welcoming, community-centric atmosphere within each new location.
Industry analysts concur with Your Pie’s strategic approach. "In a highly competitive fast-casual market, especially in the pizza segment, sustained success hinges on operational efficiency and a strong, scalable model," noted Sarah Jenkins, a senior restaurant industry analyst at FoodService Insights Group. "Your Pie’s decision to dedicate a year to internal refinement before a major expansion push is a prudent strategy. It minimizes risks for new franchisees and ensures a consistent brand experience, which is paramount for growth in vibrant, yet demanding markets like the Southeast."
Local economic development officials in the target markets have also expressed enthusiasm for Your Pie’s planned expansion. "The addition of new businesses like Your Pie not only diversifies our local dining scene but also creates valuable job opportunities for our residents," remarked Mark Thompson, Director of Economic Development for Columbia, SC. "We welcome brands that are committed to quality and community engagement, and Your Pie’s proven track record suggests it will be a positive contributor to our local economy." Similar sentiments are anticipated from officials in the Atlanta and Chattanooga-Knoxville areas, highlighting the broader economic benefits new franchise openings bring.
Empowering Franchise Partners for Success
A cornerstone of Your Pie’s growth strategy is its comprehensive support system for franchise partners. The brand provides extensive training programs designed to equip new owners and their teams with the necessary skills for operational excellence and customer service. This includes initial intensive training at the corporate headquarters and ongoing support once locations are open. Franchisees also gain access to Your Pie’s updated restaurant model, which incorporates the latest efficiencies and design innovations, ensuring they are set up for success from day one. Operational support extends to marketing, supply chain management, and continuous performance coaching, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at maximizing franchisee profitability and brand consistency. This robust support structure is particularly appealing to experienced restaurant and hospitality operators, who Your Pie explicitly targets as ideal franchise candidates, leveraging their expertise while providing a proven framework for success.
Broader Impact and Future Outlook
The expansion of Your Pie into these key Southeast markets carries significant implications beyond the brand itself. Economically, each new store represents a direct injection into the local economy, creating dozens of new jobs—from construction and setup to ongoing restaurant operations, including kitchen staff, front-of-house teams, and management. It also stimulates local supply chains, as new locations require services and products from local vendors, contributing to broader economic activity. The increased tax revenue generated by these new businesses will further support local public services.
For consumers, the expansion means greater access to a differentiated fast-casual dining experience. In a market often saturated with generic options, Your Pie’s unique Ischia-inspired concept, emphasis on customization, and expanded menu provide a compelling alternative for individuals and families seeking quality, speed, and a welcoming atmosphere.
From a franchising perspective, Your Pie’s strategic growth reinforces the resilience and appeal of the franchise model, particularly for established brands that prioritize operational integrity and franchisee support. The brand’s methodical approach—refining its model before accelerating growth—serves as a blueprint for sustainable expansion in the competitive restaurant industry.
As Your Pie enters this next phase of accelerated growth, the focus remains steadfast on expanding its presence in markets nationwide, while simultaneously strengthening its operational foundations and continuing to provide unparalleled support to its growing network of franchise partners. The journey from an Italian honeymoon inspiration to a nationally recognized fast-casual leader underscores Your Pie’s commitment to quality, innovation, and community, promising an exciting future for the brand and its patrons.
For more information about Your Pie and its franchise opportunities, visit yourpie.com.
