Pizza Express

PizzaExpress: Aiming to bring proper pizza to the entire planet

PizzaExpress: On a mission to build the most uplifting and lively pizzeria brand from Soho to Singapore.

Universally loved (Over 25% of the UK population aged 16-75 have dined with PizzaExpress in the past 12 months), PizzaExpress has a wide range of varying customer demographics. To accommodate, store designs and menu offers flex based on the location and occasion.

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Total stores: Over 470 stores worldwide

(Across 12 markets that include the UK, Ireland, India, Spain, UAE & Cyprus)

Brand Value proposition:

– Innovating in restaurant formats, menu layers, digital technology and franchisor systems

– An iconic product that fuses traditional Italian cuisine with exciting and experimental combinations, catering to multiple daypart opportunities at affordable price points

PizzaExpress history

1965

Peter Boizot travels around Europe in the 1960s. Returning to London he realises there is nowhere to buy proper Italian Pizza…Wardour Street opens

1995

PizzaExpress enters the Irish market, initially under the Milano brand

1998

Cyprus opens as the first international franchise

2000-2002

PizzaExpress expand into UAE, Hong Kong and Kuwait

2011

Full re-brand and menu refresh

2012

PizzaExpress debuts in India

2014

PizzaExpress opens its 400th store

Hony Capital purchases PizzaExpress

2018-2022

PizzaExpress enters Philippines, Spain and Macau

PizzaExpress backed by Cyrus, HIG and Bain Capital

Today

PizzaExpress is the 2nd largest casual dining brand in the UK and is looking to expand its international network

PizzaExpress News

June 16, 2024

PizzaExpress and Paul Bakery re-open stores in UK

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December 3, 2023

PizzaExpress have partnered with Just Eat for Business

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June 13, 2022

A new CEO for Pizza Express

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Latest F&B News

May 14, 2026

Wendy’s US sales fall 7.3% while overseas markets gain strength

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May 13, 2026

Gails to open at London’s King’s Cross Station

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May 8, 2026

Tossed to open first airport site at Gatwick

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STORE FORMATS

LIVE VENUE

A brand building, evening (and/or brunch) focused venue serving great food alongside live entertainment. Over the years PizzaExpress Live has hosted some of the biggest names in music
Format: Typically 250 – 300 covers
Size (Sq. Ft): 5000-6000
Target payback 5 years

FLAGSHIP RESTAURANT

Our most common PizzaExpress casual dining format, with venues located in high footfall, city and residential areas. Strong customer catchment from bookings and walk-ins, an occasion-led venue or well-placed for high delivery!
Format: Typically 60 – 200 covers
Size (Sq. Ft): 2000-3500
Target payback 2.5 – 3.5 years

SMALL BOX / KIOSK

A small footprint solution for high footfall and captive market / modern / locations that are heavily focused on delivery and takeaway orders.
Format: No direct covers (up to 20 through tactical seating)
Size (Sq. Ft): 600-1100
Target payback 1.5 years

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY

Franchisee Profile

A partner who shares the same core values as PizzaExpress – you will share our passion for proper pizza, be transparent, courageous and ready for growth!
An experienced operator with a proven track record of site openings; with the appetite, capital and ability to open 50-100 restaurants
An affinity with your chosen market – reasons to believe you can blow targets out the park, and be rewarded for that growth
A “ready to go” operational team
The networks to rapidly build and develop out a pipeline of different asset formats

Franchisor support

Supply chain setup – Assisting you in finding the highest quality suppliers whilst you also benefit from PizzaExpress’ purchasing power and market leading cost of sales!
Store fit-out design support – Allowing you to benefit from 58 years of experience in new restaurant openings
The latest restaurant technology and systems, ensuring you are best placed to serve your guests in the fastest, most efficient manner
Dedicated support hubs based in the UK, Hong Kong & the UAE. All new markets will link to one of these “base markets” for supply chain, menu, training, operations, marketing and promotional support. We can even help you set up a “Live” music venue …
Working with your bank partners to induct them into our brand and economic model
Market visits at a frequency that works for you.

PizzaExpress is looking to expand on their currently operated regions across Europe and Asia.

PizzaExpress and F&B Connect believe that there is a great opportunity for the brand to expand globally, with key opportunities for the brand to succeed in Europe, Middle East, Asia and the Rest of the World.