Dallas — After almost 60 years in business, Pizza Inn has launched a new prototype for a non-traditional licensing model called Pizza Inn Express, or PIE for short, that will give customers a fast, seamless experience when picking up their favorite hot pizza.
“Convenience stores are a $575 billion industry with 70% of sales attributed to in-store purchases,” says Scott Crane, chief executive officer of Pizza Inn parent company, Rave Restaurant Group, Inc. “This could be a game-changer for Pizza Inn as we tap into new markets and expansion opportunities for our flagship brand.”
Geared toward convenience stores, but also an airport or entertainment venue option, the licensing deal for Pizza Inn Express will allow customers to order and pay at a kiosk for grab-and-go or pick up their food at a designated spot. Pizza Inn has a strong presence in the southeastern part of the country where the convenience store segment has the nation’s highest grouping of independent operators. Pizza Inn expects to have its first prototypes operating within the next 90 days.
“The PIE kiosk is attractive to non-traditional operators because it allows them to move quickly, be more nimble, and react to changes in customer traffic and facilities, all at a minimal investment,” says Bob Bafundo, president of Pizza Inn. “It’s a branded concept that’s attractive enough to be the permanent centerpiece in a travel center or airport, yet nimble enough to provide the same benefits traditional operators get from a food truck.”
Founded in 1958, Pizza Inn is a subsidiary of RAVE Restaurant Group, Inc., based in Dallas. RAVE owns, franchises and supplies more than 300 Pizza Inn and Pie Five restaurants. For more information, visit pizzainn.com.
SOURCE: Pizza Inn