The Crust Pizza franchise has opened an ‘al Taglio’ (pizza by the slice) Gourmet Pizza Bar in the Sydney International Airport food court, as the company embarks on an aggressive expansion plan.
The move comes after Crust successfully opened its food court concept store in the up-market Westfield Sydney, on Pitt Street Mall.
Crust has evolved its range to cater for the constant stream of customers that flow through the airport, launching its first breakfast range which features Spanish Omelette pizzas as well as muffins, wraps, croissants, coffee and tea.
“The slicery model is also attractive to prospective franchisees looking for something unique and cutting edge in high-impact retail centres, with the backing of strong brand recognition. For investors, the model requires less financial input and fewer staff resources, as stores won’t require a team of delivery drivers,” Crust National Projects Director Tim Ryan said.
Crust Co-Founder and Managing Director Costa Anastasiadis said the slice model is a natural extension of the business.
“This new concept is a natural progression for Crust, as we’ve always been focused on changing people’s perceptions of takeaway pizza. This is the next evolution of that vision.”
“As yet, no other franchise has established a high quality, gourmet pizza offering in shopping centres or airports. Many people associate pizza in food courts as unhealthy and lacking in freshness, sitting under heat lamps for hours. We’re turning this perception on its head in retail centres, offering a quick, freshly cooked, high quality takeaway option.“
Crust hopes to open 10 ‘al Taglio’ stores the year, focusing on other food courts in airport locations and shopping centres nationally.
