Pizza Capers will open 25 stores in the Sydney region this year, in response to “huge demand” from the market.
The aggressive expansion plan will see Pizza Capers take its total store numbers to 130 in Australia and Singapore, with the franchise having doubled its footprint in the past two years alone.
Co-founder Scott Geiszler said the business regularly receives emails, letters and Facebook posts from customers asking them to set-up shop in Sydney.
“We also have fielded a steady stream of enquiries from independent pizza operators who want to convert their pizza operation to our brand,” he said.
Six stores will open before Easter, and Pizza Capers will then boost activity and open two stores per month until the end of the year.
According to Geiszler, the franchise chose not to focus on Sydney previously thanks to the limited supply of real estate in the city. But now, with real estate in greater supply, it’s a logical move.
Pizza Capers was established in 1996 by Scott Geiszler and Anthony Russo, with the aim of offering great tasting, value for money, take-away gourmet pizzas using high quality ingredients. The business has grown from just one store in Brisbane, to multiple stores in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, the ACT, Tasmania and Singapore.
Geiszler said he feels the gourmet pizza industry is performing well, despite the current economic climate.
“Even though we are at the high quality end of the pizza market, we’re still an affordable option for families and singles…Pizza Capers compares favourably against going out to eat, where you can spend much, much more – even at a casual restaurant,” he added.
