Tuesday, May 17, marked the opening of Pizza Patrón’s newest Quick Service Pizza restaurant, a freestanding concept designed to bring the convenience and value of fast food to the pizza segment. With the addition of this new QSP unit, Pizza Patrón now has 12 locations serving Houston.

Pizza Patrón’s QSP model features a standard QSR drive-thru lane that includes an order menu with a two-way speaker system, and a pick-up window where customers complete the transaction without leaving their car. The store also features the brand’s trademark colorful and Latin-influenced lobby created for its ‘carry-out’ guests.

“Pizza Patrón is the pizza brand to keep your eyes on right now,” said Andrew Gamm, Pizza Patrón’s brand director. “Our innovative new QSP store model combined with our Hispanic brand focus makes us timely and relevant in today’s ultra-competitive marketplace.”

Pizza Patrón worked closely with Lincoln Ovens to develop the new fast-bake technology now standard in every QSP location. The fast-bake system bakes pizzas in just over three minutes, allowing made-to-order pizzas to be delivered hot and fresh to customers that prefer the drive-thru experience.

“This is the fifth store I’ve opened in Houston,” said Rick Sparkman, Pizza Patrón franchisee. “And, I feel this is the best model yet. I will only look for locations that are a good fit for this model for every new store I open or build.”

Sparkman built this location from the ground up, a first for Pizza Patrón’s QSP model.

“Most people are used to waiting 15 to 20 minutes for their pizzas,” said Sparkman. “The beauty of this model is that it has potential to change the industry. Why will people wait when they can get their custom-baked pizza in just over three minutes? It’s a dramatic difference — and a fantastic advantage for Pizza Patrón and our customers.”

Pizza Patrón continues to be a lightning rod for discussion regarding Hispanics in the U.S. The Dallas-based pizza chain recently opened its 100^th retail location and plans to continue focusing on expanding its retail footprint in new markets through franchising.

Pizza Patrón, America’s #1 Latin pizza brand, offers traditional pizza, wings and sides in its community based, bicultural stores. Pizza Patrón was founded by restaurateur Antonio Swad in 1986, in Dallas, Texas, and today operates 100 dine-in and carry-out restaurants in seven states with 40 more under development. Pizza Patrón has franchise opportunities available in prime markets throughout the country offering a proven system for hard-working franchisee candidates. In 2007, the brand received international news coverage when it decided to accept Mexican Pesos at all of its locations, gaining over 500,000,000 media impressions worth over $30 million in the U.S. alone. The company’s medium AMIGO PIZZAS start as low as $4 and X-Large LISTA-NOW READY pepperoni pizzas start as low as $6 all day, every day.

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. and Golden Gate Capital today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which an affiliate of Golden Gate Capital will acquire the Company for $18.50 per share in cash, or approximately $470 million. The purchase price represents a 32% premium to the 30-day average price prior to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) authorizing management to begin exploring strategic and financial alternatives on February 23, 2010, and a 15% premium to the 30-day average price prior to the announcement of the transaction. The transaction is currently expected to close in the third quarter of this year.

The announcement follows a comprehensive review undertaken by the Board to maximize stockholder value. The Company formed a special committee, comprised of independent directors, and retained financial advisors to evaluate strategic and financial alternatives. After a thorough assessment, the special committee unanimously recommended and the Board of Directors unanimously approved the agreement. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the Company’s stockholders tender their shares in the tender offer.

Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, co-Chief Executive Officers, co-Chairmen of the Board and co-founders of California Pizza Kitchen, stated, “This announcement represents a very positive outcome for our stockholders and we believe it is also a great development for our employees, guests and business partners. We are very excited as we open a new chapter in the very successful history of CPK. Golden Gate Capital is a leading investor in the restaurant industry, with a proven track record as a value-added partner to its portfolio companies, and we believe that its significant commitment and experience in the sector will benefit all of our stakeholders.”

“We have great respect for the California Pizza Kitchen brand,” said Josh Olshansky, a Managing Director with Golden Gate Capital. “The business that the CPK team has built, with its great product offerings, makes it an ideal fit with our long-term oriented approach to investing. We are very pleased to partner with the Company to continue to invest in the business for the benefit of all its guests, employees and partners.”

Under the terms of the agreement, an affiliate of Golden Gate Capital will commence a tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of the Company no later than June 8, 2011. Closing of the transaction is conditioned upon, among other things, satisfaction of a minimum tender condition, clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, receipt of funding under the financing agreements (solely with respect to the tender offer) and other customary closing conditions. In the event that the minimum tender condition is not met, and in certain other circumstances, the parties have agreed to complete the transaction through a one-step merger after receipt of stockholder approval.

Co-CEOs Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, COO/CFO Susan Collyns and Chief Communications Officer Sarah Goldsmith-Grover of California Pizza Kitchen, who together with their affiliates own in the aggregate approximately 11% of the Company’s outstanding shares (assuming vesting and net exercise of all of the options held by them), have entered into agreements pursuant to which they will tender their shares into the offer and, if applicable, vote in favor of the merger.

Moelis & Company is serving as exclusive financial advisor to California Pizza Kitchen and has delivered a fairness opinion to the special committee. Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as outside counsel to the Company and Richards, Layton & Finger P.A. is serving as outside counsel to the special committee. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to Golden Gate Capital. Golden Gate Capital has received debt commitments from GE Capital and Jefferies Finance LLC to provide the debt financing necessary to close the transaction.

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., founded in 1985, is a leading casual dining chain featuring an imaginative line of hearth-baked pizzas, including the original BBQ Chicken Pizza, and a broad selection of distinctive pastas, salads, appetizers, soups, sandwiches and desserts. Of the chain’s 265 restaurants, 205 are company-owned and 60 operate under franchise or license agreements. CPK premium pizzas are also available to sports and entertainment fans at three Southern California venues: Dodger Stadium, Angel Stadium of Anaheim and STAPLES Center. Also included in the Company’s portfolio of concepts is LA Food Show Grill & Bar, which is located in Manhattan Beach, California. The Company also has a licensing arrangement with Nestlé USA to manufacture and distribute a line of California Pizza Kitchen premium frozen products.

Golden Gate Capital is a San Francisco-based private investment firm with approximately $9 billion of capital under management. The principals of Golden Gate have a long and successful history of investing across a wide range of industries and transaction types, including going-privates, corporate divestitures, and recapitalizations. Golden Gate is one of the most active acquirers of leading brands in the restaurant and retail sector. Representative investments include On the Border Mexican Grill, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Eddie Bauer, Express, J.Jill, and Zales.

Aurelio’s Pizza has announced the opening of new franchise locations in Marietta, GA and North Las Vegas, NV. scheduled for June 2011. The Marietta, GA location will be the first in Georgia and the North Las Vegas, NV location will be the third in Nevada.

Joe Aurelio Jr. opened his first restaurant in 1959. He was just 26 years old at the time, and the restaurant only had four tables. It was located in Homewood, IL on Ridge Rd.

In the beginning he had plenty of repeat business because of his excellent beef sandwiches with a home cooked flavor. More and more people started trying his delicious pizzas that were made from several generations of family recipes. His hard work, dedication and delicious pizzas proved to be a recipe for success.

Over a ten year period, his humble four table restaurant grew to meet the needs of his growing customer base. What was once a very small restaurant, now occupied four storefronts and had over 150 seats. This was still not nearly enough to satisfy his hungry customers.

Joe knew that he had to expand even more. He did it by pouring everything he had into a 12000 square foot warehouse, that would be turned into a pizzeria. The odds were against him. It took a year of construction and nearly half a million dollars to complete. In January of 1977, Joe had the world’s largest pizzeria.

He could rest now that he had enough room to satisfy his hungry legion of customers, but this huge pizzeria was still not large enough. Patrons were lining up outside and they did not care how long it took to get Joe Aurellio’s famous pizza.

Joe was determined to provide only the best pizza and service. He was generous and gave back to the community and he made a place for families to gather and eat great food. His successful recipe spread and people started coming from miles around.

Today, Aurelio’s Pizza can be found in six states with 44 locations that still serve that famous one of a kind Aurelio’s Pizza.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria announces its second Florida location.

A taste of NY is coming to Florida, again. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, famously known for their award-winning hand-tossed, coal-fired brick oven pizzas and calzones, fresh salads and delicious desserts is announcing its newest location, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Avenue, in Palm Beach Gardens, due to open in June. With Frank Sinatra crooning in the background, Grimaldi’s will over 100-years of pizza making traditions and the tantalizing aroma of pizza and calzones baked to perfection in the signature coal burning oven.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria opened its first location in Fort Myers Florida last year and promises to continue to expand in Florida throughout 2011 and 2012. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria currently has twenty locations across the US, including Texas, Nevada, Arizona, and its flagship stores in New York City. The newest location in Downtown at the Gardens is scheduled to open this June.

In the world of pizza, Grimaldi’s is an institution that has garnered more awards than any other pizzeria in the country with more celebrity sightings than most 5-star restaurants. Using only the freshest ingredients, a “secret recipe” pizza sauce, handmade mozzarella cheese and dough, Grimaldi’s serves traditional pizza (as it began in Naples, Italy) in an upscale yet casual, family oriented pizzeria.

Designed and built by hand, the coal-fired oven at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria delivers a unique flavor and consistency that is just not possible from wood or gas ovens. Weighing in at 25 tons and heated by 100 pounds of coal per day (cleanest burning fuel available and environmentally tested), the oven heats up to 1,200 degrees. The intense heat of the oven evenly bakes the pies to create Grimaldi’s famous crispy and smoky thin crust that Zagat has voted best pizza year after year.

It has been said that the secret to true New York-style pizza is the water. Grimaldi’s believes that too, going to great lengths to keep the integrity of the water used in the Brooklyn pizzeria by hiring a chemist to analyze and recreate the mineral content and exact composition of the water to ensure the dough tastes the same in Florida.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria wholly owns and operates locations in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, Reno, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Fort Myers, and Corpus Christi. Additional locations in Texas and Florida are on the drawing board.

Grimaldi’s offers guests a selection of beers as well as an extensive list of wines (by the glass and bottle) to complement their freshly prepared salads, hand tossed pizzas and calzones and famous desserts. For more information on Grimaldi’s Pizzeria visit www.grimaldispizzeria.com.

Domino’s Pizza is continuing to react to what consumers want, and will broaden its popular carryout specials with its first extended national carryout promotion. After positive reception from previous short-term carryout specials, Domino’s will offer its Early Week Pick-Me-Up Deal carryout promotion on Monday through Wednesday each week, beginning today.

“Our top priority continues to be listening to consumers and, based on their feedback, exploring new choices,” said J. Patrick Doyle, Domino’s Pizza president and chief executive officer. “We are proud to be the undisputed delivery experts – and are very excited and optimistic about the new, growing segment of consumers interested in our carryout option.”

A brand new national television campaign, starring CEO Doyle and Virginia-based Domino’s franchisee Scott Boyle, light-heartedly demonstrates the importance placed on meeting customer demand – even if it is not the most accepted idea by all at Domino’s. While Boyle thinks the price should be higher for such a good pizza, Doyle argues that it’s what consumers want, and therefore the right thing for Domino’s to do.

“Being in the commercial was fun – and while it took some convincing, in the end we agree with Patrick that listening to consumer demand is what makes Domino’s what we are,” said Boyle.  

“The campaign is an amusing way to prove an important point – that even if an idea is unconventional according to some within Domino’s, if it’s what consumers have asked of us, we all eventually agree that it is well worth it,” said Doyle.

Domino’s has spent its recent past focusing on improving its quality and expanding its menu. The inspiration driving all of its efforts, including the new carryout campaign, has consistently been direct customer feedback.

The Early Week Pick-Me-Up Deal offers customers a large three-topping pizza for $7.99, carryout only and only available Monday through Wednesday. For the remainder of the week, Domino’s will launch an additional new campaign promoting its specialty pizzas line.

Founded in 1960, Domino’s Pizza is the recognized world leader in pizza delivery. Domino’s is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “DPZ.” As of the first quarter of 2011, through its primarily locally-owned and operated franchised system, Domino’s operated a network of 9,379 franchised and Company-owned stores in the United States and 70 international markets. During the first quarter of 2011, Domino’s had global retail sales of nearly $1.6 billion, comprised of nearly $815 million domestically and nearly $774 million internationally. Domino’s Pizza had global retail sales of over $6.2 billion in 2010, comprised of over $3.3 billion domestically and over $2.9 billion internationally. 

In May 2011, Pizza Today named Domino’s its “Chain of the Year” for the second straight year – making the company a three-time overall winner, and the first pizza delivery company to receive the honor in back-to-back years. In 2011, Domino’s was ranked #1 in Forbes Magazine’s “Top 20 Franchises for the Money” list.  Helped by the launch of its Domino’s Smart Slice school lunch pizza in late 2010, Domino’s is collaborating with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to serve healthier school foods and beverages in the United States. In late 2009, Domino’s debuted its “Inspired New Pizza” – a permanent change to its hand-tossed product, reinvented from the crust up.

Pizza Hut has announced free mobile ordering applications for the Android smartphone and the Apple iPad, as well as an updated version of its award-winning Apple iPhone app. The app trio makes Pizza Hut the leader in points of access among national pizza chains and continues the company’s commitment to utilizing digital and social media tools to get customers their favorites faster and easier than ever. Pizza lovers hungry for the latest in Pizza Hut digital innovation can visit pizzahut.com/apps to download the apps.

“We launched the pizza category’s first ever iPhone app in 2009, and knew immediately that mobile ordering was the future of the pizza business,” said Baron Concors, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Pizza Hut. “The success of our iPhone app has sparked users of other platforms to clamor for their own way to order from Pizza Hut. We’ve heightened consumer engagement by observing our customers’ digital lifestyles and making our food easily available to them on their preferred platforms. And we’ll continue to evolve as they do.”

Each of the new apps take mobile ordering to a new level, with options that expand on the capabilities of the original Pizza Hut iPhone app. These new features include:

• Full Pizza Hut menu offering all pizzas, pasta, WingStreet wings, drinks, sides and desserts
• Guest Checkout allows customers to order without signing in
• Orders are automatically saved to a customer’s account for easy reordering
• Most Popular items section provides quick and easy access to a customer’s Pizza Hut favorites
• Specials section provides updates on new products and deals
• Customers can add credit card options without creating an account for easy checkout

Pizza Hut Android App

Pizza Hut becomes the first national pizza chain with an ordering app for the growing number of Android subscribers across the United States. The Pizza Hut Android app includes the same features as the successful iPhone app, with updated menu and payment features that make ordering Pizza Hut favorites from the Android fast and easy.

Pizza Hut HD App for the iPad

Also a first in the national pizza category, Pizza Hut’s iPad app allows customers to tap, tweak, twist, and flip their way to their favorites using the trendiest digital platform on the market. The deliciously sleek design features crisp product images and an entertaining pizza builder that makes ordering Pizza Hut more enjoyable than ever. The iPad app also features adjustable button functionality that lets customers choose their favorite way to interact. It is available for 4.0 iOS and higher.

Pizza Hut iPhone App 2.0

Shortly after its launch in 2009, the Pizza Hut iPhone app became one of the most talked-about branded applications in the Apple universe. The app has been downloaded nearly 3 million times, captured two Mobile Marketing Association awards and was named the #1 Branded Mobile Application of 2009 by “Forbes Magazine.” The new iPhone app includes the same functionality and ease that made it a winner in 2009, but has received a facelift to include the ordering options, full menu and checkout capabilities now available in the complete lineup of Pizza Hut mobile apps.

Activity in the Pizza Hut mobile world doesn’t end there. The digital team is developing a mobile ordering app for the Windows Mobile 7 smartphone and enhancing the mobile website for easier ordering. Pizza Hut plans to launch both later this year.

Pizza Hut, America’s Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc.

Pizza Inn has opened its largest U.S. restaurant in Rocky Mount, North Carolina at 1473 Hunter Hill Road.

The new location set a company record for the biggest opening in Pizza Inn history with a sales increase of more than 60 percent in the first two weeks of opening.

“We are thrilled with the new location and the response from the local community,” said Steve Stancil, local franchisee. “These numbers are new territory for Pizza Inn and will help to move our brand to even greater heights.”

Stancil joined Pizza Inn in 1974 and became a franchisee in 1985.

A city street widening project prompted the Rocky Mount restaurant to relocate across the parking lot. The new 9,000 square-foot restaurant seats 324 and features Pizza Inn’s new back fed pizza buffet, large salad bar and upgraded interiors.

“Steve has done an incredible job, turning a challenge into a huge opportunity and posting record sales for the entire Pizza Inn chain at the same time,” said Charlie Morrison, president and CEO of Pizza Inn. “The response from loyal customers in Rocky Mount has been fantastic.” 

The new restaurant is open 10:30 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week and available by phone at (252) 937-2323.

Headquartered in the Dallas suburb of The Colony, TX, Pizza Inn, Inc., is an international pizza chain featuring traditional and specialty pizzas, as well as freshly made pastas, sandwiches, and desserts. Founded in 1958, publicly traded Pizza Inn franchises approximately 300 restaurants and directly owns and operates five restaurants.

Tweeting about eating may seem like Internet noise to some, but the folks at Louisville-based Yum! Brands’ KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, as well as Papa John’s International, increasingly are talking back.

Reading and reacting to the daily blizzard of tweets, Facebook posts and other social media traffic has increasingly become an integral part of the restaurant industry.

All have staff who read and respond to what people say about the brands online. Most post specials and coupons, too, like the regular Facebook promotions local pizza chain BoomBozz offers to Facebook fans. Just as important, companies say, is to act or talk back to what consumers are saying about their brands.

Continue reading . . .

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers will be opening in Southern Pines, N.C. on Monday, May 16, 2011, at 10840 US Hwy 15/501, Southern Pines, North Carolina, 28387, across the street from Lowe’s Hardware Store.

The Craven and Dunahay families, owners, are thrilled to bring an exciting place with great food to Southern Pines. “We wanted to open up Mellow in Southern Pines for a few reasons. We are absolutely passionate about the quality food of Mellow Mushroom. We are long time residents and our families go back generations within the Sandhills area, and we wanted to take the opportunity to bring a business to the Community. We are very excited to bring something different and exciting to Southern Pines, and in our opinion, nothing is better than the food and atmosphere of Mellow Mushroom.”

Mellow Mushroom features a creative menu with a wide variety of pizzas, hoagies, salads, calzones, appetizers, vegan options and a gluten-free crust is also available. You can enjoy a creative atmosphere with unique artwork. This Mellow is in 40 year old recycled building which features parts of the old building while adding a fresh design, making this a true Southern Pines landmark

This Mellow will host trivia, drink and draw, live music, comedy nights, corn hole and a beer club for the beer enthusiasts, which will feature an exclusive beer club with 100 craft beers. The Mellow Mushroom will operate 7 days a week Sunday- Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 a.m.

For 36 years Mellow Mushroom has been serving up fresh stone baked pizzas to-order in an eclectic, art filled environment. Each Mellow is locally-owned and operated with a unique feel, and focused around great customer service and quality.

There’s something about a family-friendly, budget-friendly, gooey pizza that is appealing to diners and would-be restaurateurs alike.

With a shaky economy and a surge in bargain-hungry consumers, more entrepreneurs are jumping into the pizza fray, and many are targeting the Triangle for expansion.

Some are locals just setting foot in the pizza world. Others are experienced restaurant operators from other parts of the country who are bringing their chains here for the first time.

It’s easy to see what draws them to both pizza and the Triangle. This area is full of foodies and folks who can afford to eat out.

Continue reading . . .

Pizza Hut has announced that each delicious, topping-stacked pizza from the famous Lover’s Line – Pepperoni Lover’s, Meat Lover’s, Veggie Lover’s and the all new Ultimate Cheese Lover’s – is available at one low price of $10.99 for a limited time only.

“Keeping in line with our commitment to make our customers’ favorite pizzas more affordable than ever, we’ve lowered the price of our famous Lover’s Line,” said Kurt Kane, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut. “At Pizza Hut, you can never have enough of your favorites and our Lover’s pizzas give you just that. With The Ultimate Cheese Lover’s, we’ve turned the simple ‘cheese pizza’ into a taste explosion for cheese lovers.”

New to the Lover’s lineup, the Ultimate Cheese Lover’s pizza packs an extra cheesey punch. This new recipe is a mouth-watering combination of Alfredo sauce and three cheeses – Romano, Parmesan, and Pizza Hut’s signature pizza cheese– blended to create an ultimate cheese experience like no other. A pizza with this much ooey, gooey cheese had to be called the Ultimate Cheese Lover’s.  

Many Pizza Hut fans only have eyes for longtime Lover’s pizza recipes, and they are in luck. The usual suspects from the Pizza Hut Lover’s menu are also just $10.99.

• Pepperoni Lover’s – the classic love with 50 percent more pepperoni and 50 percent more cheese
• Meat Lover’s – topped with more than a pound of meat and cheese with six favorites: pepperoni, pork sausage, Italian sausage, ham, beef and bacon
• Veggie Lover’s – a herbivore’s dream loaded with tons of fresh veggies

Pizza Hut Facebook fans can rally behind their favorite Lover’s recipe for a chance to be crowned the Ultimate Lover’s Lover. Beginning May 10, Pizza Hut Facebook fans can visit the Lover’s Lovers tab and enter to win a daily prize of a $50 Pizza Hut gift card and a weekly prize of free pizza for a year! All they have to do is tell Pizza Hut why they are a Pepperoni, Veggie, Meat or Ultimate Cheese Lover’s Lover in 140 characters or less. Winners will have their picture proudly featured on the Pizza Hut profile daily for 3.3 million fellow fans to see. Customers can visit facebook.com/pizzahut for details about the sweepstakes and enter for a chance to win.

As Pizza Hut slashes prices on its Lover’s Line pizzas, it’s fitting that consumers have named Pizza Hut their favorite national pizza chain. In a recent poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports, Pizza Hut was rated most-favorably among top national pizza chains by American adults who eat pizza. With prices beyond belief, who can blame them?