EDISON, N.J., Oct. 22, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After decades of devouring countless slices of triangle or square-cut pizza, American consumers are about to experience a progressive new way to enjoy their favorite Italian dish. With the brand already established with 130 locations in 20 countries, KONO Pizza is introducing America to a healthier and portable alternative to traditional pizza – the pizza cone.
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The KONO Pizza concept, first presented in Italy in 2004, was inspired and created by world-renowned culinary genius, Rossano Boscolo, co-founder of the Boscolo Group Spa, and owner of multiple 5-star hotels and restaurants across Europe. A crowd favorite in countries throughout Europe, Australia and Asia, KONO Pizza offers consumers a whole new pizza experience with its cone-shaped crust filled with fresh, Italian ingredients. After discovering the concept during a trip to Europe, a savvy trio of U.S. entrepreneurs – David Ragosa, Carlo Ruggiero and Greg Kinlaw – recognized the opportunity to shake up the pizza market. They struck a deal to franchise the entire U.S. territory and established the KONO USA franchise company.
After opening their first corporate U.S. location in Edison, N.J. this summer, KONO USA began offering franchises and already have 15+ units in the pipeline. "We're receiving positive feedback regarding the potential financial opportunity for experienced and novice operators alike," noted KONO USA co-founder Kinlaw.
"The KONO cone is pizza reinvented," said Ragosa, co-founder of KONO USA. "You aren't likely to see a guy in a business suit walking down 5th Avenue eating a droopy slice of greasy pizza. Our cones are created around mobility and high-quality ingredient. Our pizza tastes better, you feel better about eating it, and you won't spill sauce down your shirt."
KONO Pizza embraces original Italian recipes and ingredients inspired by the overseas locations. Served in a cone and filled with fresh, quality ingredients, some imported straight from Italy, the brand offers consumers a healthier, on-the-go alternative to one of their favorite foods. Featuring a thinner crust and low-moisture cheese, KONO Pizza cones are only 250-280 calories each, compared to 450 calories in the average traditional pizza slice.
According to co-founder Ruggiero, "KONO Pizza is fast and easy to prepare, nothing is pre-made, and every single cone is cooked on the spot. Our pizza cones can be eaten anywhere, anytime."
The KONO USA co-founders are hard-working, dedicated entrepreneurs who have worked together for many years building successful franchises in the U.S. fitness, food and technology industries, including the well-known brands Let's YO! and Retro Fitness, before joining together to bring KONO Pizza to the states. Each member of the entrepreneurial team brings a unique skill set to the table, complementing each other's business style.
The newly established U.S. franchisor has sights set on opening locations across the country in traditional kiosk formats and stand-alone stores. Their mission is to keep everything simple and affordable for franchisees by offering a streamlined, manager-driven business model with a low start-up cost of $250,000-$400,000.
The Italian-inspired recipes and cooking processes are standard throughout all locations, simplifying the hiring process for franchisees (a full-time, experienced chef is not necessary). In addition, each location requires a limited staff of 8-10 part-time employees and one full-time manager.
"There are more than 70,000 pizzerias and fast-casual pizza joints, but no other franchise out there in the United States has a product like ours," Ragosa added. "We are offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to get in on the ground floor with an innovative franchise in the quick-service pizza segment – a concept that's already been proven successful around the world."
About KONO USA
Founded in Edison, N.J., KONO USA was established in the United States in 2013 by David Ragosa, Carlo Ruggiero and Greg Kinlaw, who took the already popular European concept and brought it to America. Originated by Italian culinary genius, Rossano Boscolo, KONO Pizza cones are filled with fresh, quality ingredients inspired by original Italian recipes, giving consumers an on-the-go, healthier way to enjoy their favorite food. There are currently 130 KONO Pizza locations operating in 20 countries. For more information on the KONO USA franchise opportunity, visit http://www.konousa.com/index.php/franchise-opportunities or call (855) 566-6872.
