SEATTLE, Jan. 31, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MOD Super Fast Pizza Holdings, LLC (“MOD Pizza” or “MOD”) today announced it has added its ninth franchise partner – Southern Pie, LLC - who will develop MOD stores in Georgia and Alabama. Southern Pie, LLC, led by Robbie Hill and Kimberly Hill Hayden, plan to open their first MOD stores in 2017. The father-daughter team are multi-industry entrepreneurs who have built and operated successful construction and healthcare companies, and also operate the Bojangles’ business in the same region.
“What appealed to us about MOD is their progressive approach to hiring along with their strong focus on a people-first culture. We are excited to make MOD the employer of choice for the region, knowing that if we attract and develop an outstanding team, we can deliver an incredible in-store experience,” said Kimberly Hayden, CEO and Partner of Southern Pie, LLC.
MOD was founded in 2008 by entrepreneurs Scott and Ally Svenson, and was inspired by the couple’s love of Italian street style pizza, their desire for authentic, affordable and fast dining options for their busy family and the idea that a great company could be built around people. The Svensons bring their experience from building two highly successful retail concepts in the United Kingdom – Seattle Coffee Company and Carluccio’s. MOD’s team of executives and advisors bring experience from iconic brands such as Starbucks, Disney and Dunkin Donuts.
“We are pleased to have Southern Pie, LLC join our group of talented and passionate multi-unit operators. As we continue our expansion across the U.S., we are confident that our development strategy of company-owned stores coupled with select franchise partners will be key to maintaining consistent execution while sustaining our purpose-driven culture,” said Scott Svenson, co-founder and CEO of MOD. “Most importantly, Robbie and Kimberly share our commitment to growing a business that is focused on making a positive social impact.”
MOD has over 195 locations in 20 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, as well as five locations in the UK.
ABOUT MOD PIZZA
A pioneer of the fast-casual pizza segment and the largest brand in the sector, MOD Pizza was founded in Seattle in 2008 by entrepreneurs Scott and Ally Svenson. MOD's individual artisan-style pizzas and salads are made on demand, empowering customers to choose any combination of over 30 toppings, all for one set price. At the core of MOD is a purpose-led culture that’s committed to being a force for good in the community – creating not only a cool place to eat, but an inspired place to work. MOD was recently ranked as America’s fastest growing chain restaurant by Technomic; earned a spot on the Inc. 500 list as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies in 2016; and was recognized by Fortune as the 7th best workplace in retail for its progressive hiring practices and career-growth opportunities. MOD currently has over 200 locations across 20 states and the U.K. To learn more, visit modpizza.com.