CiCi's Pizza announced the hiring of Michael Iglesias as its new director of franchise development. With more than 25 years of franchising, restaurant development, and real estate experience, Iglesias becomes an integral part of a seasoned franchise development team that focuses on new and existing franchise growth, strategic market planning, construction, and real estate support.
An industry veteran, Iglesias has spent nearly his entire career implementing the strategic growth initiatives for iconic brands within the franchise food sector.
"Michael brings an unparalleled track record and insight to CiCi's that will undoubtedly lead us to reaching and surpassing our strategic growth initiatives," says vice president of real estate and franchise development Thomas McCord. "Michael will strengthen our franchise system through the recruitment of new franchisees and take our brand to new markets by leveraging the strength of our portfolio of three prototypes that include our traditional buffet, Express, and To Go."
The hiring of Iglesias is part of a larger company mission to strategically grow the brand in coming years. To help spur development in new and underserved markets—like New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, San Diego, Salt Lake City, and Chicago, among others—CiCi's Pizza has recently announced creative development incentives, including a franchise equity partnership program that was launched this year.
The company is also exploring growth in Mexico, Canada, and Puerto Rico, as well as in nontraditional venues such as airports, casinos, military bases, and universities.
Looking to attract single and multiunit operators with proven experience in team leadership, CiCi's Pizza offers four distinct revenue streams: the custom buffet, catering, To Go, and the game room.
Varying business prototypes (ranging from 750 to 3,600 square feet) are available to new franchisees designed to maximize profits for the owner and provide for convenient brand availability for CiCi's Pizza's guests. Restaurant design options include the traditional buffet model, To Go units, and an Express prototype currently under test.
