Hungry Howie’s Pizza, originator of the Flavored Crust pizza, announced plans for expansion into North Carolina and Utah. Currently operating over 550 units across 21 states, the pizza franchise has signed a five-store multi-unit agreement in North Carolina and a 3-store multi-unit agreement in Utah. The franchisees are currently researching potential store locations to bring the communities high-quality pizza available in eight deliciously flavored crusts.

A member of the Hungry Howie’s family since 2005, Eric Fairbanks has inked an area development deal for a 5-store multi-unit agreement in Gaston, Iredell and Mecklenburg counties in North Carolina. Eric received his degree in education with a goal to become a teacher but decided to enter the pizza industry as more opportunity was available in the sector. He opened his first Hungry Howie’s location in Charlotte in 2005 and then took the pizza business by storm. With 11 other Hungry Howie’s locations now under his leadership, he plans to hit 17 stores by 2018 with three slated to open by the end of 2017.

New to the brand but not to the food industry, Richard Livermore has signed a 3-store multi-unit agreement with Hungry Howie’s in Utah with plans to launch locations in Logan. Richard has been involved in food manufacturing with brands like Kraft and Pillsbury for over 28 years. While this is his first venture into the restaurant business, he looks forward to opening his locations this summer.

“We’ve been looking to expand our footprint in Utah and continue growing our fan base in North Carolina for a while and we are confident in Eric and Richard, who are leading the charge,” says Steve Jackson, CEO of Hungry Howie’s. “We look forward to their success in these markets while fans continue to embrace the brand and our popular flavored crust pizzas.”