Paisano’s, a six-unit gourmet pizza delivery chain, announced that it began franchising in Virginia.

“This marks the beginning of huge things for Paisano’s,” says Fouad Qreitem, CEO of the chain. “On behalf of the entire Paisano’s family, it is with equal parts delight and anticipation that I make this announcement.”

A total of 22 targeted locations in Northern Virginia have been identified by the newly formed Paisano’s Franchise System Inc. Beyond the company-owned outlets already up and running in Chantilly, Fair Lakes, Fairfax City, Herndon, Reston, and Centreville, Qreitem anticipates new franchised locations in areas such as Vienna, Tyson’s Corner, Burke, Oakton, Falls Church, Springfield, and Arlington. “The greater Washington, D.C. area is a highly desirable, comparatively stable marketplace with phenomenal demographics and a consistent pattern of growth,” Qreitem says. “We can’t wait to expand the Paisano’s footprint.”

To aid in this expansion, Paisano’s Franchise System teamed up with Franchise Consulting LLC. The Fairfax, Virginia–based firm is tasked with growing Paisano’s to 50 units over the next five years. “I have every confidence that Franchise Consulting CEO Mike Halpern and his great franchise development team will effectively direct our expansion into the targeted Virginia-Maryland-District of Columbia marketplace and eventually, beyond,” Qreitem says.

Paisano’s has been serving customers in Northern Virginia since 1997. Its menu includes pizza, pasta, subs, strombolis, wings, salads, desserts, and other typical Italian fare.

“This is a great time for entrepreneurs to purchase a franchise in a highly recognized industry boasting tremendous income potential,” Halpern says. “Take this unique, freshly prepared menu, coupled with Paisano’s proven operating system, and it’s a ‘can’t miss’ for potential franchisees.”