With 13 Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint locations operating in Metro Atlanta, the fast-casual pizza franchise plans to expand into North Georgia. A new development agreement with franchisee Briann Welborn is doing just that. After 25 years managing quick-serve restaurant concepts for franchise owners with Subway, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell, Welborn is branching out on his own to become the owner and operator of three Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint locations. Welborn plans to open his locations in Forsyth and Hall counties, with sites in Cumming, Dawsonville, and Gainesville. He anticipates his first Uncle Maddio’s unit will open in mid-2014.
Welborn is the 35th franchisee this year to sign on with Uncle Maddio’s, the create-your-own pizza franchise. Uncle Maddio’s projects a banner year for 2014, as the company plans to open 35 new units with 165 additional locations in development.
“With more than two decades of franchise restaurant experience, I know I made the right choice by joining the Uncle Maddio’s team for my franchise business,” Welborn says. “‘Served with Love’ says it all. The culture and expertise of the entire team is far superior to any franchise that I’ve ever worked with. Uncle Maddio’s treats its franchisees and franchisee teams with respect, and that is what sold me on the concept.”
Recipient of the Golden Bell on behalf of his Taco Bell franchisee employers, Welborn is now joining forces with his wife, Melissa, and family as they build their company.
“My wife is gluten free and did not eat pizza for two years,” Welborn says. “She was sold on Uncle Maddio’s the first time she tasted their delicious, buttery gluten-free crust. Uncle Maddio’s offers more variety than anyone in the category. The fact that Uncle Maddio’s locations do not have freezers or microwaves is proof that everything is fresh.”
Uncle Maddio’s offers a 9-inch individual pizza with up to three toppings, baked in 6-minutes, for $6.99. Guests choose one of three crusts, including a gluten-free option, and have a choice of 48 toppings, including six sauces, 27 vegetables, and 15 meats. Uncle Maddio’s offers healthful options like whole wheat and gluten-free crusts, hormone-free chicken, local vegetables, Daiya vegan cheese, and organic greens. A take-and-bake option offers a quick family meal at home.
The menu also features create-your-own salads with a buffet of vegetables, as well as a pre-imagined menu of signature salads such as Greek, Chicken Caesar, and Santa Fe. The menu also features toasted panini sandwiches, including creations such as Maddio’s Steak and Cheese, Basil Chicken, Tuscan Meatball, Turkey Bacon Cheddar, and more.
“With more than 5 million choices, there is something for everyone at Uncle Maddio’s,” says founder Matt Andrew. “We are excited to expand our footprint in our home state of Georgia, and we look forward to growing our brand with experienced, dedicated partners, such as Briann and Melissa, in all four corners of Georgia and beyond.”
