Fast-casual pizza pioneer Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint announced the signing of its largest franchise deal to date. JUMP Restaurant Management, a subsidiary of Jubilee Restaurant Group, will develop 13 Uncle Maddio’s across the mid-South. Communities in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Louisiana; Greater Memphis, Tennesse; and Southaven and Olive Branch, Mississippi will soon be able to enjoy Uncle Maddio’s premium, customized pizza experience.

“We researched the fast-casual pizza segment for two-and-a-half years before choosing Uncle Maddio’s,” says Seth Hargett, founder and president of Jubilee Restaurant Group. “We liked that the leadership team is made up of former operators who understand what it takes to run a successful restaurant. And as a former chef, I was blown away by the flavor, freshness, taste, and variety of the menu. There’s nothing like it on the market.”

Hargett himself is a veteran restaurateur. Prior to moving into development and operations with Jubilee, he honed his culinary skills cooking in the kitchens of the Brennan family, Emeril Lagasse, and Gerard Maras before moving on to the head chef role at Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Pt. Clear, Alabama, an AAA four-diamond resort.

Jubilee Restaurant Group operates 10 Five Guys Hamburgers and Fries with development rights to 14 more in five states. Investors in the JUMP/Uncle Maddio’s deal also include a former Five Guys Vice President of Franchise Development Greg DeCelle.

“We could not ask for a better partner than Seth and Jubilee as we grow Uncle Maddio’s across the country,” says Matt Andrew, CEO and founder of Uncle Maddio’s. “We share a common belief that you can deliver a first-class dining experience at an affordable price. Guests at their 13 upcoming restaurants are guaranteed to be served with love.”

Since launching its aggressive growth plan in 2008, Uncle Maddio's has signed franchise agreements with 55 different entities in 18 states. Many of Uncle Maddio's franchisees have previous multiunit experience with Jimmy John's, Firehouse Subs, Dairy Queen, McDonalds, Burger King, Krystal, Papa John's, Domino's, Golden Corral, and Five Guys. Uncle Maddio's is on track to have 300 restaurants open in five years with 1,000 units in development and is opening units every 10 days.