1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza, a fast-casual restaurant serving authentic, hand-tossed Neapolitan pizza with an American spin, has signed a franchise agreement to bring 12 units to South Florida, the first of which is expected to open by March 2016.

The South Florida agreement is part of 1000 Degrees’ rapid expansion throughout the state. The company has recently partnered with local franchisees in the Northern and Central regions of Florida, with restaurants expected to open in Lake City, Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Orlando within the next three years.

Franchise partners Julianne Burtin and Nick Anagno of Inferno Group Holdings said they plan to open the 12 new South Florida 1000 Degrees locations within the next five years. Both entrepreneurs, having previously launched a swimwear company and grown a motorcycle brand and restaurant respectively, the couple decided to go into business together when they saw the rapid growth of the fast-casual pizza industry. Despite industry competition, Burtin and Anagno ultimately chose to pioneer their market and develop 19 counties of South Florida with 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza because it served the best tasting product.

“Through our deal with 1000 Degrees, Nick and I found an opportunity to develop the customizable pizza concept throughout South Florida,” Burtin says. “We’re excited to bring the brand’s upbeat vibe, high-quality ingredients, and great-tasting food to our hometown and surrounding counties.”

1000 Degrees currently has more than 10 domestic restaurants open in New Jersey, Michigan, and Connecticut and one location in Malaysia. The international franchise is growing at a rapid pace, estimating it will open more than 80 units by the end of 2016, and projecting an additional 170 units by 2017.

“This multiunit franchise deal is only one example of the increased demand we’re seeing for 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza across the nation,” says CEO and founder Brian Petruzzi. “We’re thrilled to have Julianne and Nick on board to grow our brand and introduce our high-quality product throughout the South Florida region.”

1000 Degrees serves personalized, made-to-order authentic Neapolitan pizza. Unlike traditional Neapolitan pizza, which has a slightly undercooked center and requires a fork and knife to eat, 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza has fused this classic style with American flare. The result is a thin crust pizza that maintains the light and airy appeal of a Neapolitan-style pizza.