CiCi’s Pizza announced franchise expansion in Phoenix as part of the company’s 2010 strategic growth plans. The company is seeking franchisees to develop 25–30 new restaurants in Phoenix and surrounding cities including Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Tucson. CiCi’s expects to open 50-plus new units per year over the next five years.

There are three CiCi’s operating in Phoenix with an additional two restaurants in development, and in Tucson there is one CiCi’s currently operating and an additional three in development.

“For more than 25 years, CiCi’s has been serving its quality, made fresh daily pizza buffet and we’re excited to expand our footprint in Phoenix,” says Jim Sheahan, vice president of franchise sales for CiCi’s Pizza. “We are now actively seeking franchisees in and around Phoenix who want to own and operate their own restaurant and become more involved in the communities in which they serve.”

Executives from CiCi’s Pizza will be hosting an all-day franchising expo on July 15 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott–Tempe at 601 South Ash in Tempe. CiCi’s encourages all entrepreneurs interested in franchising to attend to learn more about the business opportunity of owning a CiCi’s Pizza.

The company has embarked on a national growth plan that includes expanding in existing markets, while entering new cities throughout the country. CiCi’s is focused on attracting new qualified operators to open restaurants in priority markets, specifically California, New York, New Jersey, Arizona, Nevada, Philadelphia, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

“Since our founding in 1985, we have shown consistent growth year after year,” Sheahan says. “We are looking for energetic, dedicated professionals to help us bring the freshest concept in affordable dining to more families in Phoenix and across the U.S. We encourage individuals in the Phoenix area who are interested in owning a restaurant to attend our franchising expo to learn more about the benefits of becoming a CiCi’s Pizza franchisee.”