The Original Kono Pizza, the fast-casual concept behind the creation of the pizza cone, announced today the signing of a multi-unit franchise development deal that will bring five Kono Pizza locations to Iowa, the first of which will open in Le Mars in early 2015.
The new Kono Pizza locations will be owned and operated by local entrepreneurs, and husband and wife team, Micah and Kelly Powers. Micah, owner of Paullina-based Riedemann Transport Inc., and Kelly, a product release coordinator at Le Mars-based Wells Enterprises, Inc., chose to join The Original Kono Pizza franchise system to have the opportunity to be a part of an franchise concept within the fast-casual pizza segment that has already been internationally tested and proven successful around the world.
“After decades of devouring countless slices of triangle or square-cut pizza, Iowa consumers are about to experience a progressive new way to enjoy their favorite Italian dish,” says Kelly Powers. “We’re excited to introduce Le Mars and surrounding communities to a healthier and portable alternative to traditional pizza—the pizza cone.”
Served in a cone and filled ingredients imported straight from Italy, Kono Pizza offers consumers a healthier, on-the-go alternative to one of their favorite foods. Featuring a thinner crust and low-moisture cheese, Kono Pizza cones are only 250—280 calories each, compared to 450 calories in the average traditional pizza slice.
“In a flooded market with more than 70,000 pizzerias and fast-casual pizza concepts, we stand alone with a unique pizza product like no other franchise in the U.S.,” says David Ragosa, co-founder of The Original Kono Pizza. “We expect our success in Le Mars to act as a catalyst for further expansion across the state, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to get in on the ground floor with an innovative franchise in the fast-casual pizza segment.”