In a few short months, Pie Five Pizza Co. will open its first restaurant in the Music City. The fast-growing brand announced it has awarded 10 franchise units to Rich Davis and Ron Payne, who will introduce the concept to the Nashville area early next year.

Davis is a consultant and entrepreneur/restaurateur that previously brought Schlotzsky's brand to Nashville. Payne is a real estate developer.

"Fast casual concepts are growing like wildfire, and Pie Five is leading the charge within the pizza space," Davis says. "Ron and I are extremely impressed with their operational model, and the Pie Five value proposition can't be beat. When you can deliver a customizable pizza pie with all the fresh ingredients you want in less than five minutes, for one great price, you've got a winner! Nashville has become the new center of the Southeast. It's such a vibrant city with a great quality of life, and we're convinced Pie Five will be a welcome addition to the dining landscape."

"The Pie Five concept has been flourishing across the country thanks to our focus on delivering outstanding quality and value and partnering with exceptional franchisees," says Madison Jobe, chief development officer for Pie Five. "Rich and Ron bring successful backgrounds, enthusiasm, and familiarity with the local market that we are seeking in our franchise partners. We look forward to growing with them as they introduce our revolutionary concept to the good people of Nashville."

Pie Five Pizza now has 12 locations in Texas, two in Utah and one each in Kansas and North Carolina. Total announced franchise restaurants under contract currently number 114 in Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

Davis and Payne plan to open their first restaurant in the Cool Springs area by the second quarter of 2014.