Pieology Pizzeria, where pizza lovers go to create artisan-style custom pizzas in endless flavor combinations at one affordable price, announces its strategic purchase of Project Pie. Pieology Pizzeria is the first in the fast-casual pizza segment to consolidate one of its major competitors by acquiring Project Pie, a concept within the same segment. This strategic purchase allows Pieology to continue its organic growth while beginning segment consolidation as an additional expansion tactic.

Being the first fast casual pizza chain to acquire one of its major competitors further positions Pieology as a frontrunner in the segment. This major announcement follows on the heels of Pieology’s strategic partnership and capital investment from Panda Restaurant Group and the Cherng Family. The acquisition only adds to Pieology’s already impressive growth pipeline and exhibits its financial strength with the backing of the Cherngs and their commitment to support the brand’s expansion.

“I have long said that consolidation was the future for the fast-casual pizza segment; the Project Pie purchase provides us with an opportunity to strategically accelerate our growth and we’re proud to make this first big move of hopefully many to come,” says Carl Chang, CEO and founder of Pieology Pizzeria. “We’re taking a different approach to how we’re managing our growth and the segment overall, and we have both the experience and the strategic and financial support to begin merging the category in a calculated manner.”

Pieology is steadily expanding its U.S. footprint, with over 100 locations in operation, and well over 750 commitments throughout the country in various stages of development. With the purchase of Project Pie, Pieology has positioned itself to grow even stronger as an organization and will continue to pursue accretive acquisitions within the segment in its ongoing efforts to cement its place as the category leader.

Chang says, “We’ve received a warm welcome from Project Pie franchise partners and team members who have expressed enthusiasm to grow with Pieology; and we are excited to get to know each and every one of them. We are thrilled to work with new individuals who share Pieology’s passion for food and building community.”