Fast casual, build-your-own pizza restaurant Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint will open in New Jersey later this year. Franchisees Ben Perez-Ringus and Dipen Desai, partners, have signed a deal to build five Uncle Maddio’s restaurants in Morris, Somerset, Middlesex, Bergen, and Essex counties. The first restaurant is expected to open in late 2015.
Perez-Ringus will serve as the operating partner of the restaurants. Perez-Ringus has 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry and started his career at McDonald’s when he was only 14 years old. After promotions at McDonald’s, he went on to work for a multi-unit franchise group and was a district manager for Arby’s and Burger King restaurants. It was during that time he met Desai. Desai is currently a multi-unit franchise for Roy Rogers and now Uncle Maddio’s.
“After trying the pizza and meeting with the Uncle Maddio’s executive team, I knew it would be a great concept to bring to New Jersey” Perez-Ringus says. “I am confident the pizza will meet the expectations of the residents and will be a great family restaurant. We would open tomorrow if we could!”
Perez-Ringus and Desai are currently looking for real estate locations in the five counties. They plan to sign their first lease soon and begin build-out of the space in the next few months.
“Opening our first New Jersey restaurant is a big milestone for our company,” says Matt Andrew, CEO of Uncle Maddio’s. “The Northeast offers a big opportunity for us to expand and New Jersey is the perfect place to start.”
Since launching its aggressive growth plan in 2008, Uncle Maddio's has signed franchise agreements with 55 different entities in 18 states. Many of Uncle Maddio's franchisees have previous multi-unit experience with Jimmy John's, Firehouse Subs, Dairy Queen, McDonalds, Burger King, Krystal, Papa John's, Domino's, Golden Corral, and Five Guys. Uncle Maddio's is on track to have 300 restaurants open in five years with 1,000 units in development and is opening units every 10 days.
Uncle Maddio's offers premium ingredients and customization. Guests choose from one of three crusts, including a gluten-free option, and 48 toppings including six sauces, 27 vegetables, and 15 meats. More than 30 menu items are made fresh daily in-house. For those with dietary restrictions, Uncle Maddio's serves up a huge selection of healthful options such as whole wheat and gluten-free crusts, hormone-free chicken, fresh local vegetables, Daiya vegan cheese, and organic greens. Create-your-own signature salads and toasted Panini sandwiches round out the Italian-style menu. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft beers and wine.
