Famous Famiglia, one of the fastest growing US pizzeria chains, has launched its international expansion programme by securing premises at the world's fifth busiest international passenger airport - Hong Kong International Airport. With a Master Franchisee also secured for Mexico, Famous Famiglia is targeting expansion in Europe, Canada, the Middle East, Asia and Mexico.

Hong Kong International Airport is one of the most important hubs for international passenger travel and most active worldwide air cargo operation, and has earned the prestigious 'Airport of the Year' title for the fifth consecutive year.

"We are very excited about entering the international market in such a world-class venue," states Giorgio Kolaj, Famous Famiglia's Executive Vice President of Corporate Business Development. "Hong Kong International Airport represents a unique opportunity in expanding our brand on the global stage. Also, this opportunity sets a platform and credible introduction of the Famous Famiglia brand for future expansion into Asia."

Famous Famiglia has also inked a development agreement for Mexico with a seasoned multi-unit franchise operator. The deal calls for a minimum of 20 new restaurants to open over the next five years throughout Mexico. "We are proud to have the opportunity to expand our brand throughout Mexico with M1 Franquicias and the Mansur family," says Kolaj. "Our respective companies and families share in a similar work culture and vision."

Chara Mansur, Vice President of M1 Franquicias, adds: "We carefully scouted a variety of recognised pizza brands from the US, looking for a duplicateable system that could best support our growth plans. We are proud to have selected Famous Famiglia."

With pizza being one of the fastest growing fast food categories, Famous Famiglia is looking to capitalise on this potential global market by expanding its New York brand into new markets. The brand is seeking National and Regional Master Franchisees and Area-Development Franchisees, who will benefit from a proven concept, the support and guidance of a knowledgeable management team and the Famous Famiglia brand itself.

Founded in New York in 1986, the family owned Famous Famiglia ensures consistent quality through its own branded line of products including pizzas, pastas, calzones and a healthy variety of salads. Its pizza has won the title of 'New York's Favourite Pizza' and the 'Official Pizza of the New York Yankees'. The business has been awarded first place honours in three categories in the Airport Review News industry awards for the third year in a row.

Famous Famiglia restaurants can be found on the high streets throughout the US and in high-profile locations such as airports, universities, shopping centres, casinos, stadiums, theme parks and arenas. Despite the brand's significant growth, the founders have not lost sight of their roots and, in keeping with tradition, donate total first day proceeds of every grand opening to a local children's charity within the community.

With the Master Franchisee investment ranging from between US$100,000 and US$1 million, correlated to the size of the development area, the role will include attracting, screening, signing, training and providing ongoing support to all new franchisees within the territory. Individuals or organisations will need to demonstrate that they possess the financial, managerial and marketing skills to implement the programme successfully, with proven abilities in successfully developing a franchise preferably in the foodservice sector.

Most importantly, candidates need to possess a strong work ethic, team building skills and be focused on delivering quality and value. "We have invested a lot of time, energy and resources into building our infrastructure before expanding the brand further," insists Kolaj. "Now we're ready to make that step and seek suitable partners to replicate our success internationally."