Famous Famiglia to enter Eastern Europe

US pizzeria brand Famous Famiglia has agreed a multi-unit development with an international development partner to open at least 15 restaurants across Eastern Europe over the next five years. The agreement covers Albania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia.

"We are delighted to announce the expansion of the Famous Famiglia brand into the Eastern European region," says co-founder and Executive Vice President Giorgio Kolaj. "The expansion opportunity into Eastern Europe further validates the international awareness and enthusiastic acceptance surrounding the Famous Famiglia brand as we continue to deliver on our strategy for global growth."

The partner chosen to build the Eastern European network is Famous Famiglia Eastern Europe, LLC, a family business with a significant presence in the territories covered in the agreement. "The company has been involved with the Famous Famiglia brand in the US for more than 17 years now, and currently operates several highly successful Famous Famiglia franchises in the US," adds Kolaj. "With their proven capabilities, knowledge, and loyalty to the Famous Famiglia system, the group is markedly poised to expand the brand in these markets." The Famous Famiglia brand is already established across the US, Mexico and China, and last year launched a search for Master Franchisee partners across Europe. "With the company's recent push for international expansion, the Famous Famiglia brand has truly enjoyed significant momentum," says Kolaj. "In the past six months alone, we announced the signing of major development deals and new store openings in China, Europe and Mexico. Other high-priority international markets include Asia, Russia and the Middle East. The brand acceptance in the international community has been quite favourable, and the enthusiasm surrounding our concept continues to be strong."