Pizza Factory is coming this summer to Mesa at 1221 S. Gilbert Road, according to recent real estate intel. A 3,010 square-foot retail space on the southeastern corner of Southern and Gilbert off US-60 is currently undergoing a full buildout.
Local commercial real estate banker Rich Cardon will own and operate the new Mesa Pizza Factory. Cardon tells What Now Phoenix that he is currently working with his architect to have plans and drawings submitted to the city. Afterward, they will begin construction.
“I have been a customer for several years and the pizza is delicious – it’s fresh, never frozen and awesome. The ambiance is clean and inviting and the customer service is unparalleled,” Cardon says. “Pizza Factory cares about the community. The objective is not only to sell pizza but also to be a positive influence in the community. Pizza Factory created no kid hungry and anti bullying campaigns. Through sponsorships and fundraising, all parties—the youth, the community, and Pizza Factory—benefit.”
Cardon typically would make the drive out to their current locations in Buckeye, Payson, Show Low, and Williams just to enjoy Pizza Factory. But now he will bring the awesome pizza to his own backyard in Mesa. In the future, he has sights set on Queen Creek and other locations throughout the East Valley.
In conversation with QSR Magazine this month, Cardon said, “Even before I wanted to be a banker, I knew I wanted to be a restaurant owner. Out of all the restaurant concepts, Pizza Factory stood out because owners are able to create that familiar hometown brand in their communities.”
“Due to my familiarity of the brand and passion for fresh, top notch pizza, I knew I was making the right choice when I began my ownership journey. The brand’s culture is exceptional as well, and I admire how the executive team supports its franchisees every step of the way. I’m thrilled to invest in a concept that I believe in and want to be a part of, and look forward to sharing Pizza Factory with the Mesa community in the coming months,” he added.
Pizza Factory originated in 1979 in Oakhurst, California. Today, the hometown pizzeria continues to grow with over 100 locations in six states.Check out www.pizzafactory.com for more information.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated following a conversation with Rich Cardon. Instead of spring, the opening is more likely to happen this summer.