For the first time since 2019, our franchisees gathered together for our franchisee convention in San Diego. Among several highlights, we celebrated brand milestones, systemwide growth and franchisee accomplishments, all while enjoying each other’s company and networking with other operators.
Let’s catch you up on the high points from San Diego:
Fresh Faces and New Growth
There were plenty of new faces at the convention, thanks in part to the six new stores that have opened since 2021, along with the 12 more in the pipeline that are set to open through the first two quarters of 2023. We welcomed new operators from all over the West Coast, and in new markets, Texas and Georgia.
Along with new operators, we caught up with many of our long-time franchisees, some of which have been with us for over 25 years.
Celebrating Brand Milestones
As part of our mission to make a positive impact on our community, we were proud to announce meaningful philanthropic donations made possible by our Pizza Factory operators. We donated $10,000 to No Kid Hungry and planted over 155,000 trees in Happy Camp, California, through our partnership with One Tree Planted. Plus, Buddy Benches were donated to area schools in our efforts to stop bullying.
Among the milestones, we were proud to share our notable industry awards, including the most recent Franchise Times Top 500. It’s because of our stellar franchisees that made it possible to be recognized for such distinguished awards, and we’re proud of their accomplishments.
To top it off, sales have continued to climb year over year since 2020, with 25 stores hitting $1 million in sales in 2021. An impressive accomplishment to say the least.
Honoring Outstanding Franchisees
Rounding out the convention, we honored several of our top-performing franchisees with sales awards. Jake and Marcy Sheire, owners of Pizza Factory in Payson, Arizona, were recognized as the Top Sales System-Wide, bringing in $1,959,827 in sales throughout 2021. Jake and Marcy took over their Payson store in 2020, and have maintained their dedication to the community. Their hard work has truly paid off.
Following them is the Top Sales Increase by Percentage, which went to Angela and Kevin Campbell, Pizza Factory Minden, Nevada. The duo increased sales by 85%, a remarkable achievement. Additionally, Marty West, of Pizza Factory Bishop, California, was the Top Sales Increase by Dollars, up $352,600 in sales over 2020.
Maintaining Vendor Relationships
The biggest buzz of the convention surrounded our new partnership with Pepsi. The Pepsi team made an appearance at the vendor showcase and during our sessions to share more about the partnership and answer any top-of-mind questions.
Hitting the stores to round out 2022 is our Hot Cheeto Pizza, which was made possible by this new partnership. We’re looking forward to rolling out Pepsi products throughout our stores and making a big splash in our communities.
We’re grateful for each franchisee and look forward to many great years ahead. Looking to join the Pizza Factory family? Inquire today about our franchise opportunities.