By Lisa Roscoe, Pizza Factory CEO
Stepping into the role of Pizza Factory CEO last summer was both an honor and an exciting responsibility. I joined a brand with more than 40 years of franchising history, deep community roots, and a network of franchisees who genuinely care about the towns they serve. From the very beginning, I knew my job was to build on what already makes Pizza Factory special, instead of changing everything up.
Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of visiting our restaurants, meeting franchisees across the West, and learning firsthand what has made the Pizza Factory franchise a hometown favorite. I’ve also spent a great deal of time asking questions, listening, and identifying ways we can better support our operators as the restaurant industry continues to evolve.
Looking back on my first year, there are three moments that stand out the most to me. Yes, they represent progress for Pizza Factory, but they also reinforce the values that have always defined our brand.
Investing in Technology That Supports Our Franchisees
One of my biggest priorities over the past year has been making sure our franchisees have the tools they need to run smarter, more efficient businesses.
Restaurant technology has changed dramatically over the past decade, and our operators deserve systems that simplify their day-to-day operations and help them scale their business. Our recent partnership with PAR Technology is a great example of that investment and shift in priorities.
By bringing our point-of-sale, loyalty, ordering, reporting, labor, and operational systems together under one platform, we’re giving franchisees greater visibility into their businesses than ever before. Instead of managing multiple disconnected systems, they’ll have access to real-time insights that help them make faster decisions, improve efficiency, and focus more time on their guests and teams. For me, technology gives our franchisees more time to do what they do best: build relationships, lead great teams, and serve their communities.
Welcoming the Next Generation of Pizza Factory Owners
One of the most rewarding parts of serving as Pizza Factory CEO has been meeting the incredible entrepreneurs and operators who continue choosing our brand. This past year, I had the opportunity to celebrate and welcome new owners whose stories perfectly reflect what Pizza Factory is all about.
In Mt. Shasta, Matt and Marlee Rogers opened their first restaurant after spending more than two decades growing with Pizza Factory. They met while working at Pizza Factory Dunsmuir, learned the business from the inside out, and are now carrying on a family legacy that spans generations. Their journey reminds me that some of our strongest franchisees truly live and breathe Pizza Factory, and it’s incredibly heartening to see.
Another great story comes from our new ownership in Reno, Nevada, with franchisee Jeremiah “Maya” Keller, who has taken over an existing store and brought in more than 20 years of living and working in the community. Watching operators who are deeply involved in their neighborhoods and towns invest in our pizza franchise opportunity reinforces my belief that our community-first model continues to resonate with entrepreneurs.
Every new owner brings fresh ideas, new energy, and a commitment to serving their communities. Supporting them as they begin their Pizza Factory journey has been one of the highlights of my first year.
Honoring Our History While Building the Future
One lesson I’ve learned over the past year is that Pizza Factory’s greatest strength is its people. That became especially clear while celebrating the 40th anniversary of Pizza Factory Dunsmuir. Gary and Jean Rogers have spent decades helping to mentor future franchisees, developing leaders, and creating a culture where operators genuinely support one another.
Their story represents exactly what I hope we continue to build across the Pizza Factory franchise: a system where experience is shared, relationships matter, and restaurant performance and community impact go hand-in-hand.
At the same time, honoring our history doesn’t mean standing still. Over the past year we’ve continued introducing new limited-time menu offerings, including guest favorites like our Tuscan Peach pizza, giving franchisees new ways to draw in loyal guests while staying true to the fresh, high-quality menu that has always defined Pizza Factory. Finding the right balance between innovation and consistency is something I’m incredibly passionate about, and it’s an approach I believe will continue serving both our franchisees and our guests well.
Pizza Factory Franchise: Looking Ahead
Pizza Factory’s future is bright. We have an exceptional franchise community, a leadership team committed to supporting our operators, and exciting opportunities to continue growing throughout the West. Most importantly, we have franchisees who care deeply about the people they serve.
As I begin my second year as Pizza Factory CEO, I’m more encouraged than ever about what’s ahead. We’ll continue investing in technology, strengthening franchisee support, welcoming outstanding new operators, and preserving the hometown spirit that has made Pizza Factory a trusted name for generations.
If you’ve been exploring franchise ownership and are looking for a brand that values community, innovation, and long-term partnerships, fill out our inquiry form to learn more about the Pizza Factory franchise. I believe our best chapters are still ahead.