Sarpinos Pizzeria USA Franchise Overview
About Sarpinos Pizzeria USA
Sarpinos Pizzeria currently has 46 stores in eight states across the U.S. They have a presence in a total of 15 countries worldwide. They expect to have 65 restaurants open by the end of 2014 and 350 locations within five years. Target markets with current store opportunities include Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC.
Franchise Details: | |||
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Founded: | 2000 | Franchising Since: | 2001 |
Corporate Office: | 200 Tri-State International Suite 550 Lincolnshire, IL 60069 |
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Industries: | Food, Specialty, Pasta, Take-Out, Salad, Sandwich, Restaurant, Pizza, Italian Food, Multi-Unit |
Franchise History
Sarpinos Pizzeria was founded in 2000 by Gerry Koutougos in Victoria, British Columbia. A 40-year restaurant industry veteran, Koutougos was inspired by a family vacation to Italy in 1999 where he was introduced to a small, family-run restaurant overseen by a local woman named Sarpina. Awed by her food, he volunteered to work in her kitchen for free for two weeks if she would teach him how to cook authentic Italian cuisine. The secrets she taught him have been part of the Sarpinos Pizzeria recipe ever since. They include hand-kneaded dough which is allowed to proof three times to fully develop its flavor and texture; sauce made from ripe tomatoes and a secret, authentic mix of Italian herbs and spices, the recipe for which was given to Koutougos while he was in Italy; and a unique gourmet cheese blend that includes fresh whole-milk mozzarella and Edam cheese from LaGranders Hillside Dairy in Wisconsin. Edam, an aged cheese, gives Sarpinos pizza its golden and warm appearance and unique flavor.
Koutougos opened the first Sarpinos restaurant in Victoria, British Columbia, in 2001 and began franchising shortly thereafter. The first U.S. location opened in 2003 in Phoenix, Ariz. Two years later, in 2005, the original Area Franchisor for IL took over U.S. operations of the brand.