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Michel’s Patisserie franchisor, Retail Food Group, to acquire Pizza Capers

Sarah Stowe

 

The Retail Food Group is about to enter the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector with the proposed acquisition of the 110 outlet gourmet pizza chain, Pizza Capers.

The Queensland-centric pizza business was established in 1996 by Anthony Russo and Scott Geiszler and the pair will remain in the business after the completion of the acquisition (expected in April 2012).

Russo and Geiszler began franchising Pizza Capers in 2005 once the business had reached 12 outlets.

Now there are 93 outlets in Queensland, seven in Victoria, three each in NSW and South Australia, two in ACT, a single outlet in Tasmania and a store in Singapore.

Pizza Capers has 20 further stores in the pipeline before the end of 2012.

Joining the Retail Food Group will give the pizza brand integrated systems and business support, Russo said. “We are excited by the opportunities that will be created for the system and its franchisees when incorporated within the infrastructure and sophistication that RFG offers and are committed to ensuring the system continues to flourish under RFG’s ownership.

“The systems, processes and support structures to be brought to the business by RFG will supercharge our growth and operations.”

RFG CEO Tony Alford said the process to acquisition had taken 18 months. “During this period it has become clear to RFG that Pizza Capers has distinguished itself within a highly competitive QSR segment and represents a brand that will both complement and enhance those franchise systems already under RFG stewardship.”

Alford said RFG, also based in Queensland, has the expertise to build sustainable growth of the pizza brand interstate.

About Pizza Capers

The brand has made inroads into the gourmet pizza market, introduced gluten free bases to its menu and highlighted concerns about recycled packaging. In 2009 the chain underwent a rebrand.

About RFG

The group is the franchisor of bb’s cafe, Brumby’s Bakeries, Donut King, Esquires Coffee Houses and Michel’s Patisserie and at 30 June 2011 had 1,148 outlets.

The company mantra is strength in brands.