It’s destination Los Angeles for Crust Gourmet Pizza Bars. The pizza franchise is heading for its first US opening next month as part of a global plan to open at least 100 stores in the next two years.
The US, Asia and New Zealand are target markets: between 50 and 100 stores are planned for the US, with 15 to 20 outlets set for New Zealand, and expansion into Asia beyond the current two stores in Singapore.
Right now there are 120 Crust stores in Australia and one in New Zealand.
Los Angeles
The flagship store in LA is modelled on the black and white Australian format, and is located in the trendy dining district Studio City.
Crust Gourmet Pizza Bars managing director and co-founder, Costa Anastasiadis, said US expansion was an important milestone for the company.
“This is a country with a population 15 times that of Australia, so the potential is huge for Crust. The company plans to maintain its commitment to top notch toppings and ingredients, with all produce on display and the same gourmet menu that our Australian customers have come to love,” Anastasiadis said.
New Zealand
In New Zealand the upmarket Auckland suburb Parnell will have a new Crust store next week.
“Our first store in Hamilton (south of Auckland) has been such a success that we feel there are a lot more growth opportunities in the New Zealand market,” Anastasiadis said.
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