Franchise network Crust Gourmet Pizza Bars has just opened its 50th store and is setting its sights on Singapore.

The Cheltenham, Victoria, franchise will further establish CrustÕs foothold in the Melbourne market, complementing its plans for both domestic and international expansion this year.

The pizza franchisor has plans to open its first international store in Singapore and expand into Western Australia and South Australia this year.

Crust managing director, Costa Anastasiadis, said the latest store opening comes at an exciting time as the company continues its major focus on expansion and franchisee recruitment in 2010.

“Opening our first international store in Singapore will be an exciting major landmark for the company. CrustÕs goal is to become the leader in the gourmet pizza delivery market Australia-wide and hitting 50 stores bring us closer than ever to achieving this,” said Anastasiadis.

Crust also celebrated the launch of its new menu this week, adding three new Asian-inspired menu items: Saffron Chicken, Szechuan Chilli Prawn and Peking Duck.

Crust Gourmet Pizza Bars launched in 2001 with a single store in Annandale, Sydney, and has since grown to 50 stores across Queensland, New South Wales, ACT and Victoria.