Domino’s Pizza has announced plans to expand its Melbourne market, adding to the 40 stores and 16 Domino’s 2Go! stadium stores already open in the city.

According to Domino’s chief development officer, Andy Masood, this second phase of store development is part of the franchise’s plan to grow the brand in Victoria. “Domino’s currently has a strong store presence in Melbourne and key regional areas but there is still a lot of opportunity to expand further. We know the market has the capability of reaching 80 stores,” he said.

Domino’s is now looking for franchisees in Melbourne, with the 40 new store locations already pin-pointed as areas with strong growth opportunities.

“While we know the areas where we want to open a Domino’s store, finding suitable sites with good amenities, public access, parking and high exposure can take time,” Masood said.

In August, the pizza franchise announced that it will open between 40 and 50 new stores across its five countries before the end of June 2010, as part of its goal of operating 1,600 stores within 18 years. There are already 518 franchises across Australia and New Zealand.