zpizza Franchise Moves Into Minnesota

zpizza, the Southern California based gourmet pizza chain, recently signed a Multi-unit franchise agreement with Minnesota native Tony Manning. Mr. Manning plans to open five units in Hennepin and Ramsey counties-the first location is scheduled to open in Spring of 2007.

"When I was searching for Franchises I was drawn to zpizza's health conscious food and its fast casual environment," says Manning. "I look forward to bringing the concept to the area because there really isn't anything like it here."

Often referred to as the Baja Fresh or Panera Bread of the pizza industry, zpizza takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment, offering a large selection of premium quality and creative pizzas. zpizza's menu offers 17 tasty and adventurous pizzas as well as sandwiches, salads, calzones and the opportunity to create your own pizza with a selection of crusts-including whole wheat, sauces, cheeses and toppings.

"zpizza's popularity is growing by leaps and bounds nationwide because of its innovative take on the gourmet pizza segment," said Chris Bright, zpizza president. "We are very excited to be in a brand new state and looking forward to sharing our pizza with Minnesota."

The rapidly expanding pizza chain has received rave reviews since its inception in 1986, accruing customer choice awards in prominent publications such as the Los Angeles Times and the Phoenix New Times. Most recently voted "Best Pizza Restaurant" and "Best Pizza Delivery" in Washingtonian magazine, zpizza continues to impress its nationwide customer base and broaden its status as the premier gourmet pizza Restaurant in the industry.

zpizza will have over 60 locations open nationwide by the end of 2006 and another 200 in ongoing development in California, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, Colorado and Vermont.