DP5 Investments plans to open up to 28  Pie Five units, which bake pizzas in 140 seconds.

DALLAS – A development deal with DP5 Investments will add up to 28 Pie Five Pizza locations in southern Florida, Dallas-based Pie Five Pizza Co. said Sept. 15.

“South Florida is attracting a lot of growth, and the fast-casual pizza market hasn't really hit there yet,” said Jeffrey Parker, franchise development partner with DP5 Investments. “We're excited to be the first to bring Pie Five's concept to the area.  We have a lot of confidence in the brand, and their very seasoned leadership team plus their oven technology is superior to anything else in the market."

Pie Five Pizza offers made-your-way pizzas. Customers may choose their own ingredients, sauces and crust variety. Pies bake in 140 seconds and are ready to go when the customer is at the cash register. Pie Five Pizza also sells salads in a baked pizza dough bowl, brownies and cookie pies.

“We're thrilled to welcome Jeff and his partners to the Pie Five family," said Randy Gier, chief “eating” officer of Dallas-based Rave Restaurant Group, Inc., the parent company of Pie Five Pizza Co. "They bring a wealth of multi-unit restaurant experience to our growing team of veteran operators, and with their aggressive plans for expansion, will soon own the fast-casual pizza market in South Florida."

Pie Five Pizza has grown from one location to 64 locations in less than four years. The chain plans to open 400 company-owned and franchised locations across the country in the next five years. Multi-unit deals have been announced in New Mexico, Missouri, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Arkansas, Tennessee, Colorado, Kentucky and Indiana. Company-owned expansion has taken place in Chicago, Atlanta, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth.

In Florida, DP5 Investments initially plans to open Pie Five Pizza locations in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Wellington and West Palm Beach.

“When looking at new fast casual pizza ventures, options for consumers with food allergies was very important to me,” Mr. Parker said. “Many fast-casual pizza brands don't offer these options Pie Five is a viable choice for consumers with nutritional requirements such as gluten allergies because the process is very transparent.”