Pupatella, a two-unit Neapolitan pizza chain in Virginia, has secured a $3.75 million investment to expand into the Washington, D.C., area.
The investment came from private-equity investors as well as friends and family, according to a spokeswoman.
Pupatella began as a food truck in 2007 and founders Enzo and Anastasiya Algarme opened their first unit in 2010. The growing chain plans to open as many as eight company-owned pizzerias over the next three years, the company said.
“In my home of Naples, classic Neapolitan pizza can be found on every corner. After not finding pizza like home, I became passionate about sharing the delicious food of my youth. We are thrilled to bring more Pupatella pizzerias to our Washington-area neighbors,” Enzo Algarme said in a statement.
In 2016, Pupatella partnered with the team behind Elevation Burger to grow the brand through franchising and corporate development.
The counter-ordering, table-service concept serves pizza, fried items, small plates, wines and beers.
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