While gourmet pizza with an array of unusual toppings is commonplace these days, it was a novelty in 1987 when Sid Fanarof opened the first ZPizza in Laguna Beach, California. The handcrafted pies, which boasted such health-conscious ingredients as chicken with salsa and artichokes and capers, caught on quickly. Today, the multi-unit chain, which prefers high-profile lifestyle centers and metropolitan retail centers, serves oversize salads and sandwiches as well as pizza. And pies can be made with alternatives like soy cheeses, gluten-free crusts and certified organic ingredients.
| Location | Newport Beach, Calif. |
|---|---|
| 2008 Systemwide Sales ($000) | $49,000,000* |
| YOY Sales Change | 36.1% |
| 2008 U.S. Units | 87 |
| YOY Unit Change | 26.1% |
| 2008 Average Unit Volume ($000) | $615,000* |
| Future 50 Year | 2009 |
*Technomic estimate
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