American restaurant chain Pizza Inn has unveiled a new concept designed to offer its customers a fast and casual experience when picking up their pizzas.
Known as Pizza Inn Express (PIE), the company’s new kiosk concept is intended for licensing to non-traditional locations such as convenience stores and airport or entertainment venues.
The kiosks can be installed at a designated spot in the store or venue, allowing customers to easily order, pay and pick up their pizzas or pies.
Pizza Inn president Bob Bafundo said: “The PIE kiosk is attractive to non-traditional operators because it allows them to move quickly, be more nimble, and react to changes in customer traffic and facilities, all at a minimal investment.”
A subsidiary brand of Rave Restaurant Group, Pizza Inn is expected to operate its first prototypes of PIE kiosks within the next 90 days at undisclosed non-traditional locations.
Rave Restaurant Group CEO Scott Crane said: “Convenience stores are a $575bn industry with 70% of sales attributed to in-store purchases. This could be a game-changer for Pizza Inn as we tap into new markets and expansion opportunities for our flagship brand.
“We’re already seeing great interest from existing and potential franchisees who see this model as a new way to serve customers the same iconic, quality pizza they have come to expect, but in a faster setting.”
Founded in 1958, Pizza Inn features traditional and specialty pizzas, as well as freshly made pasta, sandwiches and desserts.
