Telepizza Converts 15 Stores in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Telepizza's Master Franchisee WWP, one of the largest QSR operators in the country, has ambitious plans to open another 16 stores within the next three years focusing their investments in the North West of the Russian Market

Oct 19, 2017 - 13:04

Telepizza pushes ahead in its international strategy, this time in the Russian market, with the master franchise agreement with WorldWide Pizzas Plc (WWP), one of the largest Quick Services Restaurant (QSR) operators in the country, with an extensive experience in international brands development.

The plans of the largest non-USA pizza delivery company, together with its partner, are ambitious and with long-term prospects, focusing the investments in Saint Petersburg and the Northwest federal district. The rapid expansion programme began with the conversion of 15 stores from an US pizza brand to Telepizza in Saint Petersburg. The opening of the first 15 stores in Saint Petersburg will complete with the opening of 16 more in three years, which will allow Telepizza to consolidate in the region and lead the Northwest market with 30 stores in 2019.

The operation strengthens Telepizza's international strategy, which is focused on the growth in markets where it is currently operating and entering new markets, either organically, through acquisitions of local companies or via master franchises.

Telepizza has a solid model and a recognized and consolidated brand, scalable to different markets with a wide degree of flexibility for the franchisee.

President of International at Telepizza, Giorgio Minardi, comments: "We look forward to continuing our relationship with WWP, who have helped us achieve our ambitious global growth plans through their extensive local knowledge and expertise in this key market. This new opening shows our ability to adapt and respond accordingly to local consumers in various markets, which is key to our success."

"The flexibility of its franchising model, with its response capacity, the support of an experienced team and the quality service, are key elements investors that are interested in growing along with Telepizza in markets with growth potential. Its distinguished brand concept and the high degree of product innovation -freshly quality handmade pizzas in a Mediterranean style -, have been crucial when selecting a new partner," says Darrin J. Stock (CEO)

Russia is a strategic market for Telepizza due to the remarkable growth of the QSR category and more specifically in pizza consumer foodservice, where the presence of international brands has substantially increased in the last years.