&pizza is a fast-casual pizza concept founded in 2012 in Washington, D.C., operating 23 shops across Washington, D.C., New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Its core product is customizable signature "HIT" pies and craft beverages, offering unlimited toppings plus gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. The brand highlights a people-first workplace—employees called the "Tribe" are paid a living wage—and strong community engagement via &CHARITY, which has supported over 1,000 local organizations. The company announced it closed a round of strategic funding from RSE Ventures to accelerate growth. Planned expansion includes entering Miami and Boston and opening 4–6 new New York City shops in 2018. RSE partners Stephen Ross and Matthew Higgins will join &pizza’s board to support brand-building and scaled expansion. &pizza operates a fast-casual pizza and craft beverage concept offering made-to-order individual pies with unlimited toppings and eight chef-inspired selections. The menu emphasizes fresh ingredients, organic dough, non-GMO produce and includes gluten-free and vegan options. The company also develops local, small-batch beverage lines including &SODA, &TEA and &WINE. Founded in 2012 and led by CEO Michael Lastoria, &pizza has expanded into Baltimore and Philadelphia and is growing its footprint in the D.C. area. It plans further expansion into several major markets, including opening its first New York City shop in NoMad in mid-2017. By year end it expects to operate 21 shops, adding six locations across the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia region. &pizza is a Washington, D.C.-based pizza brand founded in 2012 by Steve Salis and Michael Lastoria. The company offers handmade pies made with fresh ingredients in several flavor combinations, served in shops designed to reflect the culture and people of each neighborhood. It also sells a variety of housemade and branded wines, hand-crafted sodas, salads, and desserts. At the time of the article the company operated nine locations in the DC metropolitan area with six more expected to open in the first half of 2015. &pizza received a $10M investment from undisclosed backers and intends to use the funds to expand operations in key markets. The company is also committed to supporting localized charity programs through its umbrella foundation, &charity.

Total raised

$35M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Nov 2016