Pie Five Pizza Announces 'Double Down' by Florida Entrepreneur

One of Florida's most successful entrepreneurs is expanding his new pizza franchise footprint before the first location has even been completed. Pie Five Pizza Co., a subsidiary of Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc.

, has awarded an additional 15 franchise units to L. Gale Lemerand, bringing the total agreement to 25 restaurants in the state of Florida. The initial 10-unit agreement was announced in late-March. Lemerand is moving quickly to introduce the trend-setting fast-casual pizza concept to the state, and has hired former Carrabbas executive John Tintsman as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer to support the expansion. The franchisee's first unit is projected to open in late 2013. The expanded agreement now covers the Orlando, Gainesville, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine and Jacksonville markets.