COLUMBUS, Ohio— Convenience stores are a key piece in Sbarro’s plans to open more than 100 new company and franchise locations in 2022.
In the world of c-stores, Sbarro has established franchise relationships with ARKO Corp.’s GPM Investments, EG Group, EG America and TravelCenters of America, the company said.
Earlier in March, ARKO launched its third Sbarro at a Village Pantry in Muncie, Ind., celebrating the opening by offering a buy-one-get-one-half-off deal on pizza slices until June.
These c-store partnerships are fueling the growth and development of the brand in the United States and United Kingdom, Sbarro said, and have allowed the Columbus, Ohio-based company to expand its existing footprint beyond mainly malls, airports and travel plazas.
“Sbarro is not new to convenience. We’ve been serving handmade XL NY slices to customers on the go since 1956,” Sbarro CEO David Karam said. “Our experience, economical business model and position as the global [quick-service restaurant (QSR)] leader in the impulse pizza category make convenience stores and travel centers natural fits for us. We’re excited to partner with such strong organizations in this space.”
GPM recently announced plans to expand its partnership by opening 50 new Sbarro locations in 2022 under several of its community brands. Expansion plans by EG America and EG Group are to open dozens of restaurants in their various c-store brands, such as Turkey Hill and Kwik Shop, in the United States and United Kingdom before the end of 2022.
Sbarro opened in 1956 as an Italian salumeria in Brooklyn by Naples, Italy-born founders Gennaro and Carmela “Mama” Sbarro. Sbarro serves pizza and other Italian dishes in more than 600 restaurants in 24 countries.
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