Unique Pizza Acquires Organic Pizza Chain

Unique Pizza and Subs has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the privately held organic chain, Pizza Fusion Holdings. After the deal closes, most likely by the end of the third quarter, Pizza Fusion will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Pittsburgh-based Unique Pizza.

Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed, however, Unique Pizza has agreed to infuse $1 million into Pizza Fusion as working capital.

All Pizza Fusion locations will continue operating under that name. Unique Pizza Pres. and CEO James Vowler will become co-CEO of Pizza Fusion alongside current CEO Vaughan Lazar. Randy Romano, current president of Pizza Fusion, will remain in his position.

The deal combines Pizza Fusion’s organic menu and eco-friendly practices with Unique Pizza’s more conventional “mom and pop” franchise business model. Six-year-old Pizza Fusion is based in Boca Raton, Fla.; in addition to its flagship store, it has 21 franchised locations, including13 in the U.S. and eight in Saudi Arabia.

In the next 12 months, the new parent company envisions opening flagship outlets and training centers for both concepts and franchising both restaurant concepts throughout North America and internationally.