Chocolate company owner to grow fast-casual pizza brand across Florida
BBX Capital, the parent of Lake Worth-based Hoffman’s Chocolates, is about to take a bite out of the pizza business.
The Fort Lauderdale-based investment company (NYSE: BBX) has been selected as the Florida franchisee for MOD Pizza, a fast-casual eatery based in Bellevue, Washington. That means the company will be growing the restaurant across the Sunshine State, starting with locations in Central and South Florida.
BBX plans to open 20 to 25 locations of MOD Pizza in each of the Florida markets, with the first store opening in the second quarter of 2017. BBX aims to develop 50 MOD locations throughout those markets over seven years. Including BBX, MOD has eight franchisees with commitments to open 200 locations in 12 states. The pizza chain currently has 152 locations open across 18 states and the U.K.
The company doesn’t have specific opening dates yet, as it is focused on finding the best locations.
“MOD has established itself as a leader in the fast-casual pizza category while offering consumers an authentic, affordable and fast dining experience,” BBX Capital President Jarett Levan said in a statement. “MOD’s strong brand, people-first culture and best-in-class customer service has positioned MOD very well for continued growth, and we are very excited to be teaming with [MOD founders] Scott and Ally, and the entire MOD family to bring the concept to Florida.”
BBX’s portfolio includes Bluegreen Corp., a vacation company; BBX Sweet Holdings, a portfolio of candy companies throughout the U.S., and real estate. The company previously owned BankAtlantic, one of the largest and oldest retail banks based in Florida.
Hoffman’s Chocolates is quickly growing across South Florida, with a new location slated to open at Delray Marketplace
