Coppell-based CiCi’s Pizza said Tuesday it plans to open at least 180 restaurants before the end of next year, boosting the size of the brand 30 percent.
The buffet chain, operated by CiCi Enterprises LP, offers adults all-you-can-eat pizza and pasta for about $5. It is among the value-focused brands benefiting as budget-minded consumers avoid higher-price restaurants.
“Having a strong value proposition is important in these times, and I know CiCi’s is known for that,” said Bob Goldin, executive vice president of Technomic Inc., a Chicago-based restaurant market research firm.
“Definitely, there is trading down” from more expensive restaurants, he said.
Founded in Plano in 1985, CiCi’s now has 613 restaurants in 30 states, including 183 in Texas.
The company said it plans to open 80 outlets this year from California to New York. One hundred are planned for 2009, doubling the growth rate of 2006 and 2007.
Most of the new units will be owned by franchisees.
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