LOS ANGELES — Fresh Brothers Pizza, a Southern California-based restaurant brand known for its Midwest-style pizza, has introduced a franchise program aimed at expanding its footprint across the United States. Backed by parent company Craveworthy Brands, the initiative opens the door for qualified operators to scale the concept beyond its current base of more than 20 locations.
The move comes as the pizza category remains one of the most stable and widely consumed segments in U.S. foodservice, with billions of pizzas eaten annually and consistent demand across dine-in, delivery, and takeout occasions.
Fresh Brothers said it will showcase the new franchise opportunity at the International Pizza Expo, running March 24–26, 2026, in Las Vegas.
Expansion strategy targets high-growth U.S. markets
Founded in 2008 in Los Angeles, Fresh Brothers built its business around a Midwest-inspired pizza style. The concept is rooted in Chicago traditions. The company now plans to expand into high-demand regions. These include Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and Texas, where pizza consumption remains strong.
The franchise model is designed for multi-unit operators. It also targets experienced owner-operators. Support includes real estate, training, supply chain, marketing, and technology.
According to Scott Goldberg, founder of Fresh Brothers, the expansion reflects a long-term growth strategy. It is centered on operational consistency and customer experience.
He said the franchise program allows the brand to grow intentionally. It focuses on partners who value both pizza quality and hospitality.
Menu positioning focuses on ingredient quality, dietary inclusivity
Fresh Brothers has positioned itself around ingredient transparency. It also emphasizes menu flexibility. Its offerings include traditional pizzas, plant-based alternatives, and gluten-free options.
The company uses dough made daily. It highlights core ingredients such as vine-ripened tomato sauce. It also uses 100% mozzarella cheese without additives. In addition to pizza, the menu includes salads, baked wings, sandwiches, and pasta.
The brand was an early entrant into plant-based pizza. This move aligns with broader consumer demand for alternative proteins. It also reflects interest in dietary-specific menu options.
Backed by Craveworthy Brands’ operational platform
The franchise rollout is supported by Craveworthy Brands, a multi-brand restaurant platform focused on scaling both emerging and established concepts.
Gregg Majewski, CEO and founder of Craveworthy Brands, said the partnership provides franchisees with operational infrastructure and purchasing scale.
He noted that Fresh Brothers combines “craftsmanship, accessibility, and hospitality” in a category that continues to perform consistently across economic cycles.
Craveworthy’s portfolio includes multiple fast-casual and quick-service brands, giving franchisees access to shared systems and supply chain efficiencies.
Why it matters
Fresh Brothers’ franchise launch reflects a broader trend in the CPG and foodservice industries. Brands are scaling proven regional concepts into national names. They are doing this through franchise models and co-manufacturing-style operations.
Pizza remains a high-frequency category. It also offers strong unit economics, making it attractive for expansion. At the same time, differentiation is increasingly tied to ingredient sourcing, dietary inclusivity, and operational consistency. These are areas where brands must invest heavily as they grow.
The involvement of platforms like Craveworthy Brands highlights the role of centralized infrastructure. This model is similar to co-packing and co-manufacturing in CPG. It can help emerging brands scale more efficiently while maintaining quality standards.
Other News
While strategic real estate and a strong operational foundation are critical for aggressive franchise expansion, scaling a pizza concept in 2026 ultimately requires a highly relevant, craveable menu that keeps operations simple. As Fresh Brothers leverages its unique positioning to attract new operators, other rapidly expanding pizza franchises are proving that strategic ingredient partnerships are just as vital for growth. A perfect example of this is fellow growing chain Mr Gatti’s, which recently deployed a masterclass in low-friction, high-impact R&D with the launch of their new Mike’s Hot Honey Trio. For potential franchisees and B2B investors, comparing Fresh Brothers’ core identity with Mr Gatti’s bold, co-branded flavor drops highlights the diverse, innovative ways pizza brands are fighting for market share this year.
Editor’s note: Source86 perspective
For food manufacturers, suppliers, and private label operators, Fresh Brothers’ expansion highlights the growing importance of scalable supply chains in high-demand categories like pizza. As brands move into franchise and multi-unit growth, consistency in ingredients, sourcing, and production becomes critical to maintaining product integrity across locations.
At Source86, we support brands navigating this growth phase with bulk ingredient sourcing, supplier management, R&D support, and co-manufacturing solutions. Whether scaling a regional concept or launching a new private label line, having the right supply chain infrastructure in place ensures quality, efficiency, and long-term success. Let’s talk.
FAQs
Fresh Brothers has launched a franchise opportunity allowing qualified operators to open and manage locations across the U.S., supported by Craveworthy Brands.
The company is targeting high-growth markets, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and Texas, with a focus on suburban and urban areas.
The brand emphasizes ingredient quality, plant-based options, and dietary inclusivity, along with a Midwest-style pizza approach rooted in Chicago traditions.
External source: Fresh Brothers Bakes Franchise Opportunity, Bringing a Fresh Take on America’s Favorite Food Across The U.S.
