June 14, 2011
Industries Headlines

Pizza Today launches redesigned Web site

Last week, our new PizzaToday.com site launched. Although we are working out last-minute kinks and loading past issues, we think you will enjoy the enhanced content, user-friendly design and new photo galleries at the all new PizzaToday.com. We look forward to your thoughts or suggestions as we continue our revamp. E-mail white@pizzatoday.com.


International Pizza Expo seeking menu entries

International Pizza Expo organizers are gathering pizzeria menus for a menu development seminar at International Pizza Expo in March 2012. Don't miss an opportunity to have your menu critiqued for free by a well-known menu and restaurant consultant. To submit a menu, e-mail Bruce Allar at ballar@pizzatoday.com.


Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers opens in Rogers, Arkansas

Atlanta, Georgia-based Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers has expanded its reach in Arkansas by opening a location in Rogers Monday, joining one in Fayetteville.

"What is great about Mellow is that each and every store has its own identity and we stand out by not only our quality food, but by our unique atmosphere," says Kevin Kestner, who along with his wife, Jennifer, own the franchise restaurant in Rogers. "We have been creative with our space and we are looking forward to bringing this new level of excitement to the area."

The location features unique original artwork, include a Disco VW Bug and a seasonal patio. The restaurant will hold trivia nights and have an exclusive 70 Beer Club.


Dads eat free at The Loop Pizza Grill on Father's Day

Jacksonville, Florida-based The Loop Pizza Grill will offer dads a free meal (up to $10) with the purchase of a meal on Father's Day, June 19. Participating locations include: Jacksonville, Florida and Winston-Salem, Chapel Hill, Kernersville and Cary, North Carolina.

"No matter how old we get, some things never change, like dads great advice, or his wisdom and inspiration," says Cathy Manzon, marketing director at The Loop. "This Father's Day we want families to be able to treat him to a great meal on us."

The Loop is a fast-casual restaurant with 14 locations in three states. The first restaurant opened in 1981.


Spinato's opens fifth Phoenix area location

Phoenix-based Spinato's Pizza held a grand opening of its fifth Phoenix area location in Ahwatukee Thursday. The four other locations are in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.

“After relocating to the Valley, my family opened the first Spinato’s Pizzeria to bring our favorite Chicago-style pizza to the Phoenix area, says Anthony Spinato, vice president of operations for Spinato's Pizzeria and president of the newly launched Spinato's Fine Foods. "We also wanted to provide an inviting, family friendly atmosphere that would make our diners feel like family—we like to call that ‘The Spinato’s Experience.' While other businesses have failed during these tough economic times, we have been able to work together as a family and see our business flourish, as evidenced by the opening of our fifth Valley location.”

The restaurant accommodates 220 guests and a bar area seats 70. There are also two private rooms for meeting and gatherings. The decor is a combination of 1940s Chicago pizzeria and a Sienna, Tuscany family-style restaurant. The first Spinato's opened in 1974.