Since opening its first location under New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, Grimaldi’s® Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria has been pleasing palates and turning out its famed signature pies for over 100 years. By Patty Horansky
Since opening its first location under New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, Grimaldi’s® Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria has been pleasing palates and turning out its famed signature pies for over 100 years.
According to Michael Flaum, chief operating officer, in the late 1800s, an Italian immigrant made coal-fired brick oven pizzas in a small Brooklyn bakery and hauled them over the Brooklyn Bridge to sell in Manhattan. New Yorkers loved the new product so much that they would cross the Brooklyn Bridge just to buy his pies, and word of his delicious creation spread.
Since being franchised in 2019, the brand has grown to 42 company-owned and operated pizzerias as well as four franchised locations in 12 states. The brand even opened an international store in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Grimaldi’s wants to keep expanding steadily and responsibly across the U.S. and abroad.
Part of Grimaldi’s success has been in keeping its traditions, and its iconic restaurants still serve authentic coal-fired brick oven pizzas. Its signature baking method is duplicated at every location, resulting in a distinct aroma and flavor to its pies. The brand is famous for its crispy, smoky “secret-recipe” crust, flavorful sauce, fresh mozzarella and other toppings, and it’s gaining a loyal following in neighborhoods across the country.
Open kitchens allow guests to watch as the dough is hand-stretched and tossed, and the New York-themed décor is reminiscent of the brand’s original restaurant. Grimaldi’s menu boasts a variety of pizzas and calzones, freshly made salads, appetizers and house-made desserts. It also offers a premium bar and wine list as well as an upscale-casual family atmosphere.
Adding to the brand’s reputation for quality is a number of honors, including several years as a Five Star Diamond Award recipient from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.
People, product and service are the main ingredients for franchisee success, according to the brand’s website. “Our eight slices of Grimaldi’s culture are quality, hospitality, communication, energy, family, accountability, teamwork and integrity,” it states.
Grimaldi’s is awarding franchises throughout the U.S. and internationally. According to Flaum, the brand is seeking restaurant operators looking to expand in their local market or successful franchise groups looking to diversify. Ideal candidates are involved in their communities, possess business or management experience as well as high ethical standards, and are passionate about the food service industry.
Grimaldi’s boasts favorable unit economics and a proven system. It provides new owners comprehensive training and support, including site selection and buildout. At least 60 days before opening, the principal operator, general manager, kitchen manager and other supervisory employees become certified through Grimaldi’s management training program. The program lasts up to six weeks and includes classroom and in-restaurant instruction.
Explore this time-honored franchise and become part of a tradition winning over tastebuds from New York to Abu Dhabi.
“We are continuing to work with franchise groups to learn more about Grimaldi’s Pizzeria so they can operate Grimaldi’s in their market,” Flaum said.
Patty Horansky