INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hoosiers have always loved their pizza. But in a few short months, everything they thought they knew about getting their own perfect, individualized, hand-crafted pizza will change. For the better.

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Pie Five Pizza Co., the nation's leading fast-casual pizza brand, announced today that it has awarded up to 15 franchise units to accomplished restaurateur Carl Dissette. He plans to open his first restaurant in South Bend in the second quarter of 2015.

Dissette, whose career includes nearly two decades of experience in the food service and franchising industries, currently owns and operates 10 successful Jimmy John's restaurants and knows how to identify a winning concept. Dissette, who was also one of the sub giant's original operators, set his sights on Pie Five after learning about the trend-setting chain's proliferation throughout the country. After researching several fast-casual concepts, Dissette said it didn't take long to determine which brand would be the perfect fit for his industry know-how and experience in the local marketplace.

"I love Pie Five's 'make it, bake it and take it' concept, and the focus on craveable, quality food," Dissette said. "I was blown away by all the fresh ingredients they offer, and being able to choose from freshly baked pan, artisan thin, whole grain and even gluten-free crusts was important to me. Add to that Pie Five's clean and modern restaurant design and the simplicity of their real estate model, and it's got the whole package!"

Dissette added that he was particularly impressed by the knowledge and professionalism of Pie Five's executive team, and likes that the company is "putting its money where its mouth is" by strategically opening company-owned stores in certain markets as well.

At Pie Five, guests can choose from more than a million combinations of handcrafted pizzas and a variety of specialty pie choices prepared in less than five minutes on one of four crusts, all for one low price. The rapidly expanding chain is capitalizing on growing consumer demand for fresh dining options and artisan pizzas in stylish environments without the wait.

"We've been busy introduc ing our fast casual concept in markets all across the country, including the Midwest - and once we met Carl we knew we had the right franchisee to lead us into the great state of Indiana," said Randy Gier, chief executive officer of Pie Five Pizza. "Carl has an exceptional track record, he understands our concept and he shares our passion for providing impeccable customer service. We're honored to have him as a member of our franchise team and can't wait to celebrate his success in the Hoosier State."

Pie Five Pizza has been named among Fast Casual's 2014 Top 15 "Movers & Shakers," a 2012 Hot Concepts winner by Nation's Restaurant News and one of "10 Hot New Restaurant Chains from Established Brands" by Forbes.com. The company currently has 23 locations in eight states (Florida, Kansas, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia) with more than 200 announced franchise units under contract in 13 states and Washington, DC.

ABOUT PIE FIVE PIZZA CO.

Pie Five is a subsidiary of Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZI), based in the Dallas suburb of The Colony, Texas. Pizza Inn Holdings is an owner, franchisor and supplier of more than 275 restaurants operating domestically and internationally. Pie Five Pizza Co. is the leading brand in the rapidly growing fast-casual pizza space, offering individual handcrafted pizzas with fresh ingredients made to order in less than five minutes. For more information, please visit piefivepizza.com.

Contact: Ladd Biro, Champion Management
972.930.9933; lbiro@championmgt.com

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SOURCE Pie Five Pizza Co.

SOURCE: Pie Five Pizza Co.