DENVER, Dec. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The countdown has begun. In just a matter of months, Coloradans will be able to order their own perfect, individualized pizzas complete with all the fresh, high-quality ingredients they've been craving - and get it all hand-made and served up in just five minutes!

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Pie Five Pizza, the nation's top fast-casual pizza brand, announced today that it has awarded up to 30 franchise units to accomplished restaurateur Adam Wessley, founder of Tripod Ventures LLC. He and his business partners will introduce Pie Five throughout the Centennial State beginning with the Denver market in mid-2015. Colorado will become the 10(th) state to welcome the brand's game-changing fast casual experience.

Wessley is no stranger to the dining landscape, having opened his first restaurant at the age of 18. He has helped several brands break into new markets and received awards for both sales and operational excellence. Currently, Wessley is expanding the Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers brand into Colorado, California and Florida.

Wessley was drawn to Pie Five's unparalleled success across the country and said it didn't take him long to determine that the trend-setting brand would be welcomed with open arms (and mouths) by the residents of Colorado.

"Pie Five's focus on fresh-made, handcrafted, natural and healthy food is an absolutely perfect fit for our state," Wessley said. "When I saw what they had to offer - not only that they specialize in artisan pizzas with high-quality ingredients, but also the exceptional business model and family-friendly value - I was sold. We're excited to combine our market expertise with Pie Five's simple, yet revolutionary, fast casual concept."

"The first time I met Adam, and learned about his exceptional track record as a franchise operator, I knew he was the ideal candidate to plant our flag in Colorado," said Randy Gier, chief executive officer of Pie Five Pizza. "Adam understands our concept and he and his team share our passion for providing impeccable customer service. We're honored to welcome them to our family."

At Pie Five, guests can choose from more than a million combinations of handcrafted personal pizzas and a variety of specialty pie choices, all for one affordable price. Add one of their hand-made salads and desserts, prepared fresh every day, and the entire meal will be ready in less than five minutes. The rapidly expanding chain is capitalizing on growing consumer demand for fresh dining options and artisan pizzas in stylish environments without the wait.

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 27 locations in nine states (Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia) with more than 270 announced franchise units under contract in 14 states and Washington, DC.

A complete menu and more information are available at piefivepizza.com.

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.