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I have updated the areas of the business that PizzaExpress have operated in. These include food, design, music, charity work and also the ownership history.
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'''PizzaExpress''' is a [[restaurant]] [[group]] with over 400 restaurants across the [[United Kingdom]] and 40 overseas in [[China]], [[Europe]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Japan]] and the [[Middle East]]. It was founded in 1965 by Peter Boizot.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/mr-pizza-and-all-that-jazz-profile-peter-boizot-1285293.html Mr Pizza and all that [[jazz]]; Profile: Peter Boizot ] Independent, 26 January 1997</ref>
'''PizzaExpress''' is a chain of [[pizza]] [[restaurant]]s based in the [[United Kingdom]]. It operates under the name '''Milano''' in the [[Republic of Ireland]]. It is operated as part of the [[Gondola Group]]. It competes with several other similar Italian restaurant chains including [[Prezzo (restaurant) | Prezzo]] and [[Strada]].
In Ireland, PizzaExpress trades under the name Milano.


==History==
==History==
Founded in 1965 by Peter Boizot, PizzaExpress first restaurant opened its doors in London’s [[Wardour Street]]. Inspired by a trip to [[Italy]], Mr Boizot brought back to [[London]] a pizza oven from [[Naples]] and a chef from [[Sicily]].<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2003/feb/09/foodanddrink.features12 A slice of the action ] Guardian, 9 February 2003</ref>
The business was founded by Peter Boizot in 1965, when he opened the first restaurant in Wardour Street, [[London]].<ref>[http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/publicity/news-releases/2000/peterboizot.html Honorary degree awarded to Peter Boizot] Loughborough University, 12 September 2000</ref> The chain expanded, initially as a [[franchising|franchise]] operation. In 1993 the company was brought to the [[London Stock Exchange]] by way of a reverse into a small [[shell (corporation)|shell company]] organised by [[Luke Johnson (businessman)|Luke Johnson]], [[Hugh Osmond]] and David Page.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/osmond-bids-to-buy-back-pizzaexpress-608596.html Osmond bids to buy back Pizza Express] Independent, 5 November 2002</ref>
In 1969 [[jazz]] performances began at its [[Dean Street]] restaurant, London, starting the brand’s love affair with supporting the [[arts]].<ref>[http://www.peach-report.com/Latest/686503/pizzaexpress_founder_peter_boizot_an_industry_icon.html PizzaExpress founder Peter Boizot an Industry Icon ] Peach Report, 19 November 2010</ref>
PizzaExpress was the first to bring pizza to the UK [[high street]] in 1965 <ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2003/feb/09/foodanddrink.features12 A slice of the action ] Guardian, 9 February 2003</ref> and was the first to sell Peroni in this country. <ref>[http://www.richmondmarketing.com/Peroni.html ] Richmond Marketing, 2010 </ref>


==Food==
They expanded the company both organically and by buying in the franchisees. By 2003 there were more than 300 restaurants in the UK, as well as outlets in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], where it trades as ''Milano'', and [[France]] where the brand name is ''Pizza Milano''. In other countries, such as [[Spain]], the business is branded as ''Pizza Marzano''. In [[Hong Kong]] however, it is labeled "Pizza Express" like in the UK.
PizzaExpress specialises in [[pizza]]. Signature dishes include its dough balls.
In each PizzaExpress every pizza is handmade, prepared in each restaurant’s open kitchen.
PizzaExpress introduced the lighter pizza ‘Leggera’, the first pizza range on the high street that contains around 500 calories.<ref>[http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/New-Products/Pizza-Express-launches-healthy-salad-pizza-range Pizza Express launches healthy ‘salad’ pizza range] Big Hospitality, 17 March 2009</ref>
In 2008 PizzaExpress started a Guest Chef Series with chef Theo Randall, of Theo Randall at [[InterContinental London]], creating exclusive dishes for its menu.<ref>[http://www.eatoutmagazine.co.uk/online_article/Theo-Randall-joins-forces-with-Pizza-Express-/4684 Theo Randall joins forces with Pizza Express] Eat Out, 29 September 2008</ref> Francesco Mazzei, of L’Anima, came onboard in 2010 to develop a menu inspired by his hometown of [[Calabria]].<ref>[http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/19/11/2009/331014/Italian-chef-Francesco-Mazzei-creates-dishes-for-Pizza.htm Italian chef Francesco Mazzei creates dishes for Pizza Express] Caterer and Housekeeper, 19 November 2009</ref>


==Music==
The company was acquired by [[private equity]] group [[Cinven]] in 2007 for £900m.<ref>[http://www.altassets.net/private-equity-news/article/nz9456.html Cinven ties up Gondola deal] Alt Assets, 9 October 2006</ref>
PizzaExpress has supported the [[jazz]] community from its early days when it opened its first [[jazz club]] in 1969 in [[Dean Street]], [[London]]. Since then an array of artists have played from [[Ella Fitzgerald]] and [[Amy Winehouse]], to supporting early performances by [[Norah Jones]] and [[Jamie Cullum]].<ref>[http://www.jazzwisemagazine.com/jazz-gig-guide/venueevents/2 Jazz Gig Guide] Jazzwise, 2011</ref>
PizzaExpress currently runs three jazz clubs in the UK, they include 10 Dean Street in Soho, The Pheasantry and Maidstone.<ref>[http://pizzaexpresslive.co.uk/jazzList.aspx) Jazz Gig Guide] Pizza Express Live, 2011</ref>


==Design/Art==
In 2011 Pizza Express launched a major rebrand of its UK restaurants, with menu changes, a black and white logo and the widespread use of stripes, both for staff uniforms and for restaurant decor.<ref>[http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/1089707/PizzaExpress-launches-biggest-rebrand-date/ PizzaExpress launches biggest rebrand to date] Marketing, 7 September 2011</ref>
Peter Boizot teamed up with Italian restaurant [[designer]] and [[cartoonist]], Enzo Apicella in the 60s to design the PizzaExpress identity and over 80 restaurants.<ref>[http://www.slammedmagazine.com/inthisissue/july-2004/feature.php Meeting of the Minds] Slammed Magazine, July 2004</ref>
In 2002, PizzaExpress launched PizzaExpress Prospects Contemporary Art Prize with [[pop art|pop artist]] [[Peter Blake (artist)|Peter Blake]].<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2002/may/22/artsfeatures3 Drip Paint Work Wins Drawing Prize] Guardian, 22 May 2002</ref> Peter Blake’s connection with PizzaExpress was extended when he donated 26 original pieces to the [[Chiswick]] restaurant.
PizzaExpress created a ‘Living Lab’ in October 2010, in [[Richmond]], trialling new ideas from [[design]] to [[sound]], collaborating with designer Ab Rogers.<ref>[http://www.dezeen.com/2011/01/05/living-lab-by-ab-rogers-for-pizza-express/] Dezeen Magazine, 5 January 2011</ref>

==Charity==
PizzaExpress introduced the Pizza Veneziana in 1977 to help save [[Venice]] from sinking by donating 5p of every pizza sold to the [[Venice in Peril Fund]]. Over the years the amount donated from each pizza has increased to 25p.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/mr-pizza-and-all-that-jazz-profile-peter-boizot-1285293.html Mr Pizza and all that jazz; Profile: Peter Boizot] Independent, 26 January 1997</ref> From 2008, donations from the Veneziana pizza go to the Veneziana Fund, where 50% is donated to the Venice in Peril Fund and 50% is given to the restoration, repair and maintenance of buildings, fixtures and fittings of buildings and works of art created before 1750.<ref>[http://www.pwwsolicitors.co.uk/charitable-applications/charity-details/the-veneziana-fund The Veneziana Fund] Pothecary Witham Weld Solicitors, 2009</ref> Over £2m has been raised so far from sales of the Veneziana pizza.
In 1999 PizzaExpress introduced its Schools Programme, a programme where the company turns its restaurants into classrooms, educating children about fresh ingredients, how to run a local business and how to cook for themselves.<ref>[http://www.cinven.com/aboutus/communicatingwithourstakeholders.asp Stakeholder Report] Cinven, 2011</ref>

==Retail==
PizzaExpress launched into the retail sector with pizza, dough balls, salad dressings and pasta sauces.

==Ownership==
PizzaExpress was floated on the [[London Stock Exchange]] in 1993 with franchises opening across the UK. UK franchises were then bought back en mass in 1996. TDR Capital and Capricorn Associates then bought the [[company]] in 2003 turning it private again. In 2005, PizzaExpress floated on the London Stock Exchange, as part of the Gondola Holdings PLC. It was then bought by [[Cinven]] as the [[Gondola Group]] in 2007. Cinven is still the current owner.


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.pizzaexpress.com/ Official website]
* [http://www.pizzaexpress.com/ Official website]
*[http://www.grant-thornton.co.uk/thinking/elevate/index.php/elevate_templates/article/my_big_decision_luke_johnson_on_taking_over_pizza_express/ My Big Decision vodcast: Luke Johnson relives his 1993 takeover of Pizza Express]


{{UK Food}}
{{UK Food}}

Revision as of 14:47, 22 November 2011

PizzaExpress
Company typePrivate
IndustryRestaurant
Founded1965
HeadquartersUxbridge, London, UK
OwnerCinven
ParentGondola Group
Websitewww.pizzaexpress.com

PizzaExpress is a restaurant group with over 400 restaurants across the United Kingdom and 40 overseas in China, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan and the Middle East. It was founded in 1965 by Peter Boizot.[1] In Ireland, PizzaExpress trades under the name Milano.

History

Founded in 1965 by Peter Boizot, PizzaExpress first restaurant opened its doors in London’s Wardour Street. Inspired by a trip to Italy, Mr Boizot brought back to London a pizza oven from Naples and a chef from Sicily.[2] In 1969 jazz performances began at its Dean Street restaurant, London, starting the brand’s love affair with supporting the arts.[3] PizzaExpress was the first to bring pizza to the UK high street in 1965 [4] and was the first to sell Peroni in this country. [5]

Food

PizzaExpress specialises in pizza. Signature dishes include its dough balls. In each PizzaExpress every pizza is handmade, prepared in each restaurant’s open kitchen. PizzaExpress introduced the lighter pizza ‘Leggera’, the first pizza range on the high street that contains around 500 calories.[6] In 2008 PizzaExpress started a Guest Chef Series with chef Theo Randall, of Theo Randall at InterContinental London, creating exclusive dishes for its menu.[7] Francesco Mazzei, of L’Anima, came onboard in 2010 to develop a menu inspired by his hometown of Calabria.[8]

Music

PizzaExpress has supported the jazz community from its early days when it opened its first jazz club in 1969 in Dean Street, London. Since then an array of artists have played from Ella Fitzgerald and Amy Winehouse, to supporting early performances by Norah Jones and Jamie Cullum.[9] PizzaExpress currently runs three jazz clubs in the UK, they include 10 Dean Street in Soho, The Pheasantry and Maidstone.[10]

Design/Art

Peter Boizot teamed up with Italian restaurant designer and cartoonist, Enzo Apicella in the 60s to design the PizzaExpress identity and over 80 restaurants.[11] In 2002, PizzaExpress launched PizzaExpress Prospects Contemporary Art Prize with pop artist Peter Blake.[12] Peter Blake’s connection with PizzaExpress was extended when he donated 26 original pieces to the Chiswick restaurant. PizzaExpress created a ‘Living Lab’ in October 2010, in Richmond, trialling new ideas from design to sound, collaborating with designer Ab Rogers.[13]

Charity

PizzaExpress introduced the Pizza Veneziana in 1977 to help save Venice from sinking by donating 5p of every pizza sold to the Venice in Peril Fund. Over the years the amount donated from each pizza has increased to 25p.[14] From 2008, donations from the Veneziana pizza go to the Veneziana Fund, where 50% is donated to the Venice in Peril Fund and 50% is given to the restoration, repair and maintenance of buildings, fixtures and fittings of buildings and works of art created before 1750.[15] Over £2m has been raised so far from sales of the Veneziana pizza. In 1999 PizzaExpress introduced its Schools Programme, a programme where the company turns its restaurants into classrooms, educating children about fresh ingredients, how to run a local business and how to cook for themselves.[16]

Retail

PizzaExpress launched into the retail sector with pizza, dough balls, salad dressings and pasta sauces.

Ownership

PizzaExpress was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1993 with franchises opening across the UK. UK franchises were then bought back en mass in 1996. TDR Capital and Capricorn Associates then bought the company in 2003 turning it private again. In 2005, PizzaExpress floated on the London Stock Exchange, as part of the Gondola Holdings PLC. It was then bought by Cinven as the Gondola Group in 2007. Cinven is still the current owner.

References

  1. ^ Mr Pizza and all that jazz; Profile: Peter Boizot Independent, 26 January 1997
  2. ^ A slice of the action Guardian, 9 February 2003
  3. ^ PizzaExpress founder Peter Boizot an Industry Icon Peach Report, 19 November 2010
  4. ^ A slice of the action Guardian, 9 February 2003
  5. ^ [1] Richmond Marketing, 2010
  6. ^ Pizza Express launches healthy ‘salad’ pizza range Big Hospitality, 17 March 2009
  7. ^ Theo Randall joins forces with Pizza Express Eat Out, 29 September 2008
  8. ^ Italian chef Francesco Mazzei creates dishes for Pizza Express Caterer and Housekeeper, 19 November 2009
  9. ^ Jazz Gig Guide Jazzwise, 2011
  10. ^ Jazz Gig Guide Pizza Express Live, 2011
  11. ^ Meeting of the Minds Slammed Magazine, July 2004
  12. ^ Drip Paint Work Wins Drawing Prize Guardian, 22 May 2002
  13. ^ [2] Dezeen Magazine, 5 January 2011
  14. ^ Mr Pizza and all that jazz; Profile: Peter Boizot Independent, 26 January 1997
  15. ^ The Veneziana Fund Pothecary Witham Weld Solicitors, 2009
  16. ^ Stakeholder Report Cinven, 2011
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