Charlotte’s Brixx Pizza Eyes Nationwide Growth With 100 Locations by 2030

The Charlotte pizza maker Brixx wants to grow from 22 spots to 100 across the U.S. by 2030. Moving past its Southeast roots, the chain plans to spread into new areas between Maryland and Texas.

Next year brings seven new spots, with one coming to Concord, North Carolina. Talks have started with possible store owners in Austin and Maryland, says Rocky Tradd, who runs sales and growth at Brixx.

"We're a value generated company. We give our franchisees top profit opportunities," Tradd said, per Axios Charlotte.

Each spot brings in $2.5 million yearly, while some hit $4 million in sales. New owners must pay $45,000 per store to start. Most spots need 3,000 to 3,500 square feet, good street views, and space to eat outside.

This marks big changes for the pizza maker, which started in Charlotte back in 1998. Right now, you'll find Brixx spots across the Carolinas, Virginia, and Tennessee.

New leaders came in to guide the growth, like Tradd and Scott Isaacs as president. Last year, Brixx won the spot as the main pizza seller for Charlotte Hornets games, taking over from Domino's.

The food sets Brixx apart from others. They cook in brick ovens, skip the fryers, and pick fresh over frozen. You won't just find pizza: they serve things like hummus and fish salads too.

"It's going to take a leap of faith in some form from somebody who wants to build thousands of miles away from Charlotte, but you've gotta start somewhere," Tradd said.

Going big isn't easy for small chains. Take Bojangles: they tried Orlando in 2016, but eight stores closed after just one year. New places mean new tastes and tough competition.

Warm spots like Florida and Texas catch Brixx's eye since people love eating outside there. They think patios bring in lots of families.