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Sbarro's Impressive Growth in 2024

Sbarro, known for its classic New York pizza-by-the-slice, has made remarkable strides in 2024, marking a significant year of expansion and achievement. The company's initiative to open new outlets globally has resulted in the launch of 114 new restaurants—34 domestically in the United States and 80 in international markets. This push aligns with a broader strategy aimed at enhancing Sbarro’s global footprint, a plan that has seen the company establish 313 new restaurants since 2022.

Franchise Success Fuels Expansion

Crucial to these achievements have been Sbarro’s franchisees. In 2024, 16 domestic franchisees joined the ranks, six of whom were first-time operators. The international scene also gained momentum with 14 franchisee openings, marking significant entries into markets like Scotland, Belize, and Chile. This continued growth illustrates Sbarro’s rising global demand and its ability to tap into new markets effectively.

As a result, Sbarro now boasts that 52% of its restaurants are located outside the United States, a slight increase from 48% at the close of 2023. The company's insistence on thriving domestically while making substantial international strides highlights its innovative business strategies.

Adapting to Market Trends

The company has also adapted its restaurant formats in response to changing consumer preferences. Despite 60% of its outlets remaining in malls worldwide—the percentage actually decreased from 65%—Sbarro has reinforced its presence in convenience stores (C-stores). Now constituting 15% of the overall outlet count, this adaptive strategy allows Sbarro to harness opportunities in non-traditional dining spaces, including travel centers, military bases, airports, and educational institutions.

The introduction of a versatile menu catering to various dining moments—spanning breakfast, lunch, and late-night cravings—has complemented this operational shift, making Sbarro an ideal fit for C-stores and other novel venues.

Embracing Digitalization

Reflecting the current consumer trends towards digital engagement, Sbarro noted that over 25% of total sales in some restaurants were derived from digital ordering channels. This statistic not only exhibits the brand's adaptability to evolving customer preferences but also demonstrates its successful integration of technology into its service model.

Culinary Innovations

To maintain its position as the original New York pizza brand, Sbarro has invested in culinary creativity by revisiting and enhancing traditional recipes. Notable improvements included increasing the topping quality in Strombolis, such as using whole milk mozzarella, premium meats, and fresh spinach. In line with current consumer trends for diverse flavors, Sbarro has introduced exciting menu items like Italian Beef Stromboli and regionally influenced pizzas, including Pepperoni and Pineapple and Pepperoni and Jalapeno variants.

Leadership Development

The company's growth trajectory for 2024 can also be credited to the onboarding of key leadership figures. Mario Bojorquez, appointed as President for North America, alongside CJ Wolford Ramirez, their new Chief Marketing Officer, are expected to drive Sbarro's vision and strategy moving forward. Their expertise will work in concert with existing leaders, including Chairman and CEO David Karam, to guide the company into its next growth phase.

Fostering a Positive Workplace

Sbarro's commitment to its workforce is evident as it received a Great Place to Work® certification for the third year in a row, along with recognition as a QSR Best Brand to Work For. Such accolades highlight Sbarro’s efforts to cultivate an inclusive and motivating workplace environment. Impressively, the company also achieved a near-record low turnover rate and boasts an average tenure for General Managers approaching eight years for company-operated locations, affirming the stability of its leadership team.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, Sbarro is set to surpass 800 restaurants soon and anticipates reaching 900 by the end of the year. Supported by franchise collaborations and ongoing investments in employee satisfaction and technological advancements, Sbarro is poised for unprecedented success.

About Sbarro, LLC

Founded in 1956, Sbarro stands as a global leader in authentic, slice-style New York pizza within the quick-service restaurant sphere. Renowned for its commitment to quality, Sbarro utilizes hand-stretched dough and locally sourced ingredients across various venues. As the brand broadens its reach in over 30 countries, it continues to be a preferred choice for customers around the globe. For further details on Sbarro, visit their official website.