2024 Winner of Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament Moves Forward Rapidly with New Franchise Expansion Plan

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Chicago, IL (RestaurantNews.com) Antioch Pizza Shop, a beloved name in Antioch Illinois for 47 years, recently launched a franchise expansion plan to begin in the Midwest and East of the Mississippi. The popular pizzeria, founded in 1977, has grown under the ownership of husband-and-wife duo, Art and Karen Wicklein who took a shot on a product they loved and bought the existing brand in 2008.
They’ve now expanded from one location to ten and are targeting multi-unit operators across several states, including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Antioch Pizza Shop plans to have more than 30 locations open or in development by 2026.
That growth may come sooner than planned when WGN-Radio in Chicago introduced a Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament akin to March Madness. Chicago loves brackets! The 68 entries came from 4 different local regions of the Chicagoland area. The “madness” started on March 14th-and ended on April 4th, unbelievable with a call from WGN to Art telling him that Antioch Pizza Shop squeaked past the biggest names in Chicago Pizza to win the whole shebang.
“We were blown away when we received the call that we had won this whole thing!” said Art Wicklein, co-owner of Antioch Pizza Shop, which is known for its authentic flavors and community-centered approach.
“Antioch Pizza Shop isn’t about just serving great food,” said co-owner Art Wicklein, “it’s about fostering connections, creating memories, and becoming an integral part of the communities it serves. What an honor to be considered among the greats in pizza names. Chicago is a famous pizza town, so this is even more spectacular.”
Wicklein admits to being creative and assertive to encourage votes. “Customers seemed more excited initially than we were. They kept coming up to our registers telling us where we stood in the brackets. Many of them are also fans of the traditional March Madness games and so they were beyond enthused. They told us they voted and are telling their friends to vote. They also encouraged us to put a table tent type sign at our registers with a QR Code, which made it easier for those who wanted to vote quickly. I mean of course I think we’re the best but to be motivated and pushed on by customers of our 10 shops, well Karen and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
The pizza served at Antioch Pizza Shop is known for its authentic flavors and community-centered approach. With the slogan “Become the Crust of Your Community,” Antioch Pizza Shop invites entrepreneurs to join its family and establish thriving pizza hubs that serve as the heart of their neighborhoods.
“Part of the package for franchisees will be our “recipe” for getting deeply involved in their own communities. In fact, it’s a requirement and very much a part of who we are. The franchise plan inspires all franchisees to create a warm, welcoming space where locals can come together to relax, unwind, and savor the simple pleasure of a great slice of pizza. Whether it’s a family gathering, a casual dinner with friends, or a community event. It’s about giving back and making a positive impact in your neighborhood,” continued Art.
From sponsoring local sports teams to hosting fundraisers for important causes, Antioch Pizza Shops are designed and modelled to become a valued member of the community.
“Who doesn’t want delicious food at the local pizza place where teams meet and hold their victory get-togethers?” said Karen Wicklein, co-owner of Antioch Pizza Shop. “Our team is committed to growing the brand alongside like-minded franchise owners who share the same passion and energy for life and believe in our mission of phenomenal community involvement.”
With a menu featuring premium pizza, sandwiches, wings, pasta, salads, and more, Antioch Pizza Shop has endeared itself to countless residents, setting new standards for food quality and community engagement, a model that will be the essence of the chain.
With multiple investment options available, including single-unit and multi-unit opportunities, Antioch Pizza Shop offers a rewarding franchise opportunity for individuals with restaurant operations and management experience. Ideal Antioch Pizza Shop franchisees must have restaurant operations and management experience, as well as share the brand’s values and mission to positively impact the local communities it serves.
For more information on Antioch Pizza Shop, visit Antioch Pizza Shop. For more information on the multiple options for a franchise visit Antioch Pizza Shop Franchise.
Contact:
Rhonda Sanderson
Sanderson & Associates
[email protected]
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Categories: Food