Iconic Neighborhood Pizzeria is Bringing a Piece of the Pie to Tampa
ANTIOCH, Ill. – Antioch Pizza Shop has been the go-to neighborhood spot for more than four decades. With a family-friendly dinning experience, high-quality meals and a hardworking staff who are passionate about providing guests with great service, Antioch Pizza is ready to bring a piece of the pie to Tampa.
With seven locations open and three in development, Antioch Pizza Shop has endeared itself to countless local residents, redefining standards for not only serving premium pizza, sandwiches, wings and pasta, but building personal connections within the communities each restaurant serves. Now, as stores’ revenues continue to grow each year, the brand has set its sights on growing in Tampa and other key regions.
“We pride ourselves on providing high-quality food and creating meaningful experiences for every customer. These are some of the key elements which set us apart from other concepts,” said Art Wicklein, co-owner of Antioch Pizza Shop. “We’ve seen how our dedication to the local communities we serve has bred success, and we think that it’s time the people of Tampa experience what makes Antioch Pizza special.”
Antioch natives and husband and wife duo Art and Karen Wicklein bought Antioch Pizza Shop from the original owner in 2008 as they were looking for a recession proof business. The pizza shop had been a staple in Antioch since its founding in 1977, and the couple has since expanded the brand from one location to seven and now has plans to grow by targeting single and multi-unit deals across Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin with the goal of having more than 30 locations open or in development by 2026.
“We wanted to start a concept that was recession proof. Our business has stood the test of time and more,” said Karen Wicklein, co-owner of Antioch Pizza Shop. “Today, our team is looking to grow with like-minded franchise owners who share our passion for community and our mission of phenomenal customer service.”
With an innovative menu, fans of the brand love its famous double-decker pizza loaded with fresh mozzarella cheese and topped with fresh toppings, or the popular Chicago pub style thin crispy crust pizza. In addition to the exceptional pizza, Antioch Pizza Shop also serves homemade Italian beef sandwiches made daily and topped with fresh melted mozzarella cheese and roasted sweet peppers, pasta, salads, wings, ice cream and other desserts.
As the brand expands into Tampa, Antioch Pizza Shop is seeking qualified single and multi-unit owners looking to invest in an exciting fast casual concept. Ideal Antioch Pizza Shop franchisees will have restaurant operations and management experience, as well as share the brand’s values and mission to positively impact the local communities it serves. Franchisees must have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and meet the minimum liquid assets requirement of $150,000. The total investment per restaurant ranges between $135,000 and $495,500 for a single unit.
For more information on the franchise opportunity, visit https://antiochpizzashopfranchise.com.
For more information on Antioch Pizza Shop, visit https://www.antiochpizzashop.com.
About Antioch Pizza Shop
Founded in 1977, Antioch Pizza Shop has been feeding Antioch and the surrounding communities delicious top-quality pizza, sandwiches, pastas and more for more than 40 years, and it all started from a recipe shared by friends. The brand strives to keep a close community connection with an inviting environment and friendly service because “it’s not just pizza; it’s passion.”
The brand currently has seven locations with three more in development and is actively seeking qualified franchise candidates. For more information on the Antioch Pizza Shop franchise opportunity, visit https://antiochpizzashopfranchise.com.