Fast-growing pizza chain reveals latest location for expansion
The arrival of one of Europe’s fastest-growing pizza chains into Leamington Spa has taken a step closer – and is set to open its doors by the end of the year.
Dodo Pizza – which is in 657 locations across 13 countries – has signed a 15-year lease for 1,608 sq ft of ground floor space at 52-54 Warwick Street, which used to form a part of the former Co-op store.
Work is currently underway to transform the building, with a view to the firm’s new base potentially offering takeaway and delivery services from December this year.
Dodo Pizza’s Leamington base is also set to become its corporate headquarters for its UK operations.
The deal was completed through Leamington-based commercial agents Wareing & Company, and will see Dodo Pizza creating at least 20 jobs.
Dodo Pizza was formed in Russia in 2011 and has since grown to become the largest pizza company in its homeland – and is now targeting the UK where it already has four branches in Coventry, Walsall and Brighton as part of a wider goal to grow its international presence across Europe, Africa and Asia to 200 branches by the end of 2021.
David Sweeney, the UK head of business development at Dodo Pizza, said: “We’re privileged to be occupying one of the best locations in Warwick Street in the old Co-op building, which has been beautifully updated by Hatchback Developments.
“Keeping our store central was a must-have so we can ensure fast delivery and easy pick-up of our fast-gourmet pizza in Leamington.”
Jonathan Blood, of Wareing & Company, helped to finalise the deal with Dodo Pizza during the Coronavirus pandemic.
He said: “For Leamington to attract a brand that is growing across the world – despite the challenging trading environment – is a real vote of confidence for the town centre.
“Dodo Pizza’s arrival provides a new fast-gourmet pizza concept with greater and healthier variety of choice for locals and visitors, and their long-term commitment to the town can only serve to enhance prospects of attracting further inward investment in the future.”
