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&pizza to open at Rio Hotel and Casino29 December 2025(PRESS RELEASE) -- &pizza, a rapidly rising star in the fast-casual pizza scene, will open its first West Coast location at Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas in spring 2026, marking a major expansion milestone for the fast- brand as it continues to grow beyond its East Coast roots and joins Rio’s revitalized dining lineup. After launching its franchising strategy in March, &pizza has wasted no time accelerating growth beyond its East Coast roots. The brand has already inked multiple franchise agreements, paving the way for expansion into new markets nationwide. Twelve new restaurants are slated for Orlando, Atlanta, Charleston, and Raleigh, with additional conversations underway in other major cities, creating exciting opportunities to amplify buzz and deliver &pizza’s bold, unconventional approach to pizza to even more guests. The upcoming Rio Las Vegas location will be owned and operated by the resort. “It’s been full throttle for &pizza this year, and we’re not letting off the gas anytime soon,” said Mike Burns, CEO of Latitude Food Group. “Our expansion goal is bold, and entering dynamic markets like Las Vegas is key to making it happen. Partnering with a legendary resort like Rio Hotel & Casino, which is investing heavily in its dining experience, is a major milestone that positions &pizza among other forward-thinking brands that recognize the opportunities ahead in this city.” Not afraid to do things differently, &pizza has kicked the status quo to the curb and has delivered a vibe, creative menu, and an unshakable commitment to societal betterment that has earned the brand a cult-like following. The music is turned up, the atmosphere is electric, and employees are encouraged to be themselves. The real fun begins with the menu, which takes creativity right to the edge. Iconic pies such as The Farmer’s Daughter, Moonstruck, Elote Loco, and Pineapple Jak’d, as well as limited time additions such as the eyebrow-raising Dickle, bring its unique dough, sauces and drizzles to life, and are indicative of the unapologetic vibe the brand brings to the world of pizza. “We’re excited to welcome &pizza to Rio Las Vegas as part of our ongoing transformation,” said Patrick Miller, President and CEO of Rio Hotel & Casino. “The brand’s creative approach to fast-casual dining aligns well with our focus on expanding bold, guest-driven food and beverage offerings.” It’s been a year of major milestones for &pizza. Early strategic decisions - including reorganizing the menu for a better guest experience, cutting prices to deliver stronger value and announcing a new franchising program - helped reshape the brand’s trajectory and strengthen its market position. Those moves ultimately set the stage for &pizza’s acquisition of Tijuana Flats, a fast-casual Mexican concept in the Southeast, and the launch of Latitude Food Group, a new holding company created to guide both brands and fuel growth through multi-unit franchising with entrepreneurs looking to scale dynamic, multi-brand portfolios. |