With a new development chief and nearly 300 restaurants, Cicis is targeting expansion across key Southern markets and beyond.
- Cicis Pizza appoints Kimberly Thompson as Executive Vice President of Development.
- Thompson has a decade of experience in franchise development with top restaurant brands.
- Cicis aims to double its footprint in five years with strategic nationwide expansion.
Cicis Pizza has appointed Kimberly Thompson as executive vice president of development, adding an experienced franchise leader to its executive team as the buffet chain pursues an ambitious expansion strategy. With nearly 300 restaurants across more than 23 states, the company aims to double its footprint over the next five years, with priority markets including Texas, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama and Florida.
Thompson brings more than a decade of franchise development experience, having held leadership roles with Bonchon, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Jack in the Box, Del Taco and Philly Pretzel Factory. Her work has involved collaborating with single-unit and multi-unit operators, assessing potential markets and helping qualified candidates navigate the franchise ownership process. At Cicis, she will focus on building the development pipeline and identifying operators suited to the brand’s growth plans.
President Jeff Hetsel said the company wants to expand deliberately while maintaining the franchisee relationships and support that have helped sustain the brand. Cicis plans to draw on its existing training, site selection, national marketing and supply chain resources as it evaluates opportunities in new communities. Thompson has described doubling the brand’s footprint within five years as a central goal of her new role.
The growth strategy comes as restaurant franchisors compete for qualified operators and attractive real estate in a market where development costs and local demand can shape the viability of new locations. As franchise systems expand, the Recruitment feature available through Gorilla Dash can help organize candidate inquiries and track franchise development activity. Such tools can support administrative coordination, while market selection and franchisee economics remain central to successful expansion.
Cicis also has several ways to generate sales beyond its signature all-you-can-eat buffet, including carryout, catering, delivery and arcade game rooms. These offerings give franchisees multiple channels to serve customers, while the company’s expansion plan will depend on finding the right operators and locations to support long-term growth. Thompson’s appointment signals that franchise development will be a major focus as Cicis works toward its five-year target.
Key Facts:
| New Executive VP Appointment | Cicis Pizza has appointed Kimberly Thompson as Executive Vice President of Development to drive nationwide expansion. |
|---|---|
| Thompson's Experience | Kimberly Thompson brings over a decade of franchise development experience, having worked with brands like Jack in the Box and Del Taco. |
| Expansion Goals | Cicis aims to double its footprint within five years, focusing on strategic growth in key US markets including Texas, the Carolinas, and Florida. |
| Franchise Development Focus | Thompson will concentrate on expanding Cicis' franchise development pipeline and supporting strategic growth across priority markets. |
| Revenue Opportunities | Cicis offers diverse revenue streams via its buffet, carryout, catering, delivery, and arcade game rooms, supported by national marketing and training resources. |
Disclaimer:
If any facts in our articles are incorrect or you would like an article removed please email us at news@gorilladash.com.
