Two franchise agreements bring four planned locations to the Cincinnati area, pairing an experienced restaurant executive with an existing Currito operator.
- Currito expands in Cincinnati with new franchise deals.
- Petey Cunningham partners for three new Currito locations.
- Ketul Patel to open another Currito restaurant in Liberty Township.
Currito is adding four planned restaurants to its Cincinnati-area footprint through two newly signed franchise agreements, extending the fast-casual brand’s growth in its home market. The deals bring together a new multi-unit development partner and an existing franchisee investing in another location, giving the company two routes to deepen its regional presence.
Petey Cunningham will lead a three-unit development covering Mason, Milford and Eastgate. His background includes 17 years with One Holland Group, where he advanced through finance and development leadership roles, including chief financial officer and chief development officer. His restaurant experience also reaches back to his time at Ohio State University, when he worked at Skyline Chili and developed an interest in the hospitality business. Cunningham said Currito stood out for its operating model, menu and hands-on leadership.
The second agreement involves Ketul Patel, an existing Currito franchisee who plans to open another restaurant in Liberty Township. A certified public accountant with previous restaurant ownership experience, Patel operates his business with support from family members. His decision to expand followed an extended period as a Currito customer, during which he came to value the consistency of the food and guest experience.
The agreements add to a broader development push. Currito reported signing 34 franchise units across its system over the preceding 22 months, while development rights in Lexington, Louisville and Dayton had been sold out. The brand is also looking toward Indianapolis and Columbus as potential next markets, extending its ambitions beyond the Cincinnati region.
For a growing franchise network, expansion also increases the importance of keeping operating knowledge accessible as new teams come on board. The Knowledge Base feature available through Gorilla Dash can provide a centralized place for procedures, training materials and operational guidance, helping franchise organizations keep information organized across locations. For Currito, the latest agreements reflect the value of attracting experienced operators while giving established franchisees a reason to continue building with the brand.
Key Facts:
| New Franchise Agreements | Currito signs a three-unit agreement in Mason, Milford, and Eastgate along with a one-unit agreement in Liberty Township. |
|---|---|
| Key Franchise Operators | Petey Cunningham, a seasoned executive with One Holland Group, and Ketul Patel, an existing Currito franchisee, lead the new ventures. |
| Expansion Strategy | Currito has expanded with 34 franchise units over the last 22 months, focusing on Midwest regional growth. |
| Cultural Emphasis | Currito emphasizes values like fresh, customizable menus, streamlined operations, and a people-first franchising approach. |
| Origins and Management | Founded by brothers Joe and John Lanni, Currito is part of the Thunderdome Restaurant Group, inspired by their family’s food industry history. |
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