Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, the renowned New York-style pizzeria known for its award-winning, coal-fired, brick oven pizza, welcomed Michael Flaum as Director of Franchise Development. Michael joins the Grimaldi’s team with over a decade of experience as an owner, area developer, and multi-unit franchisee of Cold Stone Creamery, as well as president and CEO of Arlington Rack and Packaging, a multi-state manufacturing company, and owner of a strategic development/advisory entity.
Flaum developed and led a multi-state market of 125 operating units for Cold Stone Creamery, while providing ongoing support to franchisees and enabling operating units to exceed expectations of both the brand and its guests. With his extensive experience, Flaum brings a comprehensive, strategic perspective to Grimaldi’s new domestic franchising program, announced in April of this year, including his expertise in core business growth, sales leadership, operations, financial management, and team development. In his new role, Flaum will oversee the brand’s franchise development among qualified operators in markets throughout the United States.
“As this is a new initiative for our brand, I am excited to meet passionate, multi-unit operators, introduce them to our exciting Grimaldi’s Pizzeria brand, and award development agreements to teams after performing their due diligence,” Flaum says. “Our ideal franchise partners are qualified operators who are looking to expand their portfolio of brands and/or market share and are passionate about growing with Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.”
Grimaldi’s operates 42 company-owned restaurants in 11 states from coast to coast. The restaurants capture the essence and energy of the original Brooklyn pizzeria, including the legendary centerpiece coal-brick oven and custom water system that is designed to replicate New York City water, essential to achieve the pizzeria’s authentic, award-winning taste. The concept attributes its ongoing success to its three key ingredients – people, product, and service.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria earns its culinary reputation by producing hand-crafted pizzas, calzones and antipasto, as well as a variety of delicious salads and house-made desserts, including its legendary cheesecakes. Always a place to celebrate, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria features a full bar offering specialty cocktails, craft beers and a robust wine list, including its own signature Mille Gradi red blend, specially produced in Tuscany, Italy.
