Stoner's Pizza Joint Heats Up Expansion, Breaching 60-Unit Mark

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – April 23, 2026 – Stoner's Pizza Joint, a brand known for its rapid growth in the quick-service restaurant sector, today announced a significant expansion of its national footprint with the opening of four new locations. The move pushes the franchise past the 60-unit milestone and marks its strategic entry into two new states, Kansas and Tennessee.

The latest wave of openings includes new restaurants in Wichita, Kansas; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and two additional locations in Georgia, specifically in Hinesville and Roswell. This expansion underscores a period of accelerated growth for the company, which was founded in 2013 and has been aggressively scaling its operations, particularly since 2020.

"Our ability to continue expanding in today's environment reflects the strength of our operating model and the demand we're seeing from both customers and franchise partners," said John Stetson, CEO of Stoner's Pizza Joint, in a recent statement. "Expanding into Kansas and Tennessee is an important milestone as we continue building a national footprint in high-potential markets."

A Blueprint for Aggressive Growth

The brand's rapid ascent is not accidental; it's fueled by a meticulously crafted franchise strategy designed for scalability and franchisee success. Since CEO John Stetson took leadership in mid-2020, the company has seen its franchise unit count grow by over 400%. This growth is built on a model that emphasizes low initial investment and strong unit-level economics.

Franchise disclosure information highlights an initial investment range between $90,000 and $206,000, a figure significantly lower than many competitors. This is achieved in part by prioritizing second-generation restaurant locations, which drastically reduces build-out costs and timelines. The model's focus on smaller, takeout- and delivery-centric footprints also contributes to lower overhead and reduced labor requirements.

This lean operational structure appears to be paying off. The company reports average store sales exceeding $544,000 annually, with a high average customer ticket of over $25. These strong financial metrics create an attractive proposition for potential franchisees, particularly the multi-unit operators the company actively seeks. Recent deals, including a 10-store agreement in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, signal robust demand from franchise partners eager to tap into the brand's momentum.

Strategic Inroads into New Markets

The selection of Wichita and Chattanooga for its latest expansion reveals a calculated approach to market entry. Rather than focusing solely on saturated metropolitan hubs, Stoner's is targeting cities with favorable demographics and growth potential.

Wichita, Kansas, the birthplace of Pizza Hut, represents a symbolic and strategic move. With a metropolitan population nearing 800,000 and over 60% of residents under the age of 45, the city offers a substantial base of younger consumers. The new location, planned for Naftzger Park in the city's burgeoning downtown area, is positioned to capture this key demographic. While entering a market steeped in pizza history presents competitive challenges, the brand's distinct, cannabis-themed marketing (though the name refers to stone ovens) provides a niche appeal that could differentiate it from established national chains and local pizzerias.

Similarly, Chattanooga, Tennessee, boasts a vibrant and competitive dining scene with over 1,000 restaurants. The city's focus on attracting a younger generation, particularly around its downtown and university areas, aligns perfectly with the target audience for quick-service pizza. With a metro population of over 576,000, the market offers significant opportunity for a brand that can deliver on convenience, quality, and a unique identity.

The Digital Slice: Tech as a Growth Engine

Coinciding with its physical expansion, Stoner's is also doubling down on its digital presence. The company recently launched a completely revamped website and mobile app, a critical investment in an industry where digital orders are king. The new platforms promise a more streamlined ordering process, a modern interface, and enhanced functionality.

This move is in lockstep with broader industry trends. The global QSR market is projected to see digital orders surpass 120 billion transactions by the end of 2026, and for many pizzerias, online sales already account for nearly 30% of their business. Past user reviews of the company's older app indicated a need for improvement in user interface and functionality, making this upgrade a timely and necessary step to meet modern consumer expectations.

By simplifying the path from craving to checkout, the company aims to boost customer loyalty and increase the frequency of digital orders. In the fast-paced pizza sector, a seamless digital experience is no longer a luxury but a fundamental component of growth and customer retention.

Navigating a Competitive Pizza Landscape

Stoner's expansion occurs within a fiercely competitive and evolving U.S. pizza market, valued at over $50 billion in 2024. Success requires not only a quality product but also a shrewd understanding of industry dynamics. The brand's strategy of low-cost franchising and targeted market entry offers a distinct path compared to the sector's behemoths.

Industry leader Domino's continues its aggressive "fortressing" strategy, increasing store density to shorten delivery times, while also expanding its reach through partnerships with third-party aggregators like Uber Eats. Meanwhile, Little Caesars is accelerating its own growth through multi-unit deals and expansion into non-traditional venues like university campuses. Even legacy brands are innovating, with Papa John's recently launching a redesigned Pan Pizza in a bid to capture a more premium segment of the market.

Amidst these giants, Stoner's Pizza Joint is carving out its space by offering a compelling franchise opportunity and a brand identity that resonates with a younger audience. The company's emphasis on fresh, house-made ingredients aligns with the growing consumer demand for quality and value. As it continues its push toward a stated goal of 100 units, its ability to maintain operational efficiency and brand consistency across its rapidly expanding network will be the ultimate test of its growth model. The active search for new franchise partners indicates the company has no plans of slowing down.