Vocelli Pizza Taps Veteran Franchisee for Aggressive Alabama Expansion

VALLEYDALE, AL – March 11, 2026 – The arrival of a new Vocelli Pizza location in Valleydale this month marks more than just another dining option for residents. It represents a calculated move in a broader strategy of regional dominance, spearheaded by a veteran franchisee and fueled by the rapid growth of Shelby County.

The new delivery and carryout store, located at 5192 Caldwell Mill Rd., is the second Alabama location for the Pittsburgh-based pizza chain. However, it is a key piece in a much larger puzzle being assembled by franchisee Patrick Meglio, who plans to develop a total of five Vocelli restaurants across the greater Birmingham area.

Tapping into a Booming Market

The choice of Shelby County for this expansion is no coincidence. The area is one of Alabama's most dynamic economic engines, having been the state's fastest-growing county in every decade since 1970. With a population that has surged over 17% since 2010—far outpacing state and national averages—and a median household income approaching $98,000, the region presents a fertile ground for consumer-facing businesses.

The new Vocelli Pizza is strategically positioned to serve the burgeoning communities of Hoover, Indian Springs, and Pelham. By setting up shop along the busy Valleydale Road corridor, the brand is inserting itself into a competitive but high-demand market. The area already hosts established national chains like Pizza Hut and Domino's, as well as popular regional player Mellow Mushroom, indicating a strong local appetite for pizza. Vocelli's success will depend on its ability to differentiate itself through its handcrafted, Italian-inspired offerings in a crowded field.

The Entrepreneur Driving the Growth

At the heart of this expansion is Patrick Meglio, a seasoned entrepreneur with more than 36 years of franchising experience. As the president of National Branded Concepts, Meglio's strategy is focused on strategic multi-unit growth, leveraging his deep operational expertise to build a concentrated brand presence.

This isn't Meglio's first foray with the brand in Alabama. His successful launch of the Vocelli Pizza at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2024 served as a powerful proof of concept. That location quickly became a campus favorite, demonstrating the brand's appeal.

Vocelli Pizza CEO Toni Bianco praised Meglio's initial efforts. "Patrick has done an incredible job with the University of Alabama at Birmingham location that opened in 2024, creating an engaging dining experience for students by working with organizations like Sodexo," Bianco stated in a press release. "His commitment to Vocelli Pizza and the community makes him a great partner as we grow."

Meglio's approach embodies the growing trend of multi-unit franchising, where a single, experienced operator manages a portfolio of locations. This model allows for significant economies of scale in marketing, training, and management, while providing the franchisor with a reliable partner for rapid, streamlined expansion. For Meglio, the mission is clear. "I'm passionate about opening new businesses and excited to bring Vocelli Pizza to communities in Alabama," he said. "There are many opportunities for growth, and I look forward to expanding further while also connecting with other entrepreneurs interested in opening Vocelli franchises."

A Piece of a National Expansion Puzzle

While the Valleydale opening is a significant local event, it is also a single step in Vocelli Pizza's ambitious national growth plan for 2026. The company intends to open 11 new locations across the United States this year, signaling a period of aggressive expansion.

This push includes breaking into entirely new territories. This same month, the company is making its first entry into the massive Houston market with a new store in Katy, Texas. Simultaneously, it is deepening its roots in established markets with its 16th and 17th Maryland locations opening in Rockville and Beltsville, respectively. This dual strategy of new market penetration and existing market fortification highlights a mature and confident growth trajectory.

The company's recent performance supports this ambition. Vocelli closed 2024 with record-breaking sales and was recognized by industry publication Pizza Marketplace as a "Top 100 Mover and Shaker for 2025." This financial strength and industry acclaim provide a solid foundation for its expansionary goals, attracting experienced franchisees like Meglio who are looking to partner with a brand on the rise.

The Modern Franchise Formula

The partnership between Vocelli and Meglio exemplifies a modern approach to franchising. The brand offers a compelling package for investors, with an Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $1.1 million for its top-quartile stores in 2024. Franchisees are supported by a comprehensive operating system, a 3-4 week initial training program, and modern technology, including a loyalty app and in-store touch screens to improve efficiency.

In return, Vocelli gains a partner who can execute its vision on a regional scale. By entrusting the Birmingham market to a single, proven multi-unit operator, the company can ensure brand consistency and operational excellence while rapidly increasing its footprint. This synergy between a strong corporate brand and powerful local operators is the engine driving Vocelli's growth from the suburbs of Alabama to the wider national stage.

As the ovens fire up in Valleydale, the new location serves as a testament to this successful formula. It combines the local knowledge and entrepreneurial drive of a seasoned franchisee with the proven products and systems of a national brand that has been a neighborhood staple since 1988, now poised for its next chapter of significant growth.