Sbarro - News

J. David Karam Named CEO Of Sbarro
Mar 28, 2013 –

Current Board Chairman Expands Role to Include Chief Executive Duties

MELVILLE, N.Y, March 28, 2013 – Sbarro (www.sbarro.com) announced today that current Board Chairman J. David Karam has assumed the additional duties of Chief Executive Officer. An accomplished restaurant industry leader, Karam recently served as President of Wendy’s International, Inc. During his tenure at Wendy’s, Karam led a successful corporate turnaround, which included significant improvements in product quality, operational execution and brand profitability. Karam replaces Jim Greco, who resigned from the company to pursue other business interests.

"Sbarro has a great heritage with a legacy of innovation and this is a company that has significant opportunity for further growth," said Karam. "Guest service, menu development, food quality and operational excellence will remain at the core of our focus as we continue the revitalization of the Sbarro brand."

Prior to joining the board of Sbarro in January of 2012, Karam served as President of Wendy’s from 2008 through 2011. Following six years of traffic declines and loss of market share, under Karam’s leadership Wendy’s rose to become the second largest QSR Hamburger chain in the U.S., surpassing Burger King for the first time in Wendy’s 42 year history.

About Sbarro
Since it first opened its doors as an Italian Salumeria in 1956, Sbarro has been a leader in driving the growth of the Italian restaurant category. Today, Sbarro team members bring a taste of the true Italian spirit to guests every day at its more than 1,000 eateries across 40 countries. An award-winning franchise organization, Sbarro features a menu of popular Italian food including pizza, pasta dishes and other hot and cold Italian entrees, salads, drinks and desserts. Sbarro is headquartered in Melville, NY. For more information, visit www.sbarro.com.

Sbarro To Open 40 New Restaurants In Peru And Colombia
Feb 21, 2013 –

Leading Fast Casual Italian Eatery Expands Relationship with Taco Holdings with Three Locations Slated to Open This Year

MELVILLE, N.Y., February 21, 2013 – Sbarro (www.sbarro.com) announced today that it has inked a partnership agreement with Taco Holdings that will significantly deepen the company’s presence in South America. Taco Holdings, the master franchisee for Sbarro in Mexico with 23 eateries, will now spearhead the opening of more than 40 new eateries across Peru and Colombia, marking the first Sbarro locations to open in both countries. The first locations are slated to open this year, with two new eateries opening in Columbia and one in Peru.

“Taco Holdings is a world renowned operator and has been a strategic business partner to Sbarro as we continue to expand our footprint in South America,” said Jim Greco, CEO of Sbarro. “Ignacio Cortina Rivero and the team at Taco Holdings bring a wealth of knowledge in both business markets and encompass the values of the Sbarro brand.”

Over the past year, Sbarro has significantly expanded its international presence forging franchise agreements across the globe. The company currently operates more than 1,000 eateries across 40 countries with more than 400 of those restaurants located outside the United States.

“Our ability to successfully grow the Sbarro brand in Mexico has been a direct result of the tremendous support and partnership that we have enjoyed with the company,” said Ignacio Cortina Rivero, Director General of Taco Holdings. “In addition to working with a leading brand, Sbarro’s team of international experts are the best in the business. We look forward to further growing the relationship as we extend into the Peruvian and Colombian markets.”

New Year, New Pizza — Sbarro Helps Guests Satisfy Their Cravings With The Sbarro Skinny Slice™
Jan 15, 2013 –

Delicious, New Better-for-You Pizza is Only 270 Calories Per Slice

MELVILLE, N.Y. – (January 15, 2013) – As America celebrates the start of the New Year, “eat healthy food” will once again rank atop the most popular New Year’s resolutions . Offering a great new mealtime option to pizza lovers everywhere, Sbarro is introducing its new better-for-you Sbarro Skinny Slice™. Beginning on January 1st, the Skinny Slice will be served across Sbarro eateries throughout the United States.

Only 270 calories per slice, the Skinny Slice is prepared with delicious, premium ingredients including Roasted Red and Green Bell Peppers, Portobello Mushrooms and sweet, Carmelized Onions topped with a sprinkling of Mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheeses.

“We created the Skinny Slice as a delicious way to help our guests stick to their New Year’s resolutions and still get their fix of authentic Italian pizza done the Sbarro way,” said Jim Greco, CEO of Sbarro. “This better-for-you recipe will help pizza lovers everywhere answer their cravings without feeling a morsel of guilt.”

Added Greco, “The Skinny Slice is the latest in a series of menu innovations as Sbarro continues to provide options and solutions to our guests while staying true to our Italian roots.”

¹ http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/New-Years-Resolutions.shtml

The introduction of the Skinny Slice follows Sbarro’s recent introduction of a new Neapolitan-style pizza across all U.S. locations. The new recipe garnered praise from media and critics ranging from the New York Times to FOX News Channel and was recently recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News as one of the top menu launches of 2012.

About Sbarro

Since it first opened its doors as an Italian Salumeria in 1956, Sbarro has been a leader in driving the growth of the Italian restaurant category. Today, Sbarro team members bring a taste of the true Italian spirit to guests every day at its more than 1,000 eateries across 40 countries. An award-winning franchise organization, Sbarro features a menu of popular Italian food including pizza, pasta dishes and other hot and cold Italian entrees, salads, drinks and desserts. Sbarro is headquartered in Melville, NY. For more information, visit www.sbarro.com.
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National Survey Finds Giving Up Pizza Harder Than Facebook
Jan 10, 2013 –

Sbarro Survey Reveals Americans’ Biggest Cravings for 2013; Iconic Italian Eatery Introduces Lower Calorie Skinny Slice™ to Help America Satisfy Pizza Fix

MELVILLE, N.Y. – (January 10, 2013) – As of today, most Americans will hit the crucial ten day threshold, the moment where resolutions begin to waver and people succumb to their cravings. And when it comes to making sacrifices in 2013, most say it would be easier to give up social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter for the entire year than favorite foods such as pizza, potato chips and french fries¹. Of the 1,000 individuals surveyed, 39 percent expressed difficulty giving up pizza and other favorite foods versus only 25 percent for social media platforms like Facebook.

“In today’s social media-driven world, it seems like we can’t live without constantly posting or Tweeting. However, when it comes to choosing between pizza or Facebook, the people’s choice is pizza. So of course it’s no surprise that as a society we find it so hard to give up our food cravings – and the reality is that cutting out favorite foods entirely doesn’t need to be the answer,” said Lyssie Lakatos, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer and one half of the Nutrition Twins®.

¹ The Sbarro and Kelton Research general population study surveyed 1,000 Americans. The survey was issued between the dates of December 27, 2012 through January 1, 2013.

Food Cravings and Resolution Fall-Off
When asked about food cravings, about half (48 percent) of Americans crave pizza within 15 days of their resolution, and four in ten (40 percent) of Americans who didn't fulfill a resolution to eat healthier last year blame pizza for their slip-ups. When it comes to food slip-ups, most Americans (79 percent) attribute them to pizza (40 percent) and fried foods (39 percent).

“Today, you can find great food options when you’re craving pizza like the new Sbarro Skinny Slice™ that's only 270 calories per slice and topped with better-for-you ingredients." said Jim Greco, CEO of Sbarro.

About the Sbarro Skinny Slice™
Bringing a new better-for-you mealtime option to pizza lovers everywhere, Sbarro is introducing its Sbarro Skinny Slice™. Launched in January, the Skinny Slice is being served across Sbarro eateries throughout the United States.

“We created the Skinny Slice as a delicious menu option for our guests looking for a great meal or snack that is both low in calories and satisfies that fix for pizza done the Sbarro way,” said Greco. “Our new Skinny Slice will help pizza lovers everywhere answer their cravings without any guilt.”

Only 270 calories per slice, the Skinny Slice is prepared with delicious, premium ingredients including Roasted Red and Green Bell Peppers, Portobello Mushrooms and sweet, Caramelized Onions topped with a sprinkling of Mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheeses.

“What I like about the Skinny Slice is that it satisfies cravings without expanding your waistline – not to mention it’s topped with delicious, better-for-you ingredients,” added Tammy Lakatos, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer and the other half of the Nutrition Twins®.

Methodology
The Sbarro and Kelton Research study surveyed 1,000 Americans. The study was conducted as an online survey of the general population that was implemented between the dates of December 27, 2012 through January 1, 2013.

The Sbarro and Kelton Research general population study surveyed 1,000 Americans. The survey was issued between the dates of December 27, 2012 through January 1, 2013.

Buon Natale! Sbarro Brings the Italian Holiday Cheer with Limited Time White Pizza and Italian Cookies
Dec 05, 2012 –

Sbarro Chefs Cook Up Delicious White Pizza Recipe Featuring a Blend of Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese, Roasted Red Peppers and Fresh Broccoli

MELVILLE, N.Y. – (December 5, 2012) – Drawing inspiration from the Italian tradition of the holiday feast, Sbarro is bringing the season to life with a limited time white pizza and Italian cookies.

The new white pizza recipe is made from all natural ingredients including a blend of three cheeses – freshly shredded mozzarella accompanied by a creamy ricotta sauce made with white pepper then sprinkled with Pecorino Romano cheese. The pizza is topped with roasted red peppers and fresh broccoli all baked on freshly prepared dough finished with toasted sesame seeds.

The new white pizza is available now through December 31st at participating Sbarro eateries. Also available are red and green Italian holiday cookies, a sweet treat for Sbarro guests.

“During these cold winter months, we’re welcoming our guests with a warm, holiday greeting,” said Jim Greco, CEO of Sbarro. “Our chefs have cooked up a fantastic new pizza recipe that will have guests everywhere dreaming of our white pizza. Served alongside delicious red and green Italian cookies, these limited time offerings make for the perfect holiday treat.”

Added Greco, “Now is a time of tremendous culinary innovation at Sbarro. Our team is working tirelessly to develop new high quality food offerings that pay tribute to Sbarro’s proud Italian heritage.”

The creation of the limited time white pizza follows the recent introduction of an entirely new pizza recipe by Sbarro. The new Neapolitan-style pizza, which was introduced across Sbarro’s more than 500 U.S. locations in October (National Pizza Month), features all natural ingredients including dough made from scratch daily, vine ripened whole peeled San Marzano-style tomatoes and freshly shredded whole milk mozzarella.

Slice of Italy Tour: Sbarro Dishes Out More Than 35,000 Free Slices to Introduce its New Pizza Recipe Nationwide
Nov 13, 2012 –

Two Antique 1940's Pizza Trucks Tour the Country, Serving Up a First Taste of Sbarro’s New Neapolitan-Style Pizza While Collecting Funds for Local Food Banks

MELVILLE, N.Y. – (November 13, 2012) – Sbarro rolled out the launch of its new pizza recipe in style as two antique 1940’s pizza trucks toured the nation, serving more than 35,000 free slices to hungry consumers. Timed to October – National Pizza Month – the “Slice of Italy Tour” coincided with the introduction of Sbarro’s new Neapolitan-style pizza recipe across more than 500 U.S. eateries.

The new pizza recipe marks a return to the company’s Italian roots. The Neapolitan-style recipe features all-natural ingredients, including dough made from scratch daily, vine ripened whole peeled tomatoes and freshly shredded whole milk mozzarella.

“We’re incredibly proud of our new pizza recipe and we wanted to give consumers everywhere a chance to taste it first-hand. From coast-to-coast, the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Jim Greco, CEO of Sbarro. “This launch is part of a larger strategy to take Sbarro back to its roots and to revisit the qualities that made us a leader – delicious Italian food made from quality ingredients and served in a warm and welcoming environment.”

At the start of October, Sbarro conducted a shut-down across all U.S. locations to energize and train team members. Sbarro team members received enhanced training on how to prepare the new pizza as well as a re-certification in the company’s heritage, values and culture of hospitality.

Supporting its Local Communities
As part of the “Slice of Italy Tour,” Sbarro identified local food banks in every city visited, raising funds at each tour stop. Over the course of the tour, more than $6,000 was raised with 100% of the funds to be donated to the food banks. The effort follows in Sbarro’s longstanding commitment to combat the hunger epidemic in its local communities.

“Since Sbarro first opened as an Italian Salumeria in Brooklyn in 1956, supporting our local communities has been a part of our DNA. With the ‘Slice of Italy Tour,’ we saw an opportunity to not only give consumers a chance to try our new pizza, but also to use the tour as a platform to showcase local food banks and help them combat the hunger crisis,” said Tony Missano, President of Sbarro. “This reflects Sbarro’s commitment to do our small part to help make every community where we do business a better place.”

Sbarro Boosts Social Media Presence
To augment the “Slice of Italy Tour,” Sbarro launched a 360-degree marketing campaign that included experiential, in-store, public relations and social media. As part of the effort, Sbarro significantly enhanced its social media presence, adding 100,000 fans to its newly launched Facebook page.

“This tour and the introduction of the new Neapolitan-style pizza recipe marks the start of an exciting new chapter in Sbarro’s storied history. In just several weeks, the team has broken new territory on a number of fronts and this is just a first taste of what’s to come as we continue to unlock Sbarro’s potential,” said Greco.

Sbarro Returns to its Italian Roots with New Pizza Recipe
Oct 17, 2012 –

Two Antique 1940's Pizza Trucks Kick Off 25 City "Slice of Italy Tour” Providing a Free First Taste of New Neapolitan-Style Pizza
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MELVILLE, N.Y. – (October 10, 2012) – Sbarro announced today that it is returning to its Italian roots with the introduction of a new Neapolitan-style pizza that will replace its longstanding recipe. The new pizza, which is being introduced across Sbarro’s more than 500 U.S. locations, features all-natural ingredients, including dough made from scratch daily, vine ripened whole peeled tomatoes and freshly shredded whole milk mozzarella.

Sbarro conducted shut-downs across all U.S. locations on Sunday, October 7, to energize and train team members. The team received enhanced training on how to prepare the new pizza as well as a re-certification in Sbarro’s heritage, values and its culture of hospitality.

“By going back to our roots, we’re improving what set us apart from the very beginning, great pizza made from quality ingredients and served in a warm and welcoming environment,” said James Greco, CEO of Sbarro. “These values and priorities helped grow Sbarro from a single Italian Salumeria to a global restaurant company. And now, technology has enabled us to offer pizza of the same quality as our original recipe on a national scale.”

Innovations in farming and technology have enabled Sbarro to find year-round sources for the product needed to serve the new Neapolitan-style pizza recipe across all of its locations, while ensuring consistency.

“I started working at Sbarro close to 40 years ago and I know that Mama Sbarro would be proud of our new authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. We’ve taken all of our ingredients to the next level, from our handmade dough to our vine ripened tomatoes to the mozzarella we shred daily,” said Tony Missano, President of Sbarro. “Additionally, through the shut-down and re-certification, we’ve energized our staff while shining a focus on the values that make Sbarro great.”

“Slice of Italy Tour”
Sbarro will now serve the new pizza at all of its locations in the U.S. and is slicing out free “first tastes” in cities across the country with its “Slice of Italy Tour.” Throughout the month of October, during National Pizza Month, two antique 1940’s pizza trucks will travel to 25 cities, serving thousands of Americans the new recipe.

“We’re so sure the country is going to love our new pizza that in many places, the first taste will be on us,” said Greco. “As part of Sbarro’s long standing commitment to giving back to the communities where we do business, we will also leverage the tour as a platform to support food banks throughout the country.”

At every tour stop, donations will be accepted for the free slices, and the funds raised will be given to local area food banks.

The dual-coast tour kicks off in New York City and Los Angeles with stops in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, DC, Virginia Beach, Raleigh, Atlanta, Tallahassee, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Irvine, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Tempe, Phoenix, Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio and Houston.

Following the U.S. launch, the new Sbarro pizza recipe will be introduced across eateries worldwide.

Sbarro Gears Up for Franchise Growth with Expanded Development Team
Sep 11, 2012 –

Iconic Brand Hires Two Industry Leaders to Drive Continued Domestic & International Growth
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MELVILLE, N.Y. – (August 28, 2012) –Sbarro, the world's largest Italian mall-focused restaurant franchise, announced today that it has appointed two industry leaders to spearhead continued franchise growth, both domestically and overseas.

In the midst of an aggressive revitalization effort that has gotten off the ground running, Sbarro, with more than 1,000 restaurants in 40 countries, announced the hiring of Eric Taylor to a newly created role of Vice President of International Franchise Development, and has appointed Dave Gleason as Vice President of Franchise Development to lead the growth of franchisees in North America.

“We are committed to investing in the brand worldwide and see tremendous opportunity for our franchise development system in the United States and across the globe,” said James Greco, President and CEO of Sbarro. “By bringing on seasoned restaurant franchise executives such as Eric and Dave, we are laying the groundwork for our evolving brand.”

Taylor has worked in the international franchise world since 1999, starting with Franchise Development Services, based in Norwich, England. Prior positions include Vice President of Worldwide Franchise Development for Bennigan’s Franchising Company and as a consultant for TR Global Management Group representing Applebee’s. His international experience includes the sale of master franchises in Mexico, Europe, India, the Middle East and the Caribbean. In his new position, Taylor will oversee, identify, and award franchises to qualified, top-tier candidates worldwide.
Gleason brings a wealth of experience to Sbarro, with more than 30 years in the QSR industry in both an operations and franchise development capacity. He has worked with brand leaders in the industry such as Dunkin Brands, Haagen-Dazs, Manchu WOK and Jamba Juice and was responsible for the development of the brands in a traditional and nontraditional segment on a national perspective. While working in this capacity, he identified and developed “green field” markets, introduced new design formats to enable speed to market and consistently achieved successful high performing new unit growth.

Throughout the remainder of 2012, Sbarro will continue to grow with 60 new domestic and international openings planned. In addition, the company will be introducing a new pizza recipe in the fall, and a new prototype restaurant model will be unveiled early next year.

About Sbarro

Based in Melville, New York, Sbarro is the world's largest Italian mall-focused restaurant franchise. Sbarro has more than 1,000 restaurants in more than 40 countries and features a menu of popular Italian food including pizza, a selection of pasta dishes and other hot and cold Italian entrees, salads, sandwiches, drinks and desserts. Additional information is available at www.sbarro.com.

Sbarro Names Angela Hornsby Chief People Officer
Aug 21, 2012 –

MELVILLE, N.Y. – (August 21, 2012) –Sbarro, the world’s largest mall-focused Italian restaurant chain, today announced the appointment of Angela Hornsby to Chief People Officer.

In her new role, Hornsby is responsible for leading all areas of the company’s human resources strategies, practices and programs including talent acquisition and management, leadership development and training, employee relations, compensation and benefits.

“In addition to product, place and positioning, a key component of our revitalization tactics is our enhanced focus on our people and culture,” said James Greco, Sbarro President & CEO. “Angela brings a wealth of valuable strategic and operational experience to our company. She will provide proven leadership for our expanding HR programs, and augment our ability to attract, hire, and retain a breadth of top talent across the company.”

Most recently, Hornsby served as Vice President of Organization Development and Effectiveness at DineEquity Inc., one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world that franchises and operates Applebee's and IHOP restaurants. Previously, she served as Vice President of Human Resources at Applebee’s. Prior to that, Hornsby held the positions of Vice President of Human Resources and Vice President of Operations, West Division at Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, Inc., a global restaurant company that owns, operates, franchises and licenses restaurants under the T.G.I. Friday's® Brand.

As part of its plan to reinvigorate the brand announced early this year, Sbarro successfully completed the testing of a new pizza recipe and made-to-order pasta stations, complete with sauté pans and open-flame ovens at 10 units around the country. In addition, the company will be introducing its new pizza recipe in the fall, and a new prototype restaurant model will be unveiled early next year. Throughout the remainder of 2012, Sbarro will continue to grow with 60 new domestic and international openings planned.

About Sbarro

Sbarro’s New Recipes, Cooking Methods Boost Sales at 10 Test Units
Aug 07, 2012 –

Local 'Grand Roll Out' Events Raised More than $28,000 for Food Banks
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MELVILLE, N.Y. – (August 7, 2012) – Sbarro, the world’s largest mall-focused Italian restaurant chain, successfully completed its grand roll out of new recipes and cooking methods at 10 test units around the country, resulting in initial sales increases of more than 10 percent at the locations and raising more than $28,000 to help local food banks. With the money raised, more than 100,000 meals will be provided across the country to help fight hunger.

At the test units, Sbarro brought the taste of true Italian spirit to life by unveiling new recipes, made-to-order pasta stations, complete with sauté pans and open-flame ovens. To highlight the food and cooking introductions, the company organized festive Grand Roll Out events at each of the locations complete with roaming violinists, soft glowing candlelight and checkered tablecloths to create an authentic Italian ambiance in the food courts. In addition, Sbarro committed to donating the entire day’s proceeds at each of the 10 units to local food banks.

“By all accounts, the grand roll-out events were a huge success in bringing Sbarro’s authentic Italian heritage to life,” said CEO Jim Greco. “We received great feedback on the new recipes and gained valuable insight from an operational level. Local dignitaries, company executives, community members and other guests all joined together to experience the new look, feel and taste of Sbarro. The events united the communities and that is exactly what we wanted to achieve.”

Food banks that received the entire day’s proceeds include:

Mid-Ohio Food Bank in Columbus, OH
Philabundance in Philadelphia, PA
Feeding America San Diego in San Diego, CA
St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix, AZ
Houston Food Bank in Houston
Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina in Raleigh, N.C.
Rhode Island Community Food Bank in Providence, RI
Feeding South Florida in West Palm Beach, FL
Greater Chicago Food Depository in Chicago
Oregon Food Bank in Portland, OR

Throughout the remainder of 2012, Sbarro will continue to grow with 50 to 60 new international openings planned. In addition, the company will be introducing a new pizza recipe in the fall, and a new prototype restaurant model will be unveiled early next year.

About Sbarro

Sbarro Appoints New Senior Vice President of Operations
Jun 13, 2012 –

Restaurant Industry Veteran Joins Iconic Mall-Focused Brand in Midst of Revitalization
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MELVILLE, N.Y., June 13, 2012 —As it embarks on a major initiative to reinvigorate the brand, Sbarro, the world’s largest mall-focused Italian restaurant chain, announced today that it has appointed food industry veteran George Wooten as Senior Vice President of Operations.

Wooten will oversee all aspects of operations to ensure product and service quality and consistency as Sbarro repositions itself in the marketplace to become the preeminent fast-casual Italian brand worldwide.

“The position of Senior Vice President of Operations will be instrumental in advancing the growth of the company,” said James Greco, Sbarro President & CEO. “Given his proven track record in overseeing domestic and international restaurant and retail operations, George will be a valuable asset as we introduce new recipes, cooking equipment and a new prototype design throughout the Sbarro system.”

Most recently, Wooten served as Senior Vice President, Casual Dining for M.H. Alshaya Co., the largest retail company in the Middle East. Prior to Alshaya, Wooten held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Centerplate, one of the largest hospitality companies in the world, with more than 250 North American sports, entertainment and convention venues. He also served as Senior Group Vice President at Safeway Inc. Earlier in his career, Wooten held the position of Senior Vice President of Operations for The Quiznos Master, where he was responsible for more than 5,000 Quiznos locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as Arby’s, Inc., where he oversaw operations of more than 300 Arby’s restaurants.

Earlier this year, Greco announced that the company would be introducing a series of operational and menu changes, beginning with 10 units throughout the United States. At the test units, including Raleigh, N.C.; Providence, RI; Columbus, OH; West Palm Beach, FL; Chicago; Happy Valley, OR; National City, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Exton, PA; and Houston, Sbarro will unveil new pizza recipes prepared on new open-flame ovens, as well as made-to-order pasta stations, complete with either sauté pans and induction cooktops or fast boilers.

About Sbarro

Plans Heat up for the Sbarro of Tomorrow: Grand Roll-Out Events Underway at 10 Test Units to Unveil New Recipes
May 30, 2012 –

MELVILLE, N.Y., March 30, 2012 — Revitalization plans for Sbarro, the world’s largest mall-focused Italian restaurant chain have officially kicked into high gear.

Out of 1,013 Sbarro units worldwide, the iconic fast-casual chain has chosen 10 locations throughout the United States to unveil all new recipes prepared on new open-flame ovens, as well as made-to-order pasta stations, complete with either sauté pans and induction cooktops or fast boilers.

Over the course of eight days, Sbarro will host grand roll-out celebration events that will completely transform each of the selected mall food courts into a scene reminiscent of the streets of Italy. The locations include:

June 7: Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, N.C. and The Mall at Tuttle Crossing in Columbus, Ohio
June 8: Providence Place Mall in Providence, R.I. and The Mall at Wellington Green in West Palm Beach, Fla.
June 11: Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall in Chicago, Ill.
June 12: Clackamas Town Center in Happy Valley, Ore.
June 13: Westfield Plaza Bonita Mall in National City, Calif.
June 14: Arrowhead Towne Center in Phoenix, Ariz.
June 15: Exton Square Mall in Exton, Pa. and Willowbrook Mall in Houston, Texas

“These select locations are the public’s first taste of the future of Sbarro,” said CEO James Greco, who added that a new prototype model will be unveiled later this year. “We are making significant strides with our product, culture, and positioning. The accomplishment of these initiatives is a large step toward realizing our vision of being the preeminent fast-casual Italian brand worldwide.”

At the events, the mall food court seating areas will be dressed with red and white checkered tablecloths and soft glowing candlelight, accompanied by professional violinists to serenade guests with classic Italian music as guests experience the new tastes and flavors of Sbarro’s Italian heritage.

Adding to the festivities, at each location Sbarro will raffle off a Vespa Scooter and 100 guests will receive a Sbarro gift card for a free NY or Pan Pizza Slice, or Pasta Dish every week for two months. Additionally, each of the Sbarro locations will donate their entire day’s proceeds to a local food bank to aid the fight against hunger. All proceeds from the raffle will also be donated to the local food banks.

About Sbarro

Sbarro Inks Agreement with Upper Crust Foods Pvt. Ltd. to Expand Footprint in India
Mar 15, 2012 –

MELVILLE, N.Y., March 15, 2012 — /PRNewswire/ -- Sbarro, the nation's leading quick-service Italian Restaurant Company, today announced a franchise agreement to open 15 restaurants in the state of Maharashtra. Upper Crust Foods Pvt. Ltd. will develop and operate the restaurants with the first unit to open in Mumbai this month.

Over the past six years, Sbarro has announced international agreements with leading franchisees to open restaurants spanning across the globe, including locations in Europe, Russia, Asia, India, the Middle East, South and Central America and Caribbean. The grand opening marks the first Sbarro to open in Mumbai, a fast developing market that is home to an increasing number of metropolitan areas, malls and entertainment centers.

"We could not be more pleased to partner with Rashmi and Manoj Balwani to expand Sbarro's presence in India. Now is a time of tremendous growth and opportunity in the region and Rashmi and Manoj bring deep expertise in India's burgeoning QSR sector and a proven track record," said Jim Greco, president and CEO of Sbarro. "Over the past six years, Sbarro has significantly increased its international footprint, a credit to the depth and breadth of expertise of our International team and our focus on serving as a true partner to our franchisees."

While the new restaurants' menu will be created from over 200 Sbarro recipes that consumers enjoy Worldwide, certain adjustments will be made to suit the cultural and religious customs of India.

Speaking on the occasion of the impending launch, Ms. Rashmi Balwani, MD of Upper Crust Foods Pvt. Ltd., said, "It is a moment of great pride for me to be opening the first outlet of my favorite Italian food chain in Mumbai. I used to be a regular at Sbarro during my days in New York, and being their master franchisee for Maharashtra is a wonderful feeling. I am sure that with the quality of the cooking and the ingredients, Sbarro's first outlet in Chembur neighborhood will become a favorite among the people living in and around these areas, including Navi Mumbai. I also look forward to expanding the franchise, both in Mumbai and then in other parts of Maharashtra."

About Sbarro

Based in Melville, New York, Sbarro is the world's leading Italian quick service restaurant concept and largest shopping mall-focused restaurant concept in the world. Sbarro has more than 1,000 restaurants in more than 40 countries, and features a menu of popular Italian food, including pizza, a selection of pasta dishes and other hot and cold Italian entrees, salads, sandwiches, drinks and desserts. Additional information is available at http://www.sbarro.com/.

Sbarro Names Dynamic, New Management Team to Lead Company's Growth Initiative
Jan 31, 2012
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