Arizona Pizza Company is the fusion of several restaurant successes. The founders, William (Bill) and Krista Stevens have been in the restaurant business for nearly twenty years. Bill opened his first restaurant and lounge in 1980. He sold it in 1989 and went to work for a local restaurant chain. In 1994 he and his partners opened a local Brew Pub.

Bill created a new restaurant concept in 1996 and it was an instant success. The site, a former dance club, was transformed from a windowless space to an open, airy restaurant called Pastas. Only the highest quality, fresh ingredients were used to prepare the made-to-order dishes. Scrumptious pasta, appetizers, salads, sandwiches and pizza were served in a casual setting at a location considered by many to be away from the action. The over-sized portions, variety in the menu, and the reasonable prices attracted customers immediately.

However, it was the new style of serving pizza that generated the most interest. Customers were mesmerized by the wood-burning oven, and they were entertained by the cooks who stretched and threw pizzas in the air. The cozy ambiance created a casual dining experience where singles, couples and families could enjoy the delicious food or just socialize and relax with neighbors at the friendly, full-service bar area, or simply pick up the food to enjoy at home.

The restaurant became so popular that the founders decided to test the concept in a second...then a third...ultimately developing Arizona Pizza (the fourth location). Each restaurant was unique in that the sites varied dramatically...and the menus featured a few different items.

For the second restaurant, Bill purchased 2 acres of land which housed an apartment building and historic inn. After extensive renovations, Summertimes Inn was converted into the 51 Park Street Restaurant. Sauté items and the grill were added. A special amenity which captured the interest of children and adults alike was included―cable television sets were installed in the booths, and suddenly the whole family could be entertained.

The customers raved about the menu, the service, beautifully remodeled restaurant and the fun!  Not one to be satisfied with past successes, Bill opened the next restaurant on 9 acres of land that contained a 13,000-sq. ft. building. The restaurant opened as casual fine dining with 275 seats but was expanded with additional 125 seats to accommodate a banquet room for hosting special events and meetings. 

With continued success of these three concepts, Bill had created a system that he felt had tremendous potential for national expansion. While each of the restaurants has its own unique characteristics, there was a consistency in the menu, the type of service, the quality of the food, and the attention to detail. The most popular menu items and characteristics from each restaurant were incorporated into the new concept, Arizona Pizza Company.

The First Arizona Pizza Company opened in May 2001.  Designed to enhance the customer's dining experience, the restaurant has a casual, attractive, Southwestern theme; a beautifully crafted, intimate bar featuring wood and brushed nickel accents and a marble bar, built-in television sets strategically placed throughout; brushed nickel fixtures, a giant stone chimney; and wood-fired pizza oven which emits tantalizing aromas. And to really capture the spirit of the concept, the Kokopelli flute player was integrated into the theme.

1.  MASTER DEVELOPER:

            Secures exclusive rights to a geographic area (County, state, country).  There are minimum requirements for the territory (not less than a twenty-store market).

     Shares in franchise and royalty fees for performing services (sales, operations, training) to franchisees in the market for the term of the franchise & renewal periods

      Has an opportunity to participate on a large scale in building an international concept

         May enter into a management agreement to provide services beyond the term of the Master Agreement.

            Receives a Reduction in Fees for Developer- Owned and Operated Units Based on Master’s Percentage Participation in the Fees Received for Providing Services

       Represents an opportunity to participate on a large scale in Building an International Concept 

         Is required to open one restaurant that serves as the training facility before opening franchise restaurants in the area  Pays a master developer fee based on the size of the
 territory and the demographics of that market
    
   
                
              2.  AREA DEVELOPMENT:

Secures exclusive rights to a market. Minimum development is five restaurants

pens and operates the units in the development area Receives a reduction in franchise fees (based upon number of restaurants opened)
Pays an area development fee based on the demographics of the territory.  However, a credit is given against the franchise fee as each restaurant opens 
  
 
            3.  SINGLE-UNIT DEVELOPMENT:

           Franchisee opens a restaurant at a specific address

   Franchisee is able to open additional units based on
franchisee’s ability and desire to expand
  
Total investment varies from $490,000 to $865,000 depending upon factors as location, deposits, equipment, leasehold improvements, and real estate cost (excluding land and building).  Single unit and area development opportunities are available.  A qualified franchisee should be able to finance a portion of the costs.