Pielogy Pizzeria in Rancho Santa Margarita plans through franchisee Progressive Pies LLC to open three restaurants in Guam and Saipan with the first to open early next year.
Pieology Chief Executive Carl Chang cited the franchise group’s experience “as we enter uncharted territories [and] exciting new markets” for the chain.
Guam and Saipan are U.S. territories in the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific Ocean.
Progressive Pies LLC is affiliated with companies that franchise Applebee’s Grill & Bar and IHOP in the region; a principal of the companies, Richard Hart, was previously a managing partner at Outback Steakhouse, his LinkedIn profile said.
“We know these markets well,” said Hart, president of Progressive Pies.
