Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is gearing up for its 50th anniversary after a momentous 2021, which was the brand’s most successful year on record.
2021 started with the appointment of Tom Sacco as brand president, CEO and chief happiness officer. The brand signed 28 franchise agreements in 2021 which saw the number of stores increase by 60 per cent. Happy Joe’s also opened five company owned locations.
“The fast-paced franchise momentum we’ve built this past year cannot be slowed down,” said Sacco.
“At this rate, I have no doubt that on the year of our biggest birthday yet, we’ll be celebrating much more than our milestone anniversary – Happy Joe’s will be experiencing a record-breaking year. We have plans to open internationally and in new areas across the country in 2022. We can’t wait to create magical moments that last a lifetime in more cities throughout the world.”
The pizza and ice cream brand saw significant international growth too, with deals signed across the Middle East and North Africa. The brand signed a deal with Ahmed El Betran of H.J. Happy Joe’s for Restaurants LLC to grow the brand in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. over the next 10 years. The first six locations are expected to open in Cairo the first half of 2022, with plans to open 50-75 Happy Joe’s restaurants across the entire region.
The brand made some strides last year by opening up its digital capabilities. It launched its own app and loyalty program. It gives Happy Joe’s an insight into its customers and its franchisees the ability to run independent promotions at any time.
“All the branding and technological advancements we have undertaken during 2021 were a necessary part of setting Happy Joe’s development and rapid growth up for success,” Sacco said.
“We are well-positioned in our quest to be best in class as we broaden our reach, building ‘Happy Places’ domestically and internationally. Our hard-working franchisees and our corporate team members appreciate the passion that has been brought back to the brand in this next phase of our expansion.”
