PizzaForno location in Ottawa, Canada. Credit: Paul McKinnon/Shutterstock.com.

Canada-based automated pizzeria PizzaForno is set to open its inaugural US location in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Located at 8750 Georgia Ave, the new venue will be launched on 22 March 2024.

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PizzaForno co-founder and president Les Tomlin said: “This expansion reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of our customers.

“With AJ’s expertise in the hospitality industry and passion for excellence, we look forward to seeing PizzaForno flourish in new markets.”

The driving force behind PizzaForno’s latest opening is master licensee AJ Grillo, a professional with more than 14 years of experience.

Working at TGI Fridays, he rose to the position of general manager with United Restaurant Group in Richmond.

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Grillo plans to deploy PizzaForno units across high footfall locations such as universities, hospitals and apartment complexes, ensuring accessibility around the clock.

Grillo said: “As we introduce the very first PizzaForno unit into Maryland, I couldn’t be more thrilled about the journey ahead.

“I’m excited to be a licensee of PizzaForno, and look forward to continuing to grow the brand across Virginia and Washington DC.”

The brand plans to add 25,000 operating units by 2028.

In December 2023, PizzaForno made its entry into Mexico with the launch of a 24/7 automated pizzeria in Mexico City. It has now a presence in North America’s three largest countries.

The expansion into Mexico was facilitated through a 20-unit agreement with master licensees Salomon Bialostozky and Jacko Duayhe, marking its second international market entry since 2021.