US-based fast casual pizza chain Donatos has unveiled a plan to expand its presence in the Northwest Arkansas region.

The restaurant brand has signed a ten-unit deal in Oklahoma, which will be serviced out of the greater Oklahoma City area for distribution.

Donatos president Kevin King said: “These two markets complement each other well and we are excited to see what it will bring to this region of the US.

“The more stores we have serviced from a single distribution center, the more efficient our model is from an overall business standpoint.  We believe that Northwest Arkansas is a perfect fit for Donatos.”

The new deal will allow the restaurant brand to expand its presence in the Northwest Arkansas region and enable the brand to serve its Edge to Edge Pizza to its residents.

Under the Oklahoma agreement, the pizza restaurant brand plans to open its first store in August this year in Edmond.

Additionally, Donatos plans to expand its partnership with Red Robin restaurant company in the region to open new franchise locations in Fort Smith and Fayetteville areas.

The two restaurant brands also partnered to provide a scaled-down Donatos pizza menu alongside Red Robin's signature burgers at more than 250 Red Robin restaurants.

In Northwest Arkansas, Donatos expects to open six to ten locations, including Red Robin nests, with a possibility to expand further in the future.

Donatos noted that its expansion into Northwest Arkansas aligns with its objective to expand the brand's national footprint.

Donatos currently operates more than 450 locations across 27 states in the US.