US-based restaurant franchise group Pizza Guys plans to expand its restaurant network in Texas after witnessing major success along the West Coast.

The restaurant chain has set a target to open 150 restaurant venues, of which 50 locations are planned for the Dallas/Fort Worth area and more than 50 for the Houston area.

The company intends to open 20 stores in San Antonio and 20 in Austin.

Pizza Guys co-founder and CEO Shahpour Nejad said: “We are planning to take on the Texas market by storm by opening up to 150 locations with dedicated high-working entrepreneurs.

“We're hoping to bring our innovative flavours and brands to the South, so that Texas natives can have delicious pizza made with high-quality ingredients right in their backyards!"

The Sacramento-based restaurant franchise group was established in 1986 and serves its guests gourmet-style pizzas.

Pizza Guys currently has 87 stores open and operating across three states in the US.

Nejad added: “Pizza Guys has high hopes for the state of Texas as we intend to open dozens of locations in each major market. As Pizza Guys grows, the brand is excited to reach new areas and make meaningful connections within local communities.

“We are looking for new franchisees that want to introduce a new refreshing pizza concept to the market. Our ideal franchisee is someone that wants to impact the Texas community in positive ways through delicious food and amazing opportunities.”