Globally inspired fast-casual restaurant reflects on successful 2024, with 16 new units in development for 2025
CINCINNATI, -- Currito, a fast-casual franchise fueling communities through their globally inspired menu, celebrated a record year in 2024 as they announced nine signed development deals that will bring 16 new locations to communities throughout the country. Now, the brand looks to build upon this momentum in 2025. Currito has seen amazing success at their current restaurants, and is excited to bring fresh and delicious dining options to new cities this year through their latest franchise development deals and expansion efforts.
Due to their early success with organic growth, Currito has made significant investments to drive deliberate and strategic expansion, hiring Scotty Geiger as Vice President of Franchise Development in June 2024 to spearhead national expansion and strategic growth efforts. With over 12 years of experience in franchise management and development, Geiger specializes in identifying lucrative market opportunities, fostering strong franchisee relationships, and driving sustainable growth. With 23 stores open and operating across seven states, the announcement of these new development deals marks a significant milestone in the brand's growth. The nine new deals will bring in 16 new units in five states:
- two units in Tennessee
- six units in Kentucky
- five units in Illinois
- one unit in Indiana
- two units in Ohio
These 16 new units reflect an impressive 70% increase in newly signed units versus current open units. The brand is set to open in five new markets this year, planning to open in Indianapolis in March, Nashville in June, and Dayton, Lexington, and Knoxville in Q4. These new openings are a massive step forward for Currito's strategic development as they plan to open as many as nine new locations by the end of 2025, with opportunity for further expansion for interested prospective franchisees.
As the restaurant industry continues to see a demand for healthy options on menus, with over 80% of diners reporting it plays a part in where they decide to eat, now is the perfect time for franchisees to join Currito on their mission to serve food that makes people feel good. This fresh-focused segment of fast casual dining has a built-in growing consumer space, with many of the brand's competitors operating as a private business. As a franchise, Currito offers potential owners the benefit of white space in untapped markets, streamlined operations including an easy opening process, minimal buildout requirements and reduced labor, as well as a high store AUV of 1.33 million and unparalleled support of experienced franchisors.
Founded in 2005 by brothers and restaurateurs Joe and John Lanni, Currito was born from a desire to bring something fresh to the fast-casual space. The brand's globally inspired menu, made with nutritious, locally sourced ingredients, has been a hit among consumers that continue to put an emphasis on meals that are both delicious and healthy. The Lanni brothers' backgrounds in the food industry started from a young age, having witnessed their dad, Nick Lanni, found the Great Steak and Potato Company and grow it to more than 250 locations prior to selling it. Following in his footsteps, Joe and John created the Thunderdome Restaurant Group which houses several brands including Bakersfield, The Eagle, Krueger's Tavern, SoHi, Maplewood, Pepp & Delores, and CityBird, in addition to Currito.
"These new locations are a tremendous step forward in Currito's expansion journey," said Joe Lanni, Co-Founder of Currito. "In 2024, we proudly introduced our healthy, creative takes on cuisines from around the world to new communities, thanks to the dedication of our outstanding franchise partners. Each location represents an opportunity to build strong, local connections and deliver fresh, quality-driven dining experiences that make a difference in people's lives. As we look ahead in 2025, we are eager to build upon this momentum, and remain committed to supporting our franchisees and creating an impact in each community we serve."
As Currito continues to focus on intentional growth in 2025, the brand is actively looking for dedicated franchisees who want to bring a better dining experience to their communities, as well as driven area developers. As they look at future growth, Currito is targeting major territories for expansion this year including Columbus and Cleveland, OH, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, IN, Nashville and Memphis, TN, Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, NC, and Orlando and Jacksonville, FL. The initial franchise fee for a Currito is $30,000 for single-unit locations and $25,000 for multiple units.
For more information on franchising with Currito, please visit https://www.currito.com/.
About Currito
Founded in 2005, Currito is redefining the fast-casual space through their globally inspired menu with fresh and nourishing ingredients. Committed to their vision of serving food that fuels communities, the brand is thrilled to expand their reach within the U.S. through franchising. With 23 locations open and operating throughout Ohio, Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, the brand is actively looking for passionate franchisees to join them on their mission. Currito empowers their franchisees with a proven business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, to ensure their individual success as business owners. For more information on franchising with Currito, please visit https://www.currito.com/franchise/.
SOURCE Currito