Naked Pizza signs franchise deals for Florida, Colorado

In a success story for the Greater New Orleans region that tastes good—and is good for the economy, too—Naked Pizza has awarded area development rights for 58 units in central and south Florida and in Boulder, Colo., in its first stage of expansion. Cofounded by anthropologist Jeff Leach and investment banker Randy Crochet, the New Orleans–based firm seeks to offer a healthy, functional alternative to the traditional pizza chain. “Fast food is arguably the most successful commercial enterprise in the world in terms of marketing, product, distribution, and economies of scale,” Leach says. “We’re hijacking that with a pizza that is physiologically aligned with the way people should eat: that offers health instead of harm that’s contributing to epidemics of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and unsustainable health-care costs.” Since its inception in 2006, Naked Pizza has operated from a 498-square-foot shop near Tulane University. Despite its simple and unadorned furnishings, the restaurant has been widely covered in the media. The company’s unique concept and popularity have attracted investments from billionaire Mark Cuban and the Kraft Group, and plans for expansion were unveiled in September 2009. Read the rest of the story in 10/12 Corridor Weekly here.