zpizza

zpizza is a pizza restaurant franchise founded in Laguna Beach, California, in 1986 by Suzy Megroz and Sid Fanarof. The business is now based in Newport Beach and operates primarily through franchised restaurants. Its name developed from the founders' early working description of the restaurant as “the pizza place.” Megroz, who was raised in France, pronounced the phrase with a French-influenced accent, leading to the expression “zee pizza place” and ultimately to the z pizza name. The brand later combined the words into the stylized form “zpizza,” while also using “z” informally. The chain's offering is centered on artisan-style pizza, with customers able to assemble their own pies from a selection of crusts, sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Its menu also includes salads and sandwiches. The brand's customization model is supplemented by gluten-free and vegan options, allowing it to serve customers with different dietary preferences. The available description emphasizes fresh, high-quality, locally sourced ingredients as part of the brand's food proposition, although the available reference material does not specify a standardized sourcing program or a complete list of suppliers. zpizza began franchising in 2000. In its early ownership history, the business was associated with Sid Fanarof, Chris Bright, and Dan Rowe, the founders of Fransmart. In 2022, zpizza was purchased by zpizza USA and its partners. Following that transaction, Ron Osmena was hired for operations and contract consulting, and the chain expanded its store base. The resulting network has been concentrated in California, particularly Orange County, Riverside County, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles County, as well as in the Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona. The brand also has locations in Vietnam and has identified the Philippines as an expansion market. The available reference material describes an active business pursuing further growth in 2025–2026, but it does not provide a verified store count, revenue figures, detailed ownership percentages, or a complete corporate structure. zpizza's market identity is therefore best understood as a regional and internationally expanding pizza franchise rather than a publicly traded restaurant group. Its principal points of differentiation are build-your-own flexibility, a broad ingredient and dietary-option mix, and a positioning around artisan pizza and fresh ingredients.

zpizza began in Laguna Beach, California, in 1986. The founders were Suzy Megroz and Sid Fanarof, who initially referred to their establishment informally as “the pizza place.” Megroz's French background and pronunciation of the phrase helped inspire the brand name, which developed from “zee pizza place” into “z pizza.” As the business matured, the space was removed and the official styling became “zpizza”; the shorter name “z” has also been used. The restaurant developed around a customizable pizza format. Customers could select among the available crusts, sauces, cheeses, and toppings rather than being limited to a fixed menu of compositions. The concept also incorporated salads and sandwiches and offered gluten-free and vegan choices. The reference description presents the brand as focused on artisan pizza and fresh, high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, though detailed sourcing policies are not specified. zpizza began franchising in 2000. During its ownership history, the brand was associated with Sid Fanarof, Chris Bright, and Dan Rowe, who are identified as the founders of Fransmart. In 2022, zpizza was purchased by zpizza USA and its partners. Ron Osmena was hired for operations and contract consulting after the purchase. The post-2022 period was associated with the opening of additional stores. The chain's United States presence has been concentrated in California, including Orange County, Riverside County, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles County, as well as the Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona. The brand also has locations in Vietnam and has described the Philippines as an upcoming market. The available material indicates plans for additional locations in 2025–2026. It does not provide a verified number of restaurants, financial results, a detailed corporate ownership breakdown, or a complete list of current executives.

• 2025

  Further expansion planned

  [1]Zpizzaen.wikipedia.org

  The brand was described as planning additional locations in the United States and Southeast Asia during 2025–2026.

• 2022

  Acquisition by zpizza USA and partners

  [1]Zpizzaen.wikipedia.org

  zpizza was purchased by zpizza USA and its partners, followed by the engagement of Ron Osmena for operations and contract consulting.

• 2000

  Franchising begins

  [1]Zpizzaen.wikipedia.org

  zpizza began franchising its restaurant concept.

• 1986

  zpizza founded in Laguna Beach

  [1]Zpizzaen.wikipedia.org

  Suzy Megroz and Sid Fanarof founded the pizza restaurant that became zpizza in Laguna Beach, California.

A customizable artisan-pizza franchise emphasizing fresh ingredients, dietary inclusivity, and a mix of pizza, salads, and sandwiches.

• Pizza · 1986

  Artisan pizza

  zpizza's core offering is artisan-style pizza made to order. The brand presents customers with a choice of crusts, sauces, cheeses, and toppings, supporting both standard menu combinations and customized creations. The available description associates the product with fresh, high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, while also identifying gluten-free and vegan options within the broader pizza range.

• Customizable meal

  Build-your-own pizza

  The build-your-own format allows customers to compose a pizza from the restaurant's available crust, sauce, cheese, and topping selections. This customization is a central part of the brand's service proposition and accommodates different flavor preferences and dietary requirements. The reference material does not provide the full ingredient catalog or pricing.

• Side and entree

  Salads

  Salads are part of zpizza's broader menu alongside pizza and sandwiches. They provide a non-pizza meal or accompaniment within the franchise's casual restaurant format. Specific recipes, ingredients, nutrition information, and product names are not identified in the available reference material.

• Sandwich

  Sandwiches

  Sandwiches extend zpizza's menu beyond its core pizza category and give customers an alternative savory entree. The available source confirms their presence on the menu but does not specify the individual sandwich varieties, ingredients, or launch dates.

• 2022

  Purchase by zpizza USA and partnersM&A

  Background

  The brand changed ownership in 2022 after being associated with Sid Fanarof, Chris Bright, and Dan Rowe.

  Action taken

  zpizza USA and its partners purchased zpizza and hired Ron Osmena for operations and contract consulting.

  Aftermath

  The post-purchase period was associated with new store openings and renewed expansion in U.S. and Southeast Asian markets.

  Source

• 2000

  Adoption of franchisingStrategy

  Background

  After operating as a restaurant concept founded in Laguna Beach, zpizza began franchising in 2000.

  Action taken

  The brand expanded through a franchise model rather than relying only on company-operated restaurants.

  Aftermath

  The franchise system supported the brand's later presence across multiple U.S. regions and in Vietnam.

  Source

1. 1Zpizzaen.wikipedia.org