By Debra Borchardt
Forbes, Nov 15, 2016
Counterculture pizza chain &pizza is headed to New York City with a $25 million cash investment from investment firm AVALT. It’s a pretty gutsy move expanding into the pizza capital of the country, but &pizza is confident it will win over New Yorkers with a slice of its millennial-friendly social consciousness. The chain is know for its progressive approach towards its healthy menu and fair treatment of its workers.
The first restaurant is planned to open in spring/summer 2017 and will be located near Madison Square Park, ground zero for Shake Shack. ...
&pizza fits into a new and fast growing category of fast, casual healthy dining using locally sourced ingredients. ... It seems to check every box in a millennials wish list for restaurants.
First, there’s the humanistic approach towards it employees who are called tribe members. Owner Michael Lastoria believes the tribe should be paid living wages and is a big proponent of the $15 an hour minimum wage. “We wanted to create a brand built with purpose on the shoulders of our tribe and providing starting wage significantly above the minimum,” said Lastoria.
On Monday, &pizza and some of its tribe members are hosting the Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez at one of the D.C. stores to discuss fair minimum wages. “I think its important for the new administration to know that in your own back yard we are an example of not just a tax credit, but a business that can raise wages and still attract capital investment,” said Lastoria. The wages are well-received by the diverse employee base and has created a sense of loyalty. Over 60 members have tattooed the “&” symbol on themselves as a sign of unity. ...
Copyright 2016 Forbes