Retail Food Group (RFG) recently entered into a conditional share sale and purchase agreement to acquire the Pizza Capers Gourmet Kitchen franchise system.

RFG is the franchisor and intellectual property owner of the Brumby’s Bakeries, Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie, bb’s café and Esquires Coffee Houses franchise systems.

The Pizza Capers system specialises in the sale of gourmet pizza and related products made using fresh restaurant quality and wholesome ingredients.

Established by founders Anthony Russo and Scott Geiszler in the Brisbane suburb of Kenmore in 1996, the Pizza Capers system began a franchising program in 2005.

That program has witnessed consistent new store growth, with the Pizza Capers system now represented by 110 outlets predominantly based in south east Queensland.

“The transaction represents the culmination of an 18-month engagement during which each party has become well acquainted with the others’ business and operational philosophy,” RFG CEO Tony Alford said.

RFG said that the acquisition represents a “tremendous opportunity to bolster organic growth amongst RFG’s existing systems”.

“During this period it has become clear to RFG that Pizza Capers has distinguished itself within a highly competitive QSR segment and represents a brand that will both complement and enhance those franchise systems already under RFG stewardship,” Tony said.

“Pleasingly, the vendors have also come to appreciate that RFG has the expertise to foster sustainable network growth outside of Pizza Capers’ traditional Queensland base whilst also providing the infrastructure necessary to service and support franchisees during challenging economic times.”