The California-based pizza franchise, Pizza Factory, has started a growth strategy to target Kalispell, the company announced in a press release earlier this week. Pizza Factory previously had a Kalispell location about a decade ago and is now looking to return under a local operator.

Pizza Factory opened its first location in Oakhurst, California 30 years ago, specializing in hand-tossed pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and salads, and now has more than 110 locations throughout six states primarily on the West Coast. With this new growth strategy, the franchise aims to expand further east.

According to Mary Jane Riva, president and CEO of Pizza Factory, a new growth strategy will target towns in Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Montana with a focus on locations with a small-town, community feel.

“We don’t necessarily turn away from metropolitan areas, but most of our stores are in places with fewer than 25,000 people,” Riva said.

The company is accepting franchisee inquiries and gives preference to local residents who “have a passion for their hometown,” the release said.

Riva said the franchise has a unique growth plan in that, rather than sending in a team to open a new store, the franchise seeks operators who already live in the towns it expands to.

“The majority of our franchisees work in their restaurants and live in the communities they serve. They care deeply about their customers, their business and making a difference,” Riva said. “You don’t have to be a millionaire to open one of our stores. We’re looking for people who want to be part of their communities.”

For information about Pizza Factory, go to http://pizzafactory.com or find out about available franchise opportunities at http://pizzafactoryfranchises.com.