In an exciting move for the Happy Joe’s brand, the first minority franchisees have been announced. This with HJ SMS OpCo, LLC, headed by Rickey McBride and Bryan Shorter, set to bring the famous pizza and ice cream chain to Texas. The group, including other childhood friends, will open the state’s first Happy Joe’s in Grand Prairie or Cedar Hill by the end of the year. 

Diversity for Expansion and Core Ideas 

Happy Joe’s pizza parlor´s CEO and Chief Happiness Officer, Tom Sacco, see this expansion and diversification as an opportunity to gain a greater perspective on the company’s core ideals. “Ultimately, we want to reflect our guests across this great country that we call home,” he said. 

Pizza with a Unique Experience and Healthful Options 

McBride cites the unique pizza experience offered by Happy Joe’s and the wide range of options as the reasons behind the decision to bring the brand to the south. The healthful option of cauliflower crust pizza sealed the deal for McBride, who owns a health food shop in Duluth, Georgia. 

Creating Memories for Families 

HJ SMS OpCo, LLC aims to provide the same experiences for Texas families and kids that they enjoyed growing up, focusing on staying close to their neighborhoods while offering a wide variety of pizzas for every palate, including options for those with food allergies. 

A Win for Happy Joe’s and Diversity in Franchising 

This expansion and the involvement of minority, veteran, and female-owned franchisees represent a significant milestone for Happy Joe’s and diversity in franchising. As the pizza parlor and ice cream brand expands, the hope is that it will continue to be a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive place for all who walk through its doors.