DEDHAM, Mass.—Last fall's limited-market test of Papa Gino's Rustic Pizza has turned into a system-wide, 170-store rollout of what the chain calls a "grown-up alternative to its signature thin crust pizza."
According to a news release, the Rustic Pizza is larger and thinner than Papa Gino's traditional pizzas and is cut into 12 square slices. The hand-stretched dough is yields a free-form, Neapolitan-like pizza, which requires a unique box. The pizza gets a unique cheese blend including Asiago and Romano. A cheese-only pie retails for $11.99; toppings cost extra.
In last year's 12-week test in the Providence, R.I., area, more than 270,000 pizzas were sold.
"Our market research noted that the Rustic Pizza appealed to our current guests, families, and also attracted customers that prefer unique, bolder pizza options," said Michael McManama, vice president of marketing, research and development at Papa Gino's. "The Rustic Pizza is a high-quality pizza with a distinctive taste that will expand our current customer base and satisfy our guests that are looking for more exotic tastes."
Papa Gino's will offer a free small cheese pizza with every Rustic Pizza purchase through June 25.
