Cicis Pizza Builds on 50.6% Systemwide Sales Growth as President Jeff Hetsel Marks 34 Years with the Brand
Cicis Pizza reports 50.6% systemwide sales growth as Jeff Hetsel celebrates 34 years with the brand.
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Cicis Pizza has achieved 50.6% systemwide sales growth over the past five years, attributed to modernization and technological investments under President Jeff Hetsel. With nearly 300 units, the brand is enhancing guest experiences and franchise operations, including the launch of its loyalty program, Cicis Rewards™, which has garnered over one million members.
Why It Matters
The strong sales growth and modernization efforts may improve unit economics for franchisees while enhancing the brand's competitive positioning in the QSR sector.
Cicis Pizza is experiencing robust growth and innovation under the leadership of President Jeff Hetsel, who celebrates 34 years with the brand. With nearly 300 units across the country, Cicis has achieved a remarkable 50.6% increase in systemwide sales over the past five years. This growth comes during a transformative period for the brand, which has focused on modernizing operations, enhancing franchise performance, and investing in technology and digital innovation to improve customer experience.
Hetsel, who has a diverse background including roles as a franchisee, restaurant manager, and in various operations capacities, emphasizes the importance of relevance in today’s market. “The greatest responsibility of leading a legacy brand is making sure it’s even more relevant for the next generation than it was for the last,” he stated. Under his stewardship, Cicis has introduced significant strategic initiatives, including the launch of Cicis Rewards™, the brand’s first national loyalty platform, which quickly amassed over 1 million members within eight months of its inception.
The digital platform not only boosted guest engagement but also advanced franchisee capabilities by delivering actionable consumer insights and personalized marketing opportunities. In addition to the loyalty program, Cicis has rolled out several operational enhancements such as a unified point-of-sale (POS) system, the Cicis Listens feedback platform, and refreshed restaurant designs. These changes are designed to streamline operations for franchisees while enriching the overall guest experience.
