Al’s Pizza is expanding into St. Augustine and Charlotte, which will be the company’s first franchise. All of its six current restaurants are company-owned and in Jacksonville and the Beaches.
Bill Kratsas, co-owner with Al Mansur, said the company signed a lease Thursday for a building at 1 St. George St. in St. Augustine. The two-story building will feature a deck overlooking Castillo de San Marcos.
He predicted it opening in May, but didn’t have a cost for the renovation because the architect is just beginning the plans.
Meanwhile, the company’s first franchisee broke ground today in Charlotte. It’s owned by Brian Keller, who was a founding partner in The Tree Steakhouse in Jacksonville. Opening there is expected in three and a half months.