&Pizza opened its doors in 2012, and has been on the expansion fast track every since. CEO Michael Lastoria explains how his company grew from one Washington, D.C. location to 23 along the East Coast. The company recently closed a round of funding led by RSE Ventures. Lastoria says that the company plans to use the capital to open 15 stores in the next year. At least four will be in New York City. &Pizza plans to expand to Miami and Boston as well. Community is at the heart of &Pizza's business model. Each of the company-owned locations partner with local artists and organizations. Lastoria is also a fervent advocate for increasing the federal minimum wage. He says that morally, it is the right thing to do. Lastoria has spent time on Capitol Hill lobbying Congress on the issue.

Share:
More In Business
Stretching Your Dollar: Holiday Bonus
Grant Buckholt, financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual, joined Cheddar News to discuss what exactly a holiday bonus entails and provided tips on how to budget it.
Stretching Your Dollar: Steps to Take for Financial Freedom
Many of us will look to chart a path to tackling finances as the New Year arrives. Jamila Souffrant, author of "Your Journey to Financial Freedom," joined Cheddar News to discuss steps on what to take if you're looking to take control of your life for financial freedom.
Home Entertainment for the Holidays
If you're looking to upgrade your home entertainment system, Vizio may have you covered, especially this holiday season. Phil Schneider, head of device sales with Vizio, spoke with Cheddar News about what's currently in demand.
Load More