In this episode of Emerging Franchise Brands, host Frank Fiume interviews Shahpour Nejad, the founder of Pizza Guys, a California-based pizza franchise that has grown to nearly 100 locations since launching in 1986. What started as a way to make ends meet as a college student in Cleveland transformed into a lifelong passion and one of the most enduring regional pizza brands in the Western U.S.
From his first location in Sacramento to new markets like Texas, Shahpour has built Pizza Guys through intentional, organic growth—starting with managers he trusted and turning them into his earliest franchisees. Rather than chasing fast growth, Shahpour focused on infrastructure, consistency, and community. His philosophy is simple but rare: only grow when you’re ready to support it.
A core part of Pizza Guys’ success has been its distinct identity. Rather than joining the race to the bottom with low-cost pies, Shahpour positioned the brand as a high-quality, specialty pizza shop. With over 30 unique gourmet combinations and a steadfast focus on ingredients, Pizza Guys delivers flavors customers can’t get at the big chains—and it delivers them via takeout and delivery, not dine-in.
Shahpour shares candid insights into how the brand evolved, the importance of empowering team members, and why he remains hands-on in R&D and product quality to this day. He also offers valuable advice for emerging franchisors who feel stuck: don’t be afraid to delegate, evaluate your infrastructure, and stay true to your mission.
August 28, 2025
