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Nkd Pizza, which debuted its first Metro Detroit restaurant in Sterling Heights earlier this month, has plans for a big expansion. Local investor Mo Asker tells Crain's he's secured franchise rights for Michigan and Arizona and plans to bring around 30 outposts to Metro Detroit within the next five years.
Formerly known as Naked Pizza, the chain recently began rebranding to the more modest Nkd Pizza in order to reach international markets like Dubai where the original moniker wasn't socially acceptable. The chain is known for using non-GMO ingredients that are free of preservatives, additives, and artificial colors. Another location is slated to debut in Shelby Township later this year.
Nkd isn't the only chain trying to break into the Michigan market. Chick-fil-A confirmed last week that it would bring approximately 20 restaurants to the state within the next five years and Canadian restaurant chain Smoke's Poutinerie is plotting restaurants in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Lansing. Wahlburgers is also making a big Midwest push with approximately 12 locations headed to Michigan and Ohio in the next five years.
