It’s just the beginning.
UNIV Hospitality of Fort Myers, LLC, recently bought Grimaldi’s Pizzeria at Bell Tower.
A Fort Myers staple since late 2010, it’s the Brooklyn-style pizzeria’s only Southwest Florida location and one of just four in the state.
But that’s about to change.
Led by Gary Patel and Anil Harkhani, UNIV Hospitality has a franchise development agreement to eventually open five more Grimaldi’s in Lee and Collier counties and in Sarasota.
“With the acquisition of Grimaldi’s Bell Tower restaurant and plans to expand across Southwest Florida, we look forward to building on the restaurant’s success and bringing Grimaldi’s to even more communities throughout the region,” Harkhani said in a news release. “We plan to bring the same family-friendly, casual yet upscale atmosphere and award-winning pizzas to communities across Southwest Florida.”
Grimaldi’s — which debuted in 1990 under the Brooklyn Bridge in the Dumbo neighborhood — now has 40-plus locations in 12 states, including Florida.
While the Tampa, Palm Beach Gardens, and Miramar Beach locations remain company-owned restaurants, the Bell Tower one, still operating under Grimaldi’s Pizzeria’s brand, is now part of UNIV Hospitality. It’s the third domestic franchise territory — joining Alabama and Iowa — in the US.
“We’re excited to welcome Gary, Anil and the UNIV Hospitality team to the Grimaldi’s franchise family,” Michael A. Flaum, COO of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, said in a news release. “Their experience and commitment to hospitality make them a strong partner as we continue to grow the Grimaldi’s brand.”
Grimaldi’s is known for its traditional New York-style, coal-fired brick oven pizza, calzones and house-made cannoli and New York cheesecake. Appetizers, salads and meat & cheese boards are also featured at the casual, family-friendly, New York-themed restaurants.
Grimaldi’s at the Bell Tower (13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 201) is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Find it between Blue Pointe Oyster Bar and Tap 42. Call (239) 432-9767 or go to grimaldispizzeria.com for more information.