PizzaExpress pizza and dining services

PizzaExpress is a renowned British restaurant group that has become a staple of the high street since its founding in 1965 by Peter Boizot. It was inspired by Boizot's travels to Italy, specifically Rome, and aimed to bring authentic Neapolitan and Romana style pizzas to the UK market. The brand is famous not only for its restaurants but also for its 'Cook at Home' retail range, which includes chilled pizzas, dough balls, and dressings found in major supermarkets.

Manufacturing for its retail range and the preparation of its signature dough primarily occurs in the United Kingdom. Ownership of the brand has transitioned through several major private equity hands over the decades. In 2020, following a debt restructuring process, the company was acquired by a group of its bondholders, with Hony Capital—a Chinese private equity firm—previously holding a majority stake. The current ownership remains under a consortium of lenders as the brand continues to expand globally and maintain its presence in the competitive casual dining sector.