Your Pie Founder Drew French Awarded ABC’s 40 Under 40

As seen in The Atlanta Business Chronicle – December 20, 2017

From an early age, Drew French knew he wanted to open a restaurant. In high school and college, he learned about franchising.

“That was when I really realized that the franchise model is a cool way to own a restaurant,” he said.

As founder and president of Athens-based Your Pie Franchising Inc., French originated the fast-casual pizza concept that uses a brick oven pizza, hand-tossed dough and down-the-line ability for each customer to individualize their pizza.

“With pizza, the decision of toppings was made with a group of people. This way everyone gets their own pizza and they actually get what they want,” said French, a 2017 honoree in Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 Awards.

The company started in 2008 and began franchising in 2010. Today there are 50 locations in 17 states, including 14 in and around Atlanta. Your Pie is on pace to have 75 locations in 24 states by the end of next year.

“One of the core values of the company that Drew instills is the support of each local community,” said Tom Minella, vice president of business development, Thrive Farmers International. “He believes that success is only achieved if the Your Pie family are invested community leaders.”

 In Your Pie’s Dine and Donate program, during the week before a franchise opens, 400 guests a day receive free pizza and make a donation to a local nonprofit partner if they choose.

French serves on the boards of AthensMade and Extra Special People.