Sbarro

Sbarro is a well-known quick-service pizza and Italian restaurant brand that traces its roots to a small grocery and pizzeria opened in Brooklyn, New York by Nino and Carmela Sbarro in 1956. Over the decades, the company has grown from its neighborhood beginnings into a global chain, now operating approximately 650 locations as of November 2025. Sbarro’s reputation was built in high-traffic venues such as shopping malls and airports, where its New York-style pizza and Italian-American menu have become familiar to travelers and shoppers.

In the past five years, Sbarro has significantly broadened its approach to real estate and market entry. The company has moved beyond its traditional mall and airport footprint, opening restaurants in convenience stores, travel centers, universities, military bases, hospitals, and casinos. This multi-format strategy has made Sbarro a more versatile tenant for a wider range of property types. Since 2022, Sbarro has added over 200 new locations, expanding not only in North America but also internationally, with recent openings in Colombia, Panama, Poland, Denmark, and North Macedonia.

Leadership changes have supported this momentum. In 2024, Mario Bojorquez joined as President of North America, bringing more than a decade of experience from Restaurant Brands International. Under his guidance, Sbarro continues to work closely with both franchisees and company-owned restaurants to identify new market opportunities and drive growth initiatives.

Sbarro’s current expansion posture, combined with its willingness to adapt to new venue formats and international markets, positions the brand as a credible and active participant in today’s commercial real estate landscape. The company’s mix of company-owned and franchised locations allows for flexible growth and operational models, making it a relevant consideration for landlords, brokers, and developers seeking established foodservice tenants with a proven track record and ongoing growth ambitions.