UK restaurant brand PizzaExpress is entering the US, with the first store to open in Florida next year.

PizzaExpress partnered with franchising group Purple Square to bring the 60-year-old pizza chain to the US, with plans to reach 1000 restaurants globally by 2030.

Currently, PizzaExpress is present in nearly 360 locations in the UK and Ireland and 110 international locations across 12 markets, including owned operations in Hong Kong and the UAE, and franchised sites across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

The chain is known for its live music, black-and-white striped team uniforms (a reference to Venetian gondoliers), marble tables, open kitchens with flaring Pizzaiolos (pizza chefs).

The brand was founded by Peter Boizot, who set out with his ambitious vision to serve authentic, high-quality pizza in a casual and inclusive setting. He opened the first PizzaExpress in the 1960s in Soho, London.

US partner Purple Square, led by Briton Vik Patel as CEO and president, operates more than 245 franchise locations across 15 states.

“We know this concept has the potential to resonate with US consumers in a truly unique way,” said Vik Patel, Purple Square CEO and president.

“This is just the beginning of a journey we’re confident will inspire a new wave of dining experiences across the country.”