Kono USA Introduces “Kono To-Go” Brand to Reflect Menu Variety beyond Pizza Cones

New Addition to Franchise Portfolio Focuses on All Things Cones &
Portable

JERSEY CITY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kono USA, the franchisor that first introduced the popular
pizza-in-a-cone concept to the United States in 2013 as “The Original”
Kono Pizza, announced today it has expanded its brand portfolio with the
addition of “Kono To-Go” – Fresh Eats, Treats & Sweets. The first two
Kono To-Go locations are slated to open in mid-April in Dallas and
Baltimore.

The strategic introduction of the new brand follows robust growth in
2015, including long lines of customers at existing Kono Pizza locations
and more than 40 franchise agreements for new mobile carts, kiosks and
in-line units at malls, Walmart stores and other high-traffic venues. In
2016, the company is on track to add 75-100 locations across the country.

Kono To-Go reflects the diverse menu offerings beyond its staple
pizza-in-a-cone and positions the franchise for continued growth in the
snack category. The potential for Kono To-Go to thrive within the snack
segment is evidenced by the popularity of a new kiosk at the Cherry Hill
Mall in New Jersey, which flourishes amid multiple snack brand choices
available to shoppers.

Both “The Original” Kono Pizza and the new Kono To-Go franchises offer
the same variety of quality products, including breakfast, deli, pizza
and dessert items, all served in freshly-baked dough cones. Items are
prepared using ingredients inspired by original Italian recipes and
baked in just three minutes in the brand’s proprietary oven. However,
with the introduction of Kono To-Go, franchisees will now have the
flexibility to open with either name, depending on which one best suits
their market. Franchisees can also choose between traditional brick and
mortar stores, kiosks, mobile carts, in-line stores or a combination of
the models.

Kono USA Co-Founder David Ragosa said the company takes a “chameleon”
approach that allows for evolution and adaptability. “Our franchisees
get the best of both worlds – they receive strong operating systems and
the support of a national franchisor, with tremendous flexibility to
attract customers with different preferences, and increase profitability
by catering to different market segments.”

In addition to a corporate-owned kiosk location in the Newport Centre
Mall in N.J., the first two “The Original” Kono Pizza franchised kiosks
opened in 2015, and additional multi-unit deals were signed in
Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Atlanta and Dallas with over 40 “The
Original” Kono Pizza and Kono To-Go locations in various stages of
development.

“The introduction of Kono To-Go and its tagline emphasizes the
portability of our products and positions us as a one-stop shop for
either a meal during any part of the day, a perfect snack between meals,
or a treat to satisfy a sweet tooth,” said Carlo Ruggiero, co-founder.
“For years there have been the same offerings to on-the-go consumers at
malls and other busy venues. We offer a fresh and unique alternative.”

About Kono USA

In 2013, entrepreneurs David Ragosa, Carlo Ruggiero, and Greg Kinlaw
introduced the already popular European pizza-in-a-cone concept to
America by establishing Kono USA and offering “The Original” Kono Pizza
franchise opportunity. In 2015, the company expanded its portfolio to
include Kono To-Go, reflecting diverse and portable product offerings of
treats, eats and sweets in addition to its staple pizza cones. All
products are filled with fresh, quality ingredients inspired by original
Italian recipes and baked in just three minutes in a proprietary oven.
There are currently more than 40 “The Original” Kono Pizza or Kono To-Go
locations operating or in various stages of development across the
United States. For more information about “The Original” Kono Pizza or
Kono To-Go franchises, visit franchise.konousa.com
or call (855) 566-6872. To learn more about “The Original” Kono Pizza
and Kono To-Go, visit www.konousa.com.

Contacts

Fishman Public Relations
Media Contact
Elida Coseri
847-945-1300
ecoseri@fishmanpr.com