This story was originally published on QSR. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily QSR AM Jolt.

Pizza Guys, a Sacramento-based pizza franchise known for fresh, high-quality ingredients, announced today that it has signed a lease for its upcoming Fort Worth restaurant at 3529 Heritage Trace Pkwy, Ste 119. Owned and operated by business partners Kapil Pantha and Tara Rai, the new location marks Pizza Guys' second restaurant in Texas. This expansion builds on the brand's successful Texas debut in Plano last year.

The Fort Worth location is expected to open early 2027. Pantha and Rai plan to hire a team of at least five employees to support day-to-day operations.

Pantha and Rai are more than business partners. In fact, they are close friends and neighbors whose families share deep ties, including a common heritage in Nepal and children who attend the same school. That personal bond, paired with a shared belief in community-focused business, is what drew them to Pizza Guys.

"Kapil and Tara bring exactly the kind of partnership and community spirit that makes a Pizza Guys location thrive," said Shahpour Nejad, CEO and Founder of Pizza Guys. "From our very first conversations with them, it was clear how much they valued the guidance and support our team offers, and that same care is exactly what they'll bring to Fort Worth. We're proud to welcome them into the Pizza Guys family as we continue to grow across Texas."

A Partnership Rooted in Community

Pantha brings a diverse professional background to his new venture, having started his career in the restaurant industry before managing 7-Eleven convenience stores and later moving into operations for a trucking company. Most recently, he worked in logistics. Rai's experience includes roles in the restaurant and fast-food sectors alongside a career in the tech sector. Together, the pair believe their combined backgrounds in customer-facing roles and operations position them well for franchise success.

"From the moment we met the Pizza Guys team, we knew this was the right fit," said Pantha. "They walked us through every step of the process. Compared to other food franchises, the lower startup cost made this an opportunity we could realistically pursue. After trying the food ourselves at the Plano location, we knew immediately this was a brand worth investing in."

Being among the first two franchisees bringing Pizza Guys to Texas, Pantha and Rai are deeply committed to establishing a strong foundation for the brand. The Fort Worth restaurant marks the beginning of their journey toward a multi-unit operation.

"For us, this is about more than opening a restaurant, it's about being an active part of the community we live in," said Rai. "Great customer service, a high-quality product and a welcoming space are what we believe keep guests coming back. We want families to feel right at home when they walk through our doors, the same way we feel at home here in Fort Worth."

The Fort Worth lease signing builds on strong momentum for Pizza Guys, which expanded to more than 100 locations systemwide and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2026. The brand continues to prioritize thoughtful growth, strong franchisee support, and quality service across California, Nevada, and Texas.

To learn more about Pizza Guys or view the menu, visit pizzaguys.com. For information on franchise opportunities, visit pizzaguys.com/franchise-opportunities.

The post Pizza Guys Signs Lease in Fort Worth, Texas appeared first on QSR Magazine.