Imo’s Pizza Opens First Store in Nashville Area

The Missouri-based pizza chain is entering the Tennessee market with a new location owned and operated by a local military veteran.

Read the original at QSR Magazine
Imo’s Pizza Opens First Store in Nashville Area

TL;DR

Imo's Pizza is expanding into Tennessee with its first location in the Nashville area, owned and operated by a local military veteran. The brand is seeking qualified franchise partners to bring its St. Louis-style pizza to new markets in the Midwest, Middle, and Southern regions of the U.S.

Imo’s Pizza, the iconic St. Louis-based pizzeria and undisputed ambassador of St. Louis-style pizza, known for its signature Provel cheese and thin, crispy crust, is expanding into Tennessee with the opening of its first location in the Nashville-area.

Set to open later this year, the new restaurant will introduce Nashville residents to the unmistakable flavors that have made Imo’s Pizza a Midwest institution for more than 60 years, including its specialty pizzas, Provel bites, toasted ravioli, salads and other fan favorites.

The Nashville location will be owned and operated by a local military veteran, whose commitment to service, leadership and community aligns closely with Imo’s Pizza’s longstanding values and dedication to neighborhood ownership.

“We’re excited to bring Imo’s Pizza to Nashville and introduce a new audience to the flavors that have defined our brand for generations,” said Dutch Guidici, President and CEO of Imo’s Pizza. “This expansion represents an important milestone for our brand, and we’re especially proud to partner with a veteran franchise owner who shares our passion for serving his community.”

The Nashville opening marks the brand’s first restaurant in Tennessee and reflects Imo’s Pizza’s continued strategic growth beyond its Midwest roots. As part of its long-term expansion plans, the company is actively seeking qualified franchise partners to bring authentic St. Louis-style pizza to new markets in the Midwest, Middle and Southern regions of the U.S. Entrepreneurs interested in owning and operating an Imo’s Pizza franchise in available territories can learn more about opportunities by visiting

Founded in 1964, Imo’s Pizza has grown to nearly 100 locations across Missouri, Illinois and Kansas, while maintaining its commitment to quality ingredients, consistency and local ownership. The Nashville opening represents a significant step in the brand’s ongoing expansion into high-growth markets.

In this story

This story was originally published by Ben Coley in QSR Magazine on May 19, 2026. Burnaze summarizes and links to the original reporting.

Read the full story at QSR Magazine

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