Chris Patel

Multi-Unit Franchising: Key Advice to Expand Your Portfolio

Chris Patel is the COO of Pie Investments, a leading franchise group operating across the Mid-Atlantic region. He oversees 70 Papa John’s locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and the turnaround of distressed assets. His leadership has been instrumental in enhancing profitability, streamlining operations, and expanding market share in highly competitive markets.

Beyond his role at Papa John’s, Chris is part of a restaurant partnership group that includes Dunkin’ bringing his total restaurant group size to 200 units across the Mid-Atlantic region. With a collective restaurant group pipeline set to deliver over 20 new restaurants this year across various brands, further solidifying his presence in the multi-unit franchise industry. Chris also has extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and capital raising. Over the course of his career, he has successfully raised more than $250 million in debt and equity placements, enabling the expansion, acquisition, and sustained success of numerous brands. His strategic planning, financial structuring, and deal execution skills have positioned him as a key influencer in the franchise and foodservice sectors.

Chris holds an MBA in Finance with a minor in Corporate Law, equipping him with the knowledge to navigate complex financial and corporate landscapes. He also serves on Papa John’s Franchise Advisory Council (FAC), representing the Northeast region of franchisees. In this role, he is dedicated to driving growth, fostering innovation, and mentoring emerging franchise operators.

With a vision for scalability, operational efficiency, and brand diversification, Chris continues to lead Pie Investments to new heights, ensuring long-term sustainability and market leadership in the franchise industry.

Joining Amy Elder and Nadeem Bajwa

Expanding into multi-unit franchising offers an exciting pathway to growing your portfolio and multiplying your success. For franchise owners ready to scale, learn from other franchisees' approach with a proven formula to help establish brand dominance across different regions. It requires a calculated, strategic approach to ensure expansion aligns with profitability and operational excellence.