There are almost 500 existing CiCi franchise restaurants in 34 states, serving an extensive variety of pizza with freshly-made dough on a custom buffet.

CiCi's Pizza has developed its own advanced technology and site model research. The addition of NGKF is designed to enhance business opportunities for potential new CiCi Pizza franchise owners.

NGKF will leverage knowledge of local markets and broad business relationships to work directly with franchisees on site selection, renewals and lease negotiations and provide referrals to construction and finance specialists.

"We are excited about the opportunity to partner with CiCi's Pizza on a regional level to help them achieve their growth initiatives,” said Jennifer Watson, senior managing director at NGKF Retail. “CiCi's Pizza is a strong brand in the franchising world and one that has the legs to expand exponentially in the Northeast.”

To jumpstart the development in the Philadelphia/South Jersey region, company executives are meeting with prospective single and multi-unit franchise owners.

The partnership with NGKF is just one part of part of Cici's mission to strategically grow its brand within the next few years. The company has developed several financing and incentive programs, including an Investment Partnership Program designed to assist existing and prospective franchisees with financing options.

Each new CiCi's Pizza creates about 40-50 jobs and means about $280,000 in local development contracts. From an investor perspective, CiCi's Pizza offers four distinct revenue streams: the custom buffet, catering, To Go orders and the game room. Multiple prototypes and restaurant design options are available to new franchisees.

During 2014, the company looks to branch into Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, as well as in non-traditional venues such as airports, casinos, military bases and universities.