ITALIAN PIZZA BRAND Konopizza has opened its first 'pizza on the go' outlet in the UK as part of its franchise development programme for the country.

Based in a 100sqft unit in the Merryhill Shopping Centre in the West Midlands, the store is making excellent progress selling its unique 'pizza in a cone' as a fast and convenient snack alternative for people on the move, complemented by coffee, soft drinks and fries.

"Konopizza is absolutely original," confirms Tony Dowd, who co-owns the Master Franchise rights to the UK. "Made from sour dough rather than traditional pizza dough, Konopizza contains just eight per cent fat, leaves no aftertaste, is easy to digest and filling but light. It is an ideal snack, which is generating considerable interest internationally - indeed the Master license rights for America have already been awarded to a substantial operating partner."

In the UK, Konopizza has awarded Area Developer rights for Norfolk and Suffolk with a view to establishing multiple units, the first of which will open in Norwich in July 2006. Konopizza is seeking 10 to 12 Area Developer partners with the potential to open up to 10 sites within the next three years.