Iowa pizza chain to open Branson restaurant

An Iowa-based pizza chain is putting down roots in Branson.

Through franchisee Satish Pardeshi, Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is scheduled to open at 1420 W. 76 Country Blvd., according to a news release. A soft opening is slated to be held before the spring season begins in the tourist town, though an official date was not disclosed and a spokesperson could not be reached for comment by deadline.

The pizza brand would occupy 3,000 square feet along Country Boulevard. The company's website indicates the store would be located within the Red Lion Inn & Suites complex.

“We are proud to continue Happy Joe’s growth in Missouri,” company CEO Tom Sacco said in the release. “Franchisee Satish Pardeshi has done such an amazing job at our other location in (St. Peters), and we trust his expertise to bring in even more smiles to Branson.”

Owned and operated by Dynamic Restaurant Holdings Inc., Happy Joe’s has three corporate and 43 franchise locations, with another 28 in the pipeline, according to the release.

The company's website shows a menu with pizzas including the Happy Joe's Special with Canadian bacon and sauerkraut and the Meatworks with pepperoni, sausage, salami and Canadian bacon, as well as toasted sandwiches, pasta and breakfast options.

Franchisees are expected to pay an initial investment of up to $1.2 million, along with a 6% royalty fee and advertising fees, according to the company’s website.