The owners of Village Idiot Pizza, a popular Colombian pizza chain, have decided to expand the business by opening up franchises. Established 32 years ago in Five Points, the restaurant has become a beloved staple in the Southeast, with branches all over the region. Brian and Kelly Glynn, who took ownership of the Five Points branch in 2003, will be leading the support for future franchisees. The couple, who met at the Village Idiot as employees, operate two more locations at 4517 Forest Drive in Acres and Olympia at the Mills off Whaley Street.
The Glynns shared that the pandemic’s effects led them to consider franchising as a viable option for expanding the business. The Covid-19 pandemic brought many challenges to the restaurant industry, including closures, staffing shortages, and limited dining opportunities. With the hope of growing the Village Idiot brand and bringing it to other communities, the couple sees franchising as a way to introduce the beloved restaurant to new customers.
The Village Idiot restaurant has long been a favorite among university students and alumni in South Carolina and other states. Customers have been requesting an expansion for years, and the Glynns believe that the franchise will work best in college towns across the Southeast. To help them navigate the process, the couple sought the guidance of the owner of another iconic local restaurant, Groucho’s Deli. The Groucho’s brand also started in the Five Points area and has since extended to 25 stores in South Carolina, three in North Carolina, and one in Georgia.
The Glynn’s franchise launch has been almost a year in the making, and the couple has received dozens of inquiries from interested parties in Southeast and elsewhere. They are taking a measured approach to the franchise’s growth, focusing on supporting new partners and maintaining the brand’s authenticity. Currently, they are eyeing locations in Northeast Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, Chapin, and eventually, Spartanburg and Charleston.
The Village Idiot brand has had an exciting year, with the restaurant set to be inducted into the Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame towards the end of 2022. Interested parties who wish to learn more about the Village Idiot franchise may do so online or by contacting vipfranchising@villageidiotpizza.com. For further information, please contact Christina Lee Knauss at 803-753-4327.