Brand’s 12th Chicagoland Location Creates 15 New Jobs and Marks Continued Franchise Growth Under Local Ownership; All May 31 Grand Opening Proceeds to Benefit Local Nonprofit, Matched by Slice Factory®
CHICAGO – May 19, 2025 – Slice Factory®, the fast-growing, Chicago-born pizza franchise, will open its 12th Chicagoland location in River Grove this May under the leadership of a local franchise owner. The new store brings 15 jobs to the community and reflects the brand’s continued investment in neighborhood-based growth and franchise expansion. A soft opening is planned for early May, with a grand opening celebration taking place on Friday, May 31.
To mark the grand opening, the River Grove location will offer $1 Jumbo and EDGE slices from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 31, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Special Education Program at Rhodes Elementary School through Slice Factory’s Pizza with Purpose® initiative. Slice Factory® will match all proceeds raised during the event, doubling the impact and reinforcing its commitment to supporting the communities it serves.*
The new store is led by franchise owner Antonio Molina, a hospitality veteran and longtime River Grove resident who also attended high school in the village. With over a decade of experience in restaurant development, including roles helping launch and scale acclaimed concepts under the One Off Hospitality umbrella, Molina brings deep operational expertise and a personal investment in his hometown.
“Antonio brings the kind of leadership and experience that strengthens our brand from the inside out,” said Dom DiDiana, founder and CEO of Slice Factory. “River Grove has a strong food culture—home to iconic spots known for fast, quality meals. It’s also a place that welcomes local business, and we’re proud to open this location with a franchise partner who truly understands both the brand and the neighborhood.”
Since 2008, Molina has helped build restaurants from the ground up, with a focus on operational efficiency and long-term brand growth. He later transitioned into supply chain and sales, working with U.S. Foods and Sysco, where he partnered directly with operators to solve challenges and drive revenue.
Now, as a first-time franchisee, Molina is investing in the future of the community in more ways than one. In addition to bringing new jobs to River Grove, he plans to launch a local college scholarship fund to support youth development—part of his long-term vision to uplift the next generation.
“River Grove is home for me, so opening this location is both a personal and professional milestone,” said Molina. “I’ve always believed that business should serve the community it’s in, and Slice Factory shares that philosophy. From the beginning, I was impressed by how well the model is built. Dom had already developed systems with strong supply chain fundamentals and scalability, making it feel strategic, efficient, and built for long-term success.”
Slice Factory’s momentum is driven by strong local operators, a scalable franchise model, and a deep commitment to community investment. Founded in 1998 by an Italian immigrant family, Slice Factory® began franchising in 2017 and has since grown into a category-defining brand in the fast-casual space. With 12 locations open and more in development, the company is actively expanding across the Midwest and seeking new franchise partners. Slice Factory is also the only pizza franchise offering a true drive-thru experience for pizza by the slice—bringing unmatched speed and convenience to the category.
Terms & Conditions: Offer valid May 31, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Limit one $1 slice per person present. Guests must be Slice Life® Rewards members or sign up at time of purchase to participate. Offer applies to Jumbo Slices (cheese, sausage, or pepperoni) and EDGE Slices (cheese or pepperoni) only. Additional slices may be purchased at regular price.
About Slice Factory
Founded in 1998 and franchising since 2017, Slice Factory® is a Chicago-born, fast-growing pizza franchise rooted in family, tradition, and bold innovation. Built on the vision of an Italian immigrant family pursuing the American Dream, Slice Factory has grown from a neighborhood pizzeria into a category-defining brand reshaping the fast-casual pizza experience. Home of the Original Jumbo Slice, the brand continues to push boundaries with its EDGE Pizza, delivering 360 degrees of crispy, golden perfection with toppings loaded edge-to-edge, and its Slice-Thru® drive-thru, offering unmatched convenience in the pizza industry. With 12 locations across Chicagoland and a growing franchise network, Slice Factory aims to bring its innovative pizza experience to more communities. To learn more, visit www.slicefactory.com.