Ca’ Pelletti turns to franchising after opening five restaurants

Ca’ Pelletti is preparing for a new phase of growth through franchising, building on five restaurants and more than a decade of company-run operations. Founded in 2013 within the Surgital Group, the contemporary restaurant brand takes its inspiration from Italy’s Romagna region and aims to pass on the model developed in its own outlets to new franchisees. Elena Bacchini, chief executive of Ca’ Pelletti Retail, outlined its plans in an interview published by Economy on 22 October 2026.

From company-run restaurants to the search for partners

The current network comprises two restaurants in Bologna, one in Milan, one in Padua and one in the Oriocenter shopping centre. These provide the operational foundation for the brand’s planned franchise expansion, drawing on experience gained across different trading environments.

Bacchini presents the move into franchising as the outcome of a process of testing and refinement. Running its own restaurants has allowed the company to test the concept both in historic city centres and in shopping centre food courts, developing procedures that can be passed on to future partners.

For the franchise sector, the news is therefore the launch of a franchise opportunity based on an existing estate of operational restaurants. The project described by the company is not an announcement of a new franchised opening: its focus is on finding entrepreneurs who can help develop the network while remaining consistent with the existing model.

Who Ca’ Pelletti is looking for

The brand is targeting entrepreneurs, multi-unit operators, investors and managers. According to its chief executive, previous experience in the restaurant sector is not essential. Instead, selection will focus on organisational skills, customer focus, local market knowledge and a willingness to apply the system’s standards.

The desired profile therefore combines a strong local presence with commitment to a shared way of working. Knowledge of the local market is one of the qualities sought, alongside the ability to follow common procedures: prospective partners must be able to respond to their market without departing from the network’s approach.

As part of this process, Ca’ Pelletti is participating in Salone Franchising Milano, scheduled for 1–3 October 2026 at Allianz MiCo, with the Food Brand Basket group. Bacchini identified the exhibition as an opportunity to meet entrepreneurs, investors and operators interested in learning about the concept and its growth prospects.

Planned support for franchisees

The package outlined by Ca’ Pelletti includes training, operating procedures and manuals, opening support, an integrated supply chain, management reporting and cost control, marketing and ongoing assistance. These are the tools through which the company intends to share the experience gained from running its own restaurants.

The stated aim is to reduce operational complexity so that franchisees can focus on developing their businesses and making the most of local opportunities. This is an objective of the support model, not a guarantee of an individual outlet’s financial performance.

The project therefore goes beyond use of the brand or its food offering. In the company’s description, the franchise package also covers the restaurant’s day-to-day organisation and the tools needed to monitor its performance. Anyone considering joining the network should explore these aspects, along with exactly how training and support are delivered at each stage of the business.

Selective growth and prospects beyond Italy

Bacchini has set out a strategy of structured, consistent growth through partners who share the brand’s vision and take a long-term view. According to the company, the concept’s modular format also creates opportunities in high-footfall locations and travel retail settings.

Alongside growth in Italy, the plans include an international ambition. Ca’ Pelletti aims to bring a contemporary, accessible and replicable restaurant concept to new markets, drawing on the familiarity of Italian cuisine and an operating system that can be transferred to other locations. These statements outline the project’s direction; they do not refer to overseas openings already completed.

Practical takeaway: anyone considering a franchise should start by comparing the promised support with the needs of their proposed location. Training, supplies, management reporting and cost control, and ongoing assistance are key points to verify in discussions with the brand, alongside their own willingness to apply its standards.