Cigierre plans 12 franchise openings in the second half of 2026

Franchising is playing a larger role in the growth plans of Cigierre, the group based in Friuli, north-eastern Italy, behind Old Wild West, Pizzikotto and Smashie. Of the 28 openings planned for the second half of 2026, 12 will be run by franchisees and 16 will be company-operated. The expansion programme comes alongside growing half-year results: turnover across the network, including franchised restaurants, reached €264 million.

Franchisees account for a larger share of new openings

Figures released on 26 October show a network in which company-operated restaurants remain the main component, but franchising is taking a larger share of new openings. At 30 June 2026, Cigierre had 342 restaurants, comprising 215 company-operated and 127 franchised sites. Franchised restaurants therefore accounted for around 37% of the total.

Their share is higher in the second-half programme: 12 out of 28 openings represents almost 43%. This is not a wholesale shift from company-operated restaurants to franchising, but an expansion using both models, with franchisees accounting for a greater proportion of openings than their share of the network at the end of June.

For those assessing the Italian franchise market, this comparison is particularly relevant. The group, based in Tavagnacco in the province of Udine, is not treating franchising as a marginal activity: it accounts for more than four in ten planned openings in the second half of the year. At the same time, the 16 planned company-operated restaurants confirm its continued commitment to a mixed model.

Network turnover reaches €264 million in the first half

In the first six months of 2026, total turnover across the Cigierre network was €264 million, up 5.6%. Company-operated restaurants generated €180 million, an increase of 6%.

It is important to distinguish between these two measures: network turnover includes franchisees’ sales and is not the same as turnover from restaurants operated by the group alone. Subtracting the latter figure puts turnover attributable to franchised restaurants at approximately €84 million for the half-year. This measures their overall sales contribution, not the income the group receives from its franchise relationships.

Half-year EBITDA rose to €39 million, an increase of 25.8%, outpacing turnover growth. This figure reflects the group’s financial performance, but does not establish the profitability of an individual franchised restaurant: overall results and the accounts of a specific outlet remain separate matters.

Taken together, the figures show a network with rising turnover and improved EBITDA as its expansion programme progresses.

The annual target remains 37 new restaurants

Cigierre opened nine restaurants in the first half of 2026. The further 28 openings planned for the second half are intended to bring the total to 37 openings for the full year. Most of the expansion is therefore scheduled for the latter half of 2026.

The full-year financial forecast also remains unchanged: the group is targeting network turnover of €551 million, representing growth of 5.5% on the previous year. This is a target, distinct from the €264 million already recorded in the first half.

If all planned openings go ahead and there are no closures, the network would reach 370 restaurants, including 139 franchised sites. This is a projection dependent on delivery of the plan, not a total already achieved. The distinction is particularly important when assessing announcements published before the financial year has ended.

What to assess before becoming a franchisee

Cigierre’s plan provides a clear indication of its development strategy: franchising continues alongside company-operated restaurants and accounts for a larger share of openings in the second half. The financial results offer further insight into the scale of the network, but do not replace the analysis needed for an individual business venture.

For anyone considering entering the Italian franchise market, these figures are therefore a starting point. Before making a decision, prospective franchisees should request information specific to their preferred brand and location, checking the investment required, operating costs, contractual terms and support available.

Practical takeaway: always distinguish between results already achieved, planned openings and the financial viability of an individual restaurant. Network growth is a factor to consider, not a guarantee of a franchisee’s success.