Californian pizza chain Project Pie has partnered with DBE Project to open restaurants in the Philippines.

The first has already opened in Mandaluyong City in July, to be followed by Pasay in October and Muntinlupa in November. Some 25 outlets are planned over the next three years.

Other cities being considered are Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Santa Rosa.

The franchise group originally planned to open five stores every year, with a five-year goal of 25 new locations, but the overwhelming success of the first store has encouraged it to target a faster roll-out.

Project Pie is the brainchild of fast-casual pizza pioneer James Markham, who founded the company in 2012 after creating and launching MOD Pizza in Seattle and Pie-ology in Fullerton, California. It is known for “everyday artisan pizza custom built by you” that cooks in less than two minutes.

Currently with two locations – the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and the Hillcrest neighbourhood in San Diego – Project Pie has several domestic locations slated for 2013 in Los Angeles County, Boulder, Colorado and Manhattan.

“Project Pie is the type of brand in a segment poised for fast growth that we know will do well here in the Philippines,” said DBE Project COO and EVP Vicente Gregorio.

DBE Project is a subsidiary of International Family Food Services, the owner and operator of Shakey’s Pizza Parlor and 800 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in the Philippines.

“DBE Project is the ideal franchise partner for our growth in the Philippines,” said Markham.

“With knowledge of the pizza industry from International Family Food Services and guidance from the Prieto family, they know more about franchising retail food brands in the Philippines than anyone.”