UK. The well-known UK pizza restaurant brand PizzaExpress will make its airport debut with the opening of a franchise partnership store with Airport Retail Enterprises in London Gatwick’s South Terminal later this month.
It will be the only PizzaExpress in the UK serving a breakfast menu, alongside its traditional pizzas and classic Italian dishes, with the pizzeria opening from 3.30am to 11pm daily.
The bespoke breakfast menu will include an Italian Bacon & Egg Pizza featuring crispy pancetta alongside breakfast staples such as Smashed Avocado & Poached Eggs served on golden, freshly baked dough; The Full Works, featuring a classic English breakfast served with a PizzaExpress twist of Dough Sticks; Pancetta & Maple Syrup Pancakes; and Breakfast Dough Balls & Jam.
Catering also for the younger diner, the PizzaExpress Piccolo breakfast menu will include Eggs & Soldiers featuring Dough Sticks.
From the classic PizzaExpress menu, airport diners’ choices will include the popular American Hot and Padana pizzas, calzones and salads, as well as pastas and desserts.
PizzaExpress said the opening of an airport location marks a new phase of growth for the brand, which now operates more than 100 restaurants in 12 markets internationally, in addition to the UK and Ireland.
Chief Development Officer Chris Holmes said: “We’re incredibly excited to be opening PizzaExpress at London Gatwick, which is a gateway to many destinations across the world, including some of our own international markets.
“Our customers want to enjoy their favourite brand everywhere and at any time, so opening sites across travel hubs – of which Gatwick is set to be the first airport location – provides even more opportunities for our customers to connect with us.
“Embarking on a journey with our franchise partner, Airport Retail Enterprises, we wanted to set the stage for something different across our Gatwick Airport site. As an industry-leading innovator, we created a menu that offers up something fresh and different, appealing to diners around the clock.
“We all know the holiday starts from the moment you arrive at the airport, and from early morning breakfasts to late-night dinners, there’s nowhere better to celebrate that holiday feeling than at PizzaExpress London Gatwick.”
Airport Retail Enterprises Director John Butts commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to be joining forces with PizzaExpress and building on our strong partnership with London Gatwick. This is an exciting moment in the growth of ARE in the UK market.”
London Gatwick Senior Retail Operations Manager Jack Howe said: “We are delighted to welcome PizzaExpress to London Gatwick. It will be a fantastic addition to our South Terminal departure lounge, as we strive to offer our passengers an exciting, diverse range of options before they fly.
“PizzaExpress’ commitment to quality and passion for creating memorable dining experiences aligns with our own dedication to ensuring a positive experience for all passengers travelling through the airport.” 
