With its opening at Glendale Ave at Tremont Dr., across from the Pen Centre in St Catharines in the Ontario’s Niagara region in late 2025, Doughbox Wood Fired Pizza & Pasta ended the year with about 20 locations. The growing chain also reports that openings are expected shortly in various markets in Southwestern Ontario and in Ottawa. Introduced in 2018 by veteran Niagara area restauranteurs Tony Visca and Fern Colavecchia, across from McMaster University in Hamilton, the quick casual restaurant chain has become popular for its fresh, organic ingredients and fast-fired pizzas, cooked in just 180 seconds. The menu also includes authentic pastas and fresh salads. Franchising since 2020, the chain is actively seeking additional sites across Ontario. Ideal locations are in close proximity to high schools and universities, and in markets with average household incomes exceeding $80,000 annually. The preferred unit size ranges from 1,500 to 2,200 square feet, with at least 20 feet of frontage to accommodate the restaurant’s welcoming format.
Dough Box Restaurant Group Inc., 271 Merritt St., St Catharines, Ontario L2T 1K1 (905/658-3242 www.doughbox.ca)