August 06, 2026 // Franchising.com // CINCINNATI – Currito, the fast-casual concept fueling communities through its globally inspired bowls, salads, and smoothies, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest restaurant in Newark. The restaurant, located at 511 Grove Lane, opens its doors on Monday, August 10, marking Currito's debut in the state of Delaware and the first restaurant for franchisee Piyush Patel. To celebrate, there will be a series of VIP parties for members of the community to attend from August 6-8. On August 10, the first 50 guests that come through the door will get free Currito for a year (one weekly meal in the app for 365 days).
Patel's introduction to Currito came through personal connections: he is friends with another Currito franchisee with several locations throughout Ohio and Kentucky. After visiting those restaurants, Patel fell in love with the brand. As the first Currito franchisee in Delaware, he plans to bring three additional locations to the area, drawn to the concept's clean, high-end look and feel and a menu he considers healthier and more approachable than other bowl concepts on the market.
Business runs in Patel's family, and he brings established multi-unit franchise experience to his first Currito restaurant, having previously owned and operated Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Dunkin' locations. A Newark-area local himself, Patel is looking forward to serving his own community and plans to hire between 15 and 20 full- and part-time employees for the new restaurant.
“I fell in love with Currito the first time I tried it, and once I saw there wasn’t a single location in Delaware, I knew it was an opportunity worth taking,” said Patel. “The brand has a cleaner, more high-end feel than other bowl concepts, and the food is genuinely healthier, something you can eat any day of the week. Bringing that to Newark, and eventually to three more communities across the area, is something I’m really proud of.”
To celebrate the grand opening, the first 50 customers to visit will each win a free bowl every week for an entire year. Patel will also host a series of community celebrations at the restaurant on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of opening week, inviting Newark neighbors to come try the menu and meet the team.
“Piyush represents exactly what we look for in a Currito franchisee: someone who genuinely loves the food and understands what it takes to run a great restaurant,” said John Lanni, co-founder of Currito. “His background as a multi-unit operator, paired with his passion for the brand and his own community, made him the perfect partner to introduce Currito to Delaware. We can’t wait for Newark to discover what makes Currito special.”
Founded in 2005 by brothers Joe and John Lanni, Currito was created to bring fresh, globally inspired meals to the fast-casual space. Using nutritious, locally sourced ingredients, the brand appeals to consumers seeking delicious, healthy options. With a deep-rooted food industry background, the Lanni brothers drew inspiration from their father, Nick Lanni, who founded and grew the Great Steak and Potato Company to over 250 locations. They have since built the Thunderdome Restaurant Group, which includes several successful concepts alongside Currito.
To find the nearest Currito location to you, please visit currito.com/locations/. To sign up for the Currito Newark VIP Party, please visit currito.com.
Founded in 2005, Currito is redefining the fast-casual space through their globally inspired menu with fresh and nourishing ingredients. Committed to their vision of serving food that fuels communities, the brand is thrilled to expand their reach within the U.S. through franchising. With 23 locations open and operating throughout Ohio, Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, the brand is actively looking for passionate franchisees to join them on their mission. Currito empowers their franchisees with a proven business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, to ensure their individual success as business owners. For more information about Currito, please visit currito.com.
SOURCE Currito
Founded in 2005, Currito is redefining the fast-casual space through their globally inspired menu with fresh and nourishing ingredients.