Currito Strengthens Cincinnati Presence with Fresh Signed Franchise Deals

October 29, 2026 // Franchising.com // CINCINNATI – Currito is thrilled to announce its continued growth throughout the Cincinnati area with two newly signed franchise agreements. The brand recently secured a three-unit agreement with Petey Cunningham and his partnership group for restaurants in Mason, Milford and Eastgate, as well as a one-unit agreement with existing franchisee Ketul Patel for a new location in Liberty Township.

The Cincinnati agreements are the latest example of a broader development surge for Currito, which has now signed 34 franchise units system-wide over the last 22 months and has fully sold-out development rights in the Lexington, Louisville and Dayton markets. These mark another step forward for Currito as the brand continues to expand through experienced, values-driven operators who believe in its fresh, customizable menu, streamlined operations and people-first approach to franchising. As Currito grows both in new markets and within existing communities, these latest agreements reflect the brand’s ability to attract new restaurant entrepreneurs while also encouraging continued investment from franchisees already in the system.

Two Experienced Operators Invest in Currito’s Cincinnati Growth

Cunningham will lead development for the three new Cincinnati-area locations. A longtime restaurant industry executive, Cunningham spent the last 17 years with One Holland Group, where he joined as controller in 2008 before advancing to chief financial officer and chief development officer. Throughout his career, he has worked across several restaurant brands and gained experience in accounting, finance, development, and day-to-day restaurant operations. His path into restaurants began while attending Ohio State University and later working at Skyline Chili, where he discovered a passion for hospitality, serving others and building strong teams.

“After spending nearly two decades in the restaurant industry, I knew I wanted to build something of my own with the right brand and the right people,” said Cunningham. “Currito checked the boxes we were looking for: simple operations, clean and comfortable restaurants, a product people can feel good about and a leadership team that feels like a true partner. Being able to get to know Joe and John and see how hands-on the Thunderdome team is made this feel less like a traditional franchise agreement and more like joining a family.”

Patel, an existing Currito franchisee, will continue his growth with the brand through a new restaurant in Liberty Township. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by trade, Patel has previous restaurant ownership experience and operates his Currito business alongside his family, including his brother and their wives, who help run the business day to day. Before becoming a franchisee, Patel was first a loyal Currito customer, eating at the restaurant consistently and becoming impressed by the brand’s ability to deliver the same quality, flavor, and experience every time.

“Before I ever became a franchisee, I was a Currito customer for two years, and what stood out to me was the consistency,” said Patel. “Every time I came in, the food quality and experience were the same. That is not always easy to find in restaurants, and it gave me confidence in the brand. Expanding with another location in Liberty Township is a natural next step for our family and our team.”

Together, Cunningham and Patel represent two important growth paths for Currito: a new franchisee bringing deep restaurant leadership experience into the system and an existing operator expanding after seeing the brand’s potential firsthand.

Currito Continues Building Momentum Through Franchise Growth

The Cincinnati agreements arrive as Currito builds toward a larger regional growth strategy across the Midwest. Having sold out available territory in Lexington, Louisville and Dayton, and with 34 total units signed across the system in the last 22 months, the brand is now setting its sights on new markets, including Indianapolis and Columbus, as the next step in its regional expansion.

“Petey and Ketul exemplify exactly what we are looking for as Currito grows: individuals who believe in the product, understand restaurant operations, and want to build strong local teams,” said Joe Lanni, co-founder of Currito. “For Petey, Currito offers a path to take years of restaurant leadership and put it into his own business. For Ketul, this new agreement reflects the confidence of an existing franchisee who has already experienced the brand firsthand. We’re excited to deepen our presence across the Cincinnati area with both of them.”

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.

SOURCE Currito

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