Currito Builds on 2025 Growth with Confirmed Openings and New Menu Offerings

Emerging Globally Inspired Fast Casual Brand Enters 2026 with 25 Units Sold in 18 Months, Upgraded Kitchens, and Refreshed Menu Offerings

Cincinnati, OH // FranchisePR.com // Feb. 11, 2026 – Currito, a fast-casual franchise fueling communities through their globally inspired menu, is closing out 2025 with continued development, expanded systemwide updates, and menu innovation. The local Cincinnati-based brand experienced strong interest from new and existing operators throughout 2025, resulting in 11 units sold this year for a total of 25 committed units sold over the last 18 months resulting in 11 units projected to open in 2026. This growth is supported by ongoing enhancements to operational efficiencies and the guest experience as they continue to expand in the new year.

Eleven of these locations were sold in 2025, including three units in Dayton, OH, in partnership with the brand’s VP of Franchise Development, Scotty Geiger, with the first slated to open in Q1 of 2026; a three-unit area development near Newark, DE; and single-unit developments planned for Louisville, KY; Murfreesboro, TN; Evansville, IN; Bowling Green, KY; and an additional Cincinnati, OH restaurant from an existing franchisee expanding their presence. Currito also opened a new franchise location in Maineville, OH this year, and was recognized for their growth on the 2025 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list and the Franchise Times Top 400 Franchises list.

“2025 has been an incredible year of growth for us; we’ve experienced a notable rise in franchise inquiries this year, which speaks to both the strength of our model and the demand for fresh, globally inspired options,” said John Lanni, co-founder of Currito. “The partners we’ve added this year share our long-term vision, and the momentum we’ve seen thus far creates a strong path forward as we continue to grow in the new year.”

Currito has 11 new locations confirmed to open in 2026, strengthening its presence across several high-priority markets. These openings are scheduled for:

• Dayton, OH – Q1 and Q4
• Louisville, KY – Q2 and Q3
• Newark, DE – Q2
• Knoxville, TN – Q3
• Cincinnati, OH – two locations in Q3
• Lexington, KY – Q3
• Owensboro, KY – Q3
• Chicago, IL – Q3

Looking ahead, the brand will prioritize additional development in Indianapolis, Columbus, Detroit, Nashville, Louisville, and Lexington, with a goal of having 30 units sold by the end of 2026.

Throughout 2025, Currito has continued to refine and modernize its systemwide operations, retrofitting kitchens to a streamlined combination oven platform designed to enhance consistency, reduce labor, simplify execution, and perfect the cooking process. The brand also introduced a new wild rice blend to elevate its brown rice offering and will launch two refreshed menu items this December—a new and improved Harvest Bowl featuring the wild rice blend and a new Greek Salad with a lemon herb dressing—alongside its twice-yearly seasonal additions and exploration of new protein options.

“As we enter 2026, our goals go beyond adding new locations,” said Joe Lanni, co-founder of Currito. “We’re focused on refining and advancing the systems that make Currito efficient, consistent, and enjoyable for both our operators and our valued customers. That commitment to steady, meaningful improvement will guide us in the year ahead as we continue on our mission of finding qualified, passionate partners to join us in expanding our footprint in our home-state of Ohio and bringing Currito to even more communities throughout the U.S.”

Founded in 2005 by brothers Joe and John Lanni, Currito was created to bring fresh, globally inspired meals, including bowls, wraps, salads, smoothies, and more, 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.

For more information about Currito and its franchise opportunities, please visit https://www.currito.com/franchise/.

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About Currito
Founded in 2005, Currito is a fast-casual restaurant serving bowls, wraps, salads, smoothies, and more, all made with fresh, 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 21 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.