Divaris negotiates renewals, finds new sites and sells surplus Pizza Huts in Hampton Roads.

Divaris Chosen to Exclusively Represent Pizza Hut in Hampton Roads

HAMPTON ROADS, VA: Faced with increasing competition, the decision was made to focus on local ownership of Pizza Huts. Luckily, for Michael McClellan, president of Colonial Foods, LLC, the opportunity arose to own all 63 Hampton Roads Pizza Huts.

"We've been in a position in recent years to sell multiple units in one market to someone who understands the franchise business and who lives there, because we believe that local control will drive the brand deeper into the community," states Jay Allison, a Pizza Hut corporate spokesperson.

"The deal met both of our needs," McClellan said. "I was interested in doing something on my own and Pizza Hut was more interested in receiving cash in one lump sum from a market purchase than from profits of restaurant sales over the next 20 years," McClellan continues. After the purchase was finalized, McClellan set off to revamp the local Pizza Hut image. His first step was to appoint Divaris Real Estate to exclusively represent Colonial Foods.

Missy Martinovich, a leasing agent for Divaris Real Estate's Newport News, Virginia office and Carol Melatti and Anne Millar, leasing agents in DRE's Virginia Beach office, comprise the Pizza Hut real estate team. Divaris is charged to negotiate renewals, find new sites and sell the surplus stores on behalf of Colonial Foods. As of today, eight surplus properties are for sale and three are already under contract. 

Out with the old and in with the new is exactly what McClellan is doing with his Pizza Hut venture. McClellan hopes to acquire new locations that satisfy an innovative prototype. New facilities will be designed to provide both dine-in and carry-out options to achieve a notable niche in the local pizza market.

He plans to strengthen relationships with the business community, the military, schools and churches. "I want, as much as possible, to personally know the people we do business with. That's possible when the decisionmaker is local," McClellan said.