Stoner’s Pizza Joint has launched new locations in Wichita, Kansas, and near the University of Denver in Colorado, as the chain’s leadership points to growing franchise momentum and opportunities for expansion.
The pizza chain, founded in Georgia in 2015 by entrepreneur Joel Harn, has steadily increased its national footprint over the past decade. The latest openings mark Stoner’s first restaurant in Kansas, located in Wichita, and its fifth in Denver, Colorado. The Wichita location, according to reporting by The Sun, is scheduled to open by the end of August, with both new restaurants set to be operational by September 1, although the exact year for the opening deadline is not explicitly stated. The Denver location, now open near the University of Denver, adds to the chain’s growing presence in a competitive pizza market.
CEO John Stetson described the expansion as evidence of the brand’s growing momentum, stating, “This is an exciting week for Stoner’s and a great reflection of the momentum we’re seeing across the brand.” Stetson also highlighted the strength of their franchise system: “Growing to five locations in Denver with an existing partner, while also entering Kansas with a new franchisee, demonstrates the strength of our franchise system and the growth opportunities we see ahead.”
The company’s path to national reach began when Harn sold the business to HHI Hospitality’s Drew Ciccarelli and Nick Bergelt for around $2.5 million in 2018. Since then, Stetson has taken the reins, focusing on franchising and expansion. The article notes that the Wichita restaurant will be run by a new franchisee, while the newest Denver store is operated with an existing local partner. These moves have helped push Stoner’s Pizza Joint to more than 60 locations nationwide.
The rapid expansion of Stoner’s comes at a time when the restaurant industry, especially in the pizza sector, faces significant challenges. While some competitors, including giants like Domino’s, have confronted closures and shifting consumer preferences, Stoner’s is betting on new markets and franchise partnerships to fuel its growth. The brand’s identity, which began simply as “Stoner’s,” has evolved to emphasize fast-casual service and playful marketing, such as the seasonal reintroduction of its Pickle Pizza, which appeared again on July 1, 2026, and is scheduled to disappear on August 31, 2026.
Wichita’s restaurant scene continues to attract new businesses and diverse talent, but the arrival of national chains also brings stories that reflect broader cultural tensions. In a recent incident unrelated to Stoner’s Pizza Joint but highlighting the challenges of working in the food industry, a 19-year-old Wichita server, Noah Bierig, was left in tears after a customer left a hateful slur instead of a tip. The incident, reported by the New York Post, drew widespread community support and a public apology from the customer. Bierig, who was targeted after customers appeared to mock his painted nails and Pride bracelet, chose to donate fundraising proceeds to GLSEN, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ students who face bullying.
“That hurt me a lot. I’m not the type to cry at work, but I gotta say, that was definitely the first time that had happened to me,” Bierig told KAKE, according to the New York Post.
Stoner’s Pizza Joint’s growth in both Wichita and Denver is built on its franchise system, which CEO John Stetson credits as a primary driver of their ability to expand into new markets. The company’s willingness to work with both new and existing franchisees has allowed it to adapt quickly, entering regions where other national chains find it harder to operate profitably. The Wichita store will be owned and operated by a new franchisee, while the Denver expansion relies on an established local partner.
This approach stands in contrast to some competitors in the pizza industry who, as the article notes, have faced mounting challenges and closures. With more than 60 locations now open across the country, Stoner’s has positioned itself as a growing force, relying on flexible partnerships and a willingness to experiment with its menu and branding.
Stoner’s Pizza Joint’s ongoing growth in Kansas and Colorado offers a case study in entrepreneurial adaptation. While the chain plays up its playful branding and seasonal menu items, its real strength appears to be in its franchise-first strategy and ability to move quickly into new markets. As restaurant employees in places like Wichita navigate both new opportunities and the challenges of public-facing work, the expansion of companies like Stoner’s highlights the complex balance between business growth, community, and culture.
In a market where too many national brands have lost their footing, Stoner’s is betting on local partnerships and steady momentum, an approach that might serve as a roadmap for businesses looking to grow without losing touch with Main Street America.
