PizzaForno's First Automated Pizzeria In MD Coming To Silver Spring

SILVER SPRING, MD — PizzaForno, a 24/7 automated pizzeria that bakes pizza, is opening a new location in Silver Spring, its first in Maryland.

A grand opening event for PizzaForno will take place at the Silver Spring location, 8750 Georgia Avenue, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 22.

The event will feature free pizza, family-friendly music, games, freebies and giveaways. Prizes will be given for games and an "enter to win” contest drawing will be held for two winners to win free pizza for an entire year.

Founded in 2018 by Canadian entrepreneurs William Moyer and Les Tomlin, PizzaForno is North America’s only automated pizzeria.

The Silver Spring location will be operated by A.J. Grillo, who spent more than 14 years with TGI Fridays, climbing to the role of general manager with United Restaurant Group in Richmond. The restaurant group is under the leadership of Tony Grillo, A.J.’s father, and is the second-largest franchisee of TGI Fridays, now encompassing 32 restaurants.

“As we introduce the very first PizzaForno unit into Maryland, I couldn't be more thrilled about the journey ahead,” Grillo said. “I'm excited to be a licensee of PizzaForno, and look forward to continuing to grow the brand across Virginia and Washington D.C.”

PizzaForno plans to have 25,000 operating units by 2028. Accessible 24/7 at the tap of a digital screen, the concept offers an array of pizza selections made with top-quality ingredients.

“This expansion reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of our customers,” said Tomlin, co-founder and president of PizzaForno. “With A.J.’s expertise in the hospitality industry and passion for excellence, we look forward to seeing PizzaForno flourish in new markets.”

PizzaForno currently has more than 70 locations, with the first 15 U.S. locations in California, Georgia, Michigan, Texas and Louisiana.