Steve Salis, co-founder of the fast-casual &pizza concept, has stepped away from daily operations, according to Bethesda magazine.
Company officials said co-founder Michael Lastoria has taken the role of president and CEO.
In the magazine article, Salis indicated that the chain planned to recruit a “blue chip, top-notch” executive to run the growing brand.
Through a spokesman, the company declined to comment on Salis’ statement, except to note that Lastoria would be CEO going forward.
Founded in 2012, &pizza received a $10 million investment in March from a private family investor.
The brand is one of many to sprout in the fertile fast-casual pizza niche in recent years.
Salis said he remains a significant stakeholder in the 12-unit chain, which expects to add three more locations this year.
This story has been revised to reflect the following update:
Update: June 2, 2015 This story has been revised to include a response from &pizza company officials.
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