Buffalo-Style Pizza Franchise Coming to Leesburg

LEESBURG, FL — That 716 Pizza Joint is preparing to open its Lake County location inside Lake Square Mall, with owner Martina Smith targeting a late February debut pending final permits and equipment installation. Smith told Business Debut the restaurant will open at 10401 U.S. Highway 441, Suite 322, Leesburg, FL 34788, with access from both outside the mall and an interior entrance.

The Leesburg restaurant will be Smith’s first as an owner and the second That 716 Pizza Joint location overall. The Lake County restaurant operates as a franchise of the original Lakeland location, which launched the brand.

What to Expect

The restaurant will offer a hybrid of fast-casual and dine-in service, with seating expected for about 75 guests. The 5,000-square-foot space is designed as a Buffalo sports-themed restaurant, centered on the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.
“It’s definitely going to be sports-style,” Smith told Business Debut. “But it’s still very family friendly.”

The space will also include a small game room in the back of the restaurant with arcade games, air hockey, and darts. “We want it to be a family atmosphere,” Smith said. “If people are waiting for food, they can come back and play games. It gives families something extra to enjoy together.”

Menu and Vision

That 716 Pizza Joint will focus on Buffalo-style pizza, wings, and regional specialties that Smith says are difficult to find in Florida. The menu will include Buffalo pizza, wings, subs, beef on weck, chili cheesesteaks, and pasta dishes.

“Beef on weck is one of my personal favorites,” Smith said. “And pizza logs are something you just can’t get down here.”

Pizza logs, a Western New York staple, are deep-fried rolls filled with cheese and pepperoni, served with marinara sauce. Smith said the concept reflects her upbringing in Western New York and her lifelong connection to Buffalo food and sports culture.

Ownership and Family Support

Smith emphasized that the restaurant is a family-run operation, with several relatives directly involved in bringing the space to life.

“This has really been a family effort,” Smith told Business Debut. “My mom, Ellie Strubing, and my daughter, Jasmine Smith, will both be working with me here.”

She added that her aunt and uncle, Dalice Dier and Dwayne Dier, played a major role in preparing the restaurant. “All of the painting and work inside, we did ourselves,” Smith said. “Without my family backing me, I wouldn’t have been able to do this.”

Franchise Roots

The Lake County location is franchised from the original That 716 Pizza Joint in Lakeland, owned by Phil Imperi. Smith said she was introduced to the Lakeland restaurant through family, began following the business, and later connected with Imperi when he expressed interest in expanding, leading to an in-person meeting and the opportunity to bring the concept to Lake County.

“He does a lot for his community,” Smith said. “They were voted best pizza in Polk County, and that really meant something to me.”

Opening Timeline

Smith said the team is targeting an opening around February 21, pending final approvals.

Hours

The restaurant will open at 11 a.m. Hours will vary seasonally, with extended hours during football season. Weekend hours are expected to run later, with last food orders around 11 p.m.

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