Hungry Howie’s Pizza opened its first Alabama location in 1998. Now, the pizza company has 20 restaurants in Alabama, including five that opened this year — three in the Tuscaloosa area, one near Birmingham and one in Helena at 215 Helena Market Place.

The company has plans to have 45 total locations in Alabama with expansion planned in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Phenix City and Decatur over the next five years.

Tom Kazbour, Alabama area developer for Hungry Howie’s, said each of the cities listed above will have five locations. He plans to open between eight and 10 restaurants in these areas next year.

“Alabama residents are already familiar with Hungry Howie’s. Their enthusiasm is one reason we know Alabama is a great market for the concept,” Kazbour said. “We are happy to continue to grow in the state and bring the flavored crust pizza to many locations throughout Alabama.”

Founded in 1973, Michigan-based Hungry Howie’s has more than 500 locations in 24 states. Brian Ognian, Hungry Howie’s vice president of franchise development, said the expansion in Alabama is a key part of the company’s national growth plan. “Tom has done a great job developing the brand in Alabama,” Ognian said.