PizzaExpress is a chain of pizza restaurants originating in the Unite Kingdom. Its commercial formula has been a combination of stylishly-designed eateries with medium-high end prices. The chain was founded in 1965 by Peter Boizotwho sold the chain for £17 million, virtually losing this four years later through a series of multiple business failures and forced liquidations: the first restaurant opened in Wardour Street in London with a pizza oven and chef imported from Italy. The chain expanded, initially as a franchise operation, and by 2005 there were more than 300 restaurants in the UK, as well as outlets in the Republic of Ireland where it is branded as Milano. PizzaExpress branded pizzas, salad dressings and doughballs are also available to buy in shops and there are also some 72 restaurants in 18 countries, mostly branded as Pizza Marzano. The current head office of PizzaExpress is located in Hunton House, Uxbridge, England.