GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. — Famoso Neapolitan Pizzerias are sprouting up across Alberta as the company signs more franchises, with its newest location, at Wapiti Road in Grande Prairie, set to open April 17, according to The Daily Herald Tribune.

The fast-casual pizzeria, which serves hand-stretched pizzas, has 13 locations in Alberta, with six in Edmonton, two in Calgary and units in Jasper, Sherwood Park, St. Albert and Spruce Grove. The company plans to open four more locations in Alberta by summer as well as new units in Ontario, B.C., and Saskatchewan.

EDMONTON — Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) has named Chris Cosentino, renowned chef, author and television personality, its 2013 Hokanson Chef in Residence.

“The goal of the Hokanson Chef in Residence program is to expose students to innovative cooking techniques and diverse culinary trends and styles,” said Perry Michetti, associate dean of the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts.

EDMONTON — Alberta is a hot bed of restaurant growth, according to one entrepreneur who is launching his fourth restaurant concept this year, reports The Globe and Mail.

Christian Bullock, who co-founded The Canadian Brewhouse (nine Alberta locations); Wok Box (62 locations) and Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria (15 locations), is set to launch a new pub concept called Butcher, Baker, Fresh Beer Maker in Edmonton later this year.

CALGARY — A group of Alberta chefs — dubbed The Alberta Ate Chef Collaborative — are preparing to tell the province’s stories through food at Tasting Terroir: Alberta's Aboriginal Appeal, which will be held Feb. 22 at Fort Calgary.