Cincinnati-based LaRosa’s Pizzeria — which operates 65 restaurants in the Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana areas — is gearing up to expand to the Columbus area, the company announced Wednesday morning.

The regional pizza chain intends to recruit potential franchise partners “who are experienced entrepreneurs with demonstrated success in existing Columbus area retail businesses,” LaRosa’s officials said in a news release. The effort will target those who currently operate other restaurant concepts who are looking to diversify their operations.

LaRosa’s will kick off of the campaign with a free-pizza sampling day on Friday, Oct. 26. LaRosa’s mobile pizza kitchen will serve free pizza from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8800 Lyra Drive near Polaris Fashion Place near Columbus. The event is open to the public as well as to potential franchise partners.

“We have so many friends in Columbus who urged us to come to town,” said Mike LaRosa, the company’s CEO.

LaRosa’s serves pizza, hoagie-style sandwiches, calzones, pasta, salads, appetizers and desserts in its dining room, for carry out or for delivery.