SPRINGFIELD — Business partners Rick Allen and Mo Rashad want Cousin Vinny‘s Pizza to be the next major pizza chain. And they’re not wasting any time.

In December, the partners opened their first Springfield location, their ninth store so far. By the end of 2011 they plan to open at least six more in Miami Valley area.

The newest store, located at 3451 E. National Road, opened Dec. 10. Within three weeks of its opening the pair knew the location was right. “It’s doing twice the amount of volume of our other locations,” Allen said.

They plan to open a second Springfield restaurant early this year. “We’re looking at the North Bechtle area,” Allen said.

Rashad opened the first Cousin Vinny‘s in Dayton eight years ago. Allen joined him five years later and they opened seven more Dayton-area stores in two years.

Six new stores are planned for this year in Middletown, Xenia, Troy/Tipp City, Englewood, Franklin-Carlisle and Springfield’s second location, with a goal of opening 10 by the end of the year.

Rashad and Allen started in the pizza business as teenagers. Allen from the Dayton area, Rashad from the east coast. They were working for the same pizza chain when Rashad stepped out to start his own restaurant. Allen, not quite ready to take the plunge, remained with his employer for another three years.

“It was a hard decision to make,” he said. “It’s hard to leave that corporate structure and the stability that goes along with it.“

They’ve taken what they’ve learned working for their competitors to create their business model, including a more contemporary look to the restaurant, as well as offering free deliver to a 3-to-5 mile radius.

The company’s signature special is the “Big 10” — pizza bread, sticks and two fountain drinks — for $10.99. During the grand opening of the Springfield store it will offer, at Springfield only, a large, one topping pizza, carry-out only, for $4.99.

Allen credits fresh, high quality ingredients and a competitive price for bringing in new and repeat business.

“And our breadsticks,” he said. “People know us for our breadsticks.”

For more information visit CousinVinnysPizza.com or call (937) 323-1700.