BusinessPizzaExpress breaks the £100 million profit barrier for first time in 50-year historyTop that: PizzaExpress was founded 50 years ago in LondonRexSimon Neville27 October 2015PizzaExpress has smashed through the £100 million profit barrier for the first time in its 50-year history as it cashed in on the recovering economy with consumers eating out more often.The restaurants chain, which backed down this year over its controversial decision to skim 8% of tips left by credit and debit cards for staff, racked up a sales boost of 9.5% to £427.7 million in the year to June 28.Chief executive Richard Hodgson said a revamped menu, strong sales of its pizzas, dressings and pastas through supermarkets, and the takeover of 27 franchises in China helped underlying pre-tax profits rise 12.9% to £100.2 million.PizzaExpress launched a delivery service last month, with two restaurants covering selected London postcodes.Hodgson descried the scheme as successful and said the company expects to roll it out.Read MoreWH Smith hire turnaround veteran with package that could be worth £25mBlue Posts boss: If opening a pub becomes so risky, people just won't do itCulpeper pub boss: Rates system is not fit for purpose — and not fairSponsoredMake 2026 the year of working smarter“It is an area with huge growth potential,” he added.The company has more restaurants restaurants in the pipeline in the UK and internationally.MORE ABOUTPubs and restaurantsPizza Express