Blaze Pizza signed seven multi-unit area development agreements throughout 2022 which will add 27 restaurants across target markets like Maryland, Georgia and Tennessee, fueling the brand’s momentum after celebrating an impressive 10 years in business. The brand opened 13 restaurants in 2022, including its latest multi-unit deal that will expand the brand’s footprint in the greater Houston market.
Ed Yancey, chief development officer at Blaze Pizza, comments: “The ongoing development success we’ve experienced throughout the past 12 months is a testament to Blaze Pizza’s position as an industry leader and the bright future we have ahead. Despite the unexpected hurdles the restaurant industry has faced in recent years, our brand has remained resilient, and our team is excited about taking Blaze Pizza to the next level in 2023.
“Having a best-in-class leadership team and the determination of franchisees who show such passion for our brand and our mission of bringing fresh, customizable menu items to consumers has been instrumental to our growth and will further propel us forward.”
Spearheading the latest development in Texas is seasoned multi-unit operator Baryalay Razi, who brings two decades of restaurant operations and management expertise. As part of the agreement, Baryalay will acquire four existing Blaze Pizza locations in Houston and develop five new locations throughout the fast-growing market. Multi-unit franchisees are eager to bring the brand to their communities, with approximately 71 per cent of the current franchise system being multi-unit operators.
To grow the brand, Blaze Pizza has also been seeking opportunities to expand with non-traditional restaurants. In 2022, the brand debuted on the campus of Tarleton State University and in 2023, a major focus for the brand will be to expand across airports and other non-traditional venues. Additionally, the company has prioritized meeting the evolving demands of today’s consumers, from dietary preferences to ordering habits and more. Blaze Pizza will continue to set the industry standard in 2023 by leveraging technology and introducing a new restaurant design that will help modernize the customer experience.
Earlier this month, Blaze Pizza also announced the appointment of a new president and CEO, Beto Guajardo, who will lead the company through its next phase of growth with plans to expand in target markets.
