Quick-casual chief acknowledged for digital innovation, franchise enlargement and operational excellence driving model momentum nationwide
Atlanta, GA (RestaurantNews.com) Blaze Pizza claims high 4 on Pizza Market’s 2026 High 100 Movers & Shakers checklist, standing out amongst main pizza manufacturers for its continued innovation, franchise progress and class management.
The annual rating acknowledges influential and forward-thinking manufacturers shaping the pizza business. Blaze Pizza was highlighted for the love and loyalty seen from its visitors and the grit of the Blaze franchise companions who allow Blaze Pizza’s signature “Quick Hearth’d” expertise with a classy, digital-first progress technique.
A serious driver of that momentum has been the model’s strategic evolution towards a stronger franchise mannequin. Over the previous yr, multi-unit franchisees proceed to put huge bets on the model. SoCal Blazers ignited their new part of progress taking on 11 places by means of the model’s refranchising program, and also will open its latest location in Pico, Calif. later this spring. The transfer additionally helped safe a 25-unit growth settlement throughout Southern California, making certain continued progress and market energy in Blaze’s dwelling territory.
“This recognition displays the energy of our model, our operators and our long-term imaginative and prescient for progress,” mentioned John Owen, Chief Govt Officer of Blaze Pizza. “We’re constructing a enterprise that’s disciplined, scalable and rooted in delivering a greater visitor expertise at each touchpoint.”
Throughout the system, present franchisees and multi-unit companions are doubling down on the model, reinvesting in new places and collaborating in refranchising efforts which can be strengthening Blaze’s nationwide footprint. This continued associate confidence underscores the effectiveness of Blaze’s working mannequin and its capacity to ship constant efficiency throughout markets.
Innovation has prolonged past the eating room into Blaze’s digital ecosystem. The model partnered with Bikky’s visitor intelligence engine to take away knowledge silos. By monitoring digital and offline visitors, Blaze can ship radical personalization, turning instinct into focused retention that relentlessly drives frequency. Blaze was additionally named considered one of Yelp’s “Most Cherished Manufacturers” of 2025, additional reinforcing its robust reference to visitors nationwide.
Operational excellence has remained a core focus. Blaze lately partnered with Actuality Based mostly Group to reinforce upselling efficiency and strengthen the in-store visitor expertise. Early outcomes from this system have proven a big carry in upsell execution throughout collaborating places, reinforcing the model’s dedication to each top-line progress and buyer satisfaction.
Culinary innovation continues to play a key position in Blaze’s differentiation. The introduction of the Protein-zza, a high-protein providing designed to attraction to health-conscious visitors, displays the model’s capacity to evolve alongside shopper developments whereas sustaining its core dedication to high quality and customization.
With seasoned business management, a rising franchise base and continued funding in know-how and operations, Blaze Pizza is redefining what it means to guide within the premium fast-casual pizza class.
“It is a model that isn’t standing nonetheless,” mentioned Casey Terrell, Chief Advertising Officer at Blaze Pizza. “We’re pushing ahead on each entrance, from menu innovation to digital technique to franchise progress, and it’s extremely rewarding to see that work acknowledged on the highest degree.”
For extra data, go to BlazePizza.com or observe Blaze Pizza on Instagram, Fb and LinkedIn @BlazePizza.
About Blaze Pizza
Based in 2011, Blaze Pizza is the nation’s main fast-casual pizza franchise idea with greater than 250 eating places throughout 30-plus states and three nations. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Blaze Pizza is dedicated to delivering a one-of-a-kind “fast-fire’d” visitor expertise and superior-quality merchandise. Identified for its savory artisanal pizzas and customizable made-to-order menu, Blaze leads the business in menu innovation and buyer satisfaction, and has obtained quite a few accolades together with Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, and Quick Informal’s High 100 Movers and Shakers. Go to BlazePizza.com for extra data and observe Blaze Pizza on Instagram, Fb, and LinkedIn @BlazePizza.
Media Contact:
Joshua Levitt
PR for Blaze Pizza
949-981-0757
