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Blaze Pizza opened 13 restaurants and signed seven multi-unit development agreements in 2022. The development agreements over the past 12 months will add 27 restaurants across target markets like Maryland, Georgia and Tennessee, according to a press release.
“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,” Ed Yancey, chief development officer at Blaze Pizza, said in the press release. “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.”
Multi-unit operator Baryalay Razi will spearhead the latest development in Texas. He will acquire four existing Blaze Pizza locations in Houston and will development five more throughout the market. This latest agreement adds to Blaze Pizza’s success with multi-unit franchisees eager to bring the brand to their communities — with approximately 71% of its current franchise system being multi-unit operators.
Last year, Blaze debuted on the campus of Tarleton State University and plans to focus on airports and other non-traditional venues in the future.
Earlier this month, Blaze Pizza announced the appointment of a new president and chief executive officer, Beto Guajardo, who will lead Blaze through its next phase of growth with plans to expand the brand in target markets. Franchise opportunities remain across the U.S. including in Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and key regions throughout the Northeast.
