Blaze Pizza | On The Rise

Blaze Pizza is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in customizable, made-to-order artisanal pizzas. Founded in 2011 by Rick and Elise Wetzel, the duo behind Wetzel's Pretzels, Blaze Pizza has rapidly expanded its footprint. It has become a prominent player in the fast-casual dining sector.

The restaurant's concept is inspired by the assembly-line model, allowing customers to select from a variety of fresh ingredients to create their personalized pizzas. These creations are baked in high-temperature open-flame ovens, ensuring a quick cook time of approximately three minutes.

This efficient process delivers a crispy, flavorful pizza in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

Menu and Offerings

Blaze Pizza's menu features a diverse range of options including signature pizzas, salads, cheesy bread, desserts, and beverages. The chain emphasizes the use of fresh, natural ingredients free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners.

In 2024, Blaze Pizza announced a significant menu revamp, introducing new premium toppings, snack items, salads, and a dessert line to enhance its offerings and cater to health-conscious consumers.

Partnerships and Growth

The brand has garnered attention through strategic partnerships, notably with NBA superstar LeBron James, who invested in the company in 2012. His involvement has been instrumental in promoting Blaze Pizza and contributing to its rapid growth and widespread recognition.

Company Size and Expansion

As of 2025, Blaze Pizza operates over 300 locations across 38 states and three countries. The company announced a move of its corporate headquarters from Pasadena, California, to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2024, aiming to support future growth initiatives.

Locations

Blaze Pizza has notable locations in the Midwest, including:

• Des Moines, IA, USA – serving local residents with its customizable pizza experience
• Lincoln, NE, USA – extending its reach in Nebraska and the Midwest

Future Outlook

Blaze Pizza continues to innovate and adapt, focusing on menu enhancements and strategic partnerships. These efforts aim to solidify its position in the competitive fast-casual dining landscape and fuel ongoing expansion.