Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, the recognized world leader in fast artisanal pizza, announced today it has signed a deal for Baldwin and Mobile counties with long-time Mobile resident and seasoned restaurant operators Jeff and Maureen LaCour.
From its inception in 2012, Blaze Pizza has built momentum and developed a cult-like following as it expanded from its California base to bringing over 300 restaurants into 41 states and five countries.
LaCour’s deal with Blaze Pizza includes the opening of two Blaze Pizza locations along the Golf Coast with the first one expected in Mobile.
“After a trip to Blaze Pizza in Disney Springs with my family, the concept had my full attention,” says LaCour. “With almost 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry including 15 years as a quick service franchisee, the more I learned about becoming a Blaze Pizza franchisee, the more I realized it was the right fit to diversify my portfolio. I’m looking forward to introducing the Gulf Coast to Blaze Pizza.”
Raised in Mobile, LaCour has been a part of the restaurant industry since graduating college in 1999. In 2004, LaCour established LaCour Hospitality Management alongside his business partner AJ Venatta, vice president of operations. The team owns and manages five Moe’s Southwest Grill locations throughout Alabama and Mississipi’s Gulf Coast. Their experience in restaurant operations and business ownership combined with their familiarity with the community will be helpful in their new venture with Blaze Pizza.
“Jeff possesses the skills and passion we look for in our franchise partners,” says Carolyne Canady, president International, chief development officer for Blaze Pizza. “We want people who believe in the product, the brand and providing our loyal fans the best dining experience. Jeff is ready to hit the ground running with his new locations along the Gulf Coast.”
A modern day “pizza joint,” Blaze Pizza is celebrated for serving up artisanal pizzas that are both fast and affordable. With fans lining up or ordering online each day for their custom-built pizzas, freshly made salads, house made lemonades, and s’more pies, the innovative fast-casual concept has quickly become one of the hottest restaurant chains in the country.
Each restaurant features an interactive open-kitchen format that allows guests to customize one of the menu’s signature pizzas or create their own, choosing from a wide selection of fresh, “clean” ingredients—all for around $8. The generously-sized personal pizzas are then sent to a blazing hot open-flame oven—the centerpiece of the restaurant—where dedicated pizzasmiths ensure the thin-crust pies are fast-fire’d and ready to eat in just 180 seconds.
