Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza announced a multi-unit development deal that will grow the brand’s footprint in the Lone Star state.
Seasoned restaurant owner-operators, brothers Barrett and JC Fleming, signed an agreement to open seven new Blaze Pizza locations, starting with restaurants in Dallas County and Bell County, Texas, and further expanding east across Louisiana.
“After growing up in the restaurant industry, we know an innovative concept when we see one,” says Barrett, whose family also owns and operates 34 Subway locations across Louisiana. “The first time we stepped into a Blaze Pizza, we were blown away by the guest experience—from product customization to the price point. This investment is an ideal addition to our portfolio, and we’re thrilled to grow with such a forward-thinking brand.”
The Fleming family and company president, Mike Toland, join the brand with decades of franchise industry knowledge. JC and Barrett’s father, John Fleming, is recognized for establishing the family’s involvement in franchising beginning with Subway in the mid-80s. Now, in addition to the 30-plus Subway locations, the Flemings are also area developers of The UPS Store and multi-unit owners of Zaxby’s.
“With enthusiasm for the restaurant industry and proven franchise success, the Flemings are a perfect fit for Blaze Pizza,” says Carolyne Canady, President International, Chief Development Officer for Blaze Pizza. “Barrett and JC are clearly hungry for growth, and we’re thrilled to support their development plans for Dallas and Bell County. We’re confident they’ll be top performers for years to come.”
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 330 restaurants into 41 states and five countries.
Blaze Pizza is a modern day “pizza joint” 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 real ingredients that are free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and sweeteners. The generously-sized pizzas are then sent to a blazing hot open-flame oven – the centerpiece of the restaurant – where dedicated pizzasmiths ensure the artisanal pies are fast-fire’d and ready to eat in just minutes. Restaurants make fresh dough from scratch using a proprietary recipe developed by Executive Chef Bradford Kent (the “Pizza Whisperer”), which requires a 24-hour fermentation period to produce his signature light-as-air, crisp crust. For pizza fans with specific dietary needs, Blaze Pizza offers gluten-free crusts and vegan cheese.
The brand’s business model, made up of extensive site selection procedures, training programs and marketing support, is designed to attract individuals and operator teams with a strong business acumen, proven restaurant industry success and an interest in multi-unit franchising.
