MOD Pizza will bring its individual artisan-style pizza to Denver, with the opening of their first store in September 2014. The 2,400 square-foot store will be located near the Park Meadows Mall and will feature an outdoor patio, an 800-degree oven, and MOD’s signature, locally inspired interior. This will be the first of several MOD stores slated for the Denver market.  

Industry veterans Bob Merullo and Kevin Embree of E and M Holdings have partnered with MOD and will own and operate the Denver restaurants through one of MOD’s first development agreements. Merullo and Embree each bring more than 30 years of industry experience to MO: Merullo served in several different capacities for Red Robin Canada and Mach Robin, including senior vice president, chief concept officer, and president, and Embree brings experience as CFO of several real estate and restaurant companies including Mach Robin and Red Robin Canada. Scott Schooler, former vice president of food and beverage at Red Robin International, will join Bob and Kevin as COO of E and M Holdings.

“We were attracted to MOD’s philosophy of putting people first and their desire to redefine the fast-food experience of both customers and employees,” Merullo says. “MOD is a place where families and friends can come together, in a super friendly environment, and where everyone is encouraged to create their pizza or salad exactly how they want it. We are excited to bring the first MOD to Denver and to share the amazing pizza and the unique MOD culture.”

 “We are very excited to be opening in Denver, our first MOD in the mountain region. Bob, Kevin, and their team not only have a proven track record of building successful brands, but they share our excitement to build something very special,” says Scott Svenson, cofounder and CEO of MOD. “As we continue our rapid pace of store openings during the next 18 months, we will also continue to identify additional market partners that are interested in growing with us across the U.S.”

MOD’s individual artisan-style pizzas are made on demand, using organic dough and signature sauces. Customers can create their own pizzas and salads, using any combination of 30 featured toppings, or they can choose from a menu of MOD classics. Pizzas and salads are the same price regardless of the number of toppings. Pizzas are hand-cooked in an 800-degree oven in less than 3 minutes, and salads are hand-tossed in front of the customer. MOD also offers local draft beers, wine, handspun milkshakes, and house-made lemonades and iced teas.

Denise Lee Yohn: QSR's Marketing Guru, Fast Casual, Growth, News, Pizza, MOD Pizza