The growth of pizza around the world has been nothing short of remarkable over the years, with its popularity transcending borders and cultures. This iconic Italian dish has captured the hearts and taste buds of people from diverse backgrounds, making it a universal favorite.
One of the primary reasons for the global expansion of pizza is its versatility. From the classic Margherita to gourmet fusion variations, pizza can adapt to local ingredients, flavors, and preferences. This flexibility has allowed it to seamlessly integrate into different culinary traditions, leading to its widespread popularity.
With that Blaze Pizza has paved the way for a new trend: fast-casual pizza. Growing from a small, family-owned business, originally operated by the Wetzel family in 2011, to 330 franchised restaurants in 38 states and 6 countries domestically and internationally. The pizza franchiser has grown dramatically.
Based in Los Angeles, CA Blaze Pizza is known for providing a unique customer experience and exceptional high-quality offerings, Renowned for its artisanal pizzas and customizable made-to-order menu, Blaze sets the bar for menu innovation and product quality within the industry. As a rapidly expanding franchisor, it has garnered numerous accolades and recognition. Now with a new COO and CDO, Blaze Pizza is continuing its plan of being the nation’s leading fast casual pizza franchise.
With a goal of writing its next chapter of growth, Blaze Pizza has added Moran as Chief Development Officer (CDO). “Our goal is to ignite future growth and fuel next generation innovations for one of the US’ most dynamic brands,” Moran noted. The newly appointed Chief Development Officer is determined to enhance the customer journey, drive pioneering operational initiatives, and expand the company’s reach both domestically and globally.
“As we maintain our leadership position in the fast-casual pizza industry, their contributions will be vital in achieving our strategic goals,” Beto Guajardo, CEO of Blaze Pizza explained enthusiastically. Before joining the Blaze team, Moran was Vice President of Strategic Development at Focus Brands International, where he worked on the development for the global franchisor and oversaw operations of over 6,000 restaurants.
With years of experience in the restaurant development industry, Moran’s expertise is in “international growth” which will help expand the franchise across North America and beyond. “Our goal is to expand our footprint worldwide from the Philippines, to the U.K., and become the pizza industry’s leading worldwide franchisor,” Moran said.
Moran’s vision is highlighted by a unique mission. “We would like for pizza and the Blaze Pizza brand to act as a way to enable each of our international franchisees to add local touches including spices and proteins to their menus,” he said.
This inventive strategy introduces fresh creative concepts to diverse nations, aiming to establish a distinct style unique to each location. “Not only does that embrace the local culture of wherever we add a franchise, but it actively supports nearby farms and distributors. Connecting different cultures with their brand around the world is a sure-fire way to get people talking, especially in countries where there is not fast casual, artisanal pizza.” Moran and his Blaze Pizza international development team seek to bring the same savory fare that US customers have enjoyed for the past two decades.
Other than taking over the world one personalized pie at a time, Moran sees the selection of real estate and locations as crucial to growth. “We see a world of opportunity in non-traditional venues including airports, arenas, amusement parks, and more.
The veteran executive also sees ghost and virtual kitchens as potential platforms for growth. These kitchens operate without a traditional dine-in or storefront, focusing solely on fulfilling online delivery and takeout orders.
“Ghost kitchens are known to be cost effective, have an increased reach in the community, simplified operational setups with flexibility, as well as the fact they allow for recipe experimentation with more ease than a typical restaurant would,” Moran concluded.
Blaze Pizza is making waves domestically and with a unique fast casual dining experience, With the leadership of Kevin Moran, Blaze is sure to carve its niche as a world leader in quality pizza.
