Blaze Pizza

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizzas is one of the largest of the fast-casual pizza concepts that flourished around 2011 offering made-to-order pies in the service style of Chipotle, with guests walking the line to choose their toppings and the pizzas baked in minutes. The concept was founded by Elise and Rick Wetzel, who also co-founded Wetzel’s Pretzels. Early investors included basketball superstar LeBron James, former California first lady Maria Schriver and Boston Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner.

The almost all-franchised Blaze, which has long stated its intention to go public, has more than 300 restaurants across 41 states and six countries.

Key Data: Blaze Pizza

Headquarters: Pasadena, Calif.

Segment: Fast Casual

Restaurant segment: LSR Pizza

Number of U.S. locations: 309

2020 Sales: $359.8 million

Annual Growth:

Source: Datassential Firefly 500

CEO:  Mandy Shaw

Parent: Blaze Pizza LLC