SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - May 17, 2016) - Scott and Ally Svenson, Co-founders of MOD Pizza, were named as finalists for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2016 Award in the Pacific Northwest. Now in its 30th year, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities, in more than 60 countries throughout the world. The awards program celebrates entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Scott and Ally were selected as finalists by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a black-tie gala event on June 17, 2016 at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel.
"We are honored to be named among this year's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® finalists, a recognition only made possible by the passion and hard work of our MOD Squad that is motivated by a purpose beyond profit every day," commented Scott Svenson, CEO of MOD Pizza. "Our team's dedication and company culture have set the stage for our accelerated growth, and no matter how fast or big we grow, we know our employees represent the heart and soul of MOD and they continue to inspire us on this journey."
Since opening its first restaurant in 2008, MOD Pizza has developed a reputation as not only a cool place to eat, but an inspired place to work. The company hires for passion, not pizza making ability, and this drives its true mission -- to become a force for positive change in the lives of its 'MOD Squad' and broader community. With sales growth of 220% last year and the tripling of its store count to 92 locations, MOD was recently recognized as the fastest growing chain restaurant in the United States by Technomic. The company will continue its rapid growth in 2016, and will also make its international debut in the United Kingdom this summer.
To learn more about Scott and Ally's journey, visit www.modpizza.com or check out the MOD's Kitchen Table video and connect with the brand via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
To learn more about the Pacific Northwest program, please visit www.ey.com/us/eoy/pnwwww.ey.com/us/eoy/greaterla. Join the conversation on social media and follow program developments @EY_EOYUS using #EOYPNW.
Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 19, 2016. The awards are the culminating event of the EY Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.
About MOD Pizza:
MOD Pizza is the pioneer of the fast casual pizza segment, founded in Seattle in 2008 by entrepreneurs Scott and Ally Svenson. MOD's individual artisan-style pizzas are made on demand, allowing customers to create their own pizzas and salads, using fresh-pressed dough, signature sauces and over 30 toppings, for one price. With more than 125 locations across 16 states, MOD is committed to a purpose-led culture and being a force for good in communities across the country, creating not only a cool place to eat, but an inspired place to work. MOD was recently ranked as America's fastest growing chain restaurant by Technomic. In 2015, MOD earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest growing private companies in America and was recognized by Fortune as one of the "20 Best Workplaces in Retail" for its progressive hiring practices and career growth opportunities. For more information, please visit www.modpizza.com
About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.