Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza Soon to Open Two New Canada Locations

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - Nov 11, 2015) - Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza, the fast-casual concept known for its chef-driven menu and casually hip restaurants, today announced that it will soon open two new international locations, both in Calgary, Canada, in January. The highly anticipated openings are the second and third Canada locations for Blaze Pizza, which debuted in Toronto near Yonge-Dundas Square in October. The first Calgary location, at Sunridge Mall, features a 2,500 square foot interior with seating for 80, and will be located next to Five Guys (also coming soon) and near Buffalo Wild Wings. The second Calgary location, which features a 3,000 square foot interior with seating for 90, will be located at 4^th Street and 21^st Ave. (2020 4^th St. SW).

Blaze Pizza is a modern day "pizza joint" that has been inspiring excitement and cultivating fanatics for its custom-built artisanal pizzas, freshly made salads, blood orange lemonade and s'more pies since it opened its first location in 2012. 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 carefully sourced, high-quality ingredients -- all for a very affordable price. The generously-sized 11" pizzas are then sent to a blazing hot open-flame oven -- the centerpiece of the restaurant -- where dedicated pizzasmiths ensure that the thin-crust pies are fast-fire'd and ready to eat in just 180 seconds. The Calgary restaurants will use Canadian flour to make dough from scratch using a recipe developed by critically-acclaimed 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 dough and vegan cheese. The new restaurants will also feature a selection of wine and craft beer.

To create the perfect vibe inside the new Calgary locations, award-winning design architect Ana Henton has added several unique, modern touches, including oversized wall graphics, custom-built to suit the spaces. Additionally, in support of the company's commitment to "Intelligent Choices for Our Pizzas, People & Planet," the Calgary restaurants will use both recycled and sustainable materials and energy-efficient LED lighting, and will feature eco-friendly, compostable packaging.

"We're thrilled to expand Blaze Pizza's presence in Canada," said Jim Mizes, president & COO of Blaze Pizza. "The authenticity of our food, plus a service culture that genuinely focuses on the happiness of our guests and crew -- have been key to our popularity and growth."

The newest Blaze restaurants are looking forward to building strong roots within the community, offering a spot where guests can connect, create and enjoy. To that end, the restaurants promote a turnkey fundraiser program that returns 20 percent of an event's proceeds back to the organization, helping schools, sports clubs and other local groups "cause a scene for a good cause."

About Blaze Pizza
The first Blaze Pizza^® restaurant opened on Aug. 6, 2012, in Irvine, Calif., and quickly gained attention for its chef-driven recipes, thoughtful interior design, and a service culture that celebrates individuality. Now ranked as the overall #2 fast-casual brand in FastCasual.com's annual Top 100 list, Blaze Pizza is building momentum and developing a cult-like following as it expands across the country. The company currently operates 93 restaurants in 23 states and Canada, including the major metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, Dallas and Washington D.C. Founded by Elise and Rick Wetzel (co-founder of Wetzel's Pretzels), the concept is backed by investors including LeBron James, Maria Shriver, Boston Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner and movie producer John Davis. For more information, please visit blazepizza.com and facebook.com/blazepizza or click here to view a company video.

Blaze Pizza®, Fast-Fire'd®, the horizontal logo design, and the proprietary names "Pizzasmith," "Intelligent Choices For Our Pizzas, People & Planet" and related trademarks are the property of Blaze Pizza LLC.