"Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, a pioneer in the assembly-line artisan pizza category, announced that it has begun to accept franchise applications in key markets across the US.  The company plans to build a footprint of stores across California and select US cities through a combination of both company-owned and franchise locations," according to RestaurantNews.com.

"Blaze Pizza’s first location, a 2,600 sq. ft., 90 seat space in Irvine, CA, opened last month to enthusiastic reviews and is experiencing long lines at both lunch and dinner.  The company’s second restaurant, a 2,800 sq. ft., 100-seat flagship location in Pasadena, CA, is set to open in the city’s vibrant Theater District next month.  Plans for a third location on LA’s Westside are also underway.

A creation of Elise and Rick Wetzel (founder of Wetzel’s Pretzels), and featuring the talents of Executive Chef Bradford Kent (owner of LA’s top rated Olio Pizzeria and Cafe), Blaze Pizza is backed by a number of well-known investors including Maria Shriver, movie producer John Davis and Boston Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner."

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