Azzip Pizza, an 11-location based in Indiana, announced it will soon be expanding to 13 locations. A press release from the brand also detailed Azzip’s momentum, including a 10.5% increase in same-store sales during Q4 of 2024. Systemwide sales in 2024, the brand reported, were up 8%. 

“This reflects not only the ongoing appeal of Azzip’s customizable pizzas,” the brand said, “but also the team’s commitment to improving every aspect of the guest experience—both inside the restaurant and beyond.” 

Founded in Evansville, Indiana, Azzip Pizza is a fast-casual concept where guests can customize their pizza creations from start to finish. Since its founding in 2014, the brand has grown steadily across Indiana and Kentucky. 

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Azzip’s pizza feature a thin, cracker-like crust. (Azzip Pizza)

The chain has a unique origin story: It was founded by Brad Niemeier, who had won Purdue University’s Burton D. Morgan Business Plan Competition and the $20,000 prize that came with it. Niemeier leaned on the expertise of his friend, Blake Kollker, an accomplished chef, to create the menu, and he leaned on his family to make the business successful. His mother, father and brother all contributed to the early stages of Azzip Pizza, which will soon open up its 12th and 13th location. 

Azzip has undergone many transformational changes in the past few years. After holding out for many years, Azzip recently joined DoorDash Marketplace. By the end of 2024, 10% of Azzip’s sales came through DoorDash. 

One popular program Azzip runs is the Pizza of the Month Club (POTM), a program that offers guests new and creative pizza combinations each month. Joining the POTM Club for about $100 at the beginning of the year gives members exclusive perks, including a free POTM pie each month and opportunities to weigh in on future offerings. It’s a fun way to experience Azzip—and one of the driving forces behind the brand’s loyal following.  

Pizza of the Month subscribers receive house-made Zip Dust and Hot Honey. (Azzip Pizza)

Some of Kollker’s most popular creations in 2024 include the March Crabness, a crab rangoon pizza. A popular returning item, the March Crabness accounted for almost 30% of all pizzas sold last March. Kollker’s new creations in 2024 were headlined by the success of the Texas Turn Up, a brisket burnt ends pizza which accounted for 9% of all pizza sales.

Another way Azzip is connecting with customers is through the newly launched Creator Rewards program, developed in partnership with Hang. The new loyalty program includes mystery boxes and many creative incentives and prizes such as bottles of house-made Zip Dust and Hot Honey and POTM Club Memberships.

Well Azzip is known for its creative pizzas, the brand believes in operational innovation, too.  The brand’s Smart Prep List, a proprietary tool developed by the Azzip team, uses daily inventories of prepped items and projected sales data to streamline the daily prep process. This system helps employees keep track of fresh ingredients, cut down on waste and serve guests even fresher ingredients. By saving time on routine tasks, Azzip’s staff can stay focused on delivering a personal, welcoming experience—one that regulars and first-timers alike appreciate.

“As we wrap up a decade of innovation and growth, we’re beyond grateful for the support of our loyal customers,” said Niemeier, who serves as the brand’s Co-CEO. “From the DoorDash launch to the two new stores coming soon, it’s been another successful year. But behind every new program or new store is the same goal: to provide a great pizza experience that keeps people coming back. Our POTM Club, the Creator Rewards partnership with Hang, and our Smart Prep List are all part of that effort. We are looking forward to everything 2025 has in store.”

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