This assembly-style pizza chain has its eyes on an IPO, according to co-founder Rick Wetzel of Wetzel’s Pretzels. Though going public might be a few years away, Blaze Pizza is wasting no time communicating its relevancy. Besides rolling out a mobile app and removing nitrates from meats like pepperoni and additives from items like salad dressings, it recruited investor LeBron James as spokesman.
9. Blaze Pizza
2016 U.S. Systemwide Sales: $184.5 million (up 82.1%)
2016 Units: 169 (up 62.5%)
Concept: A modern pizza chain offering made-to-order, “fast-fired” pizzas
2016 Units: 169 (up 62.5%)
Concept: A modern pizza chain offering made-to-order, “fast-fired” pizzas