Launching a new era after being acquired by Elite Restaurant Group earlier this year, MOD Pizza on Tuesday unveiled a new menu and tiered pricing structure with a focus on value.
As the largest fast-casual pizza chain, MOD has long been known for its one price/unlimited toppings format, and that option continues with the new menu. Starting Tuesday, however, guests will also have the option of choosing a one-topping pizza for a lower price, as well as a plain cheese pizza, dubbed the Maddy, for a third lower-priced tier.
Prices vary by market, but the Unlimited Topping, One Price mini (6-inch) pizzas will start at $8.39, for example. Single-topping pizzas start at $6.89 and the Maddy cheese pizza starts at $5.39.
In California, where menu pricing tends to run higher because of labor costs, MOD pizza prices will start at $10.69 for the Unlimited Topping mini pie; $9.19 for a one-topping pie; and $7.69 for the Maddy.
MOD also offers two versions of an 11-inch pizza, and, for those, prices are higher but follow the same tiered format.
The menu shift brings MOD’s pricing more in line with competitor Blaze Pizza, which also offers multiple pricing entry points. Blaze, which also launched a comprehensive menu refresh earlier this year, has introduced new signature pizzas and added trendy new sweet-spicy drizzle sauces.
Comparing locations for both Blaze and MOD in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, for example, Blaze’s 11-inch pies start at $13.79 for a build your own (also unlimited toppings), as well as many signature offerings. Some specialty pies, like the Keto Pizza or the Protein Pizza are listed at $16.39, but a two-topping 11-inch is priced at $11.79, and a one-topping pie is $10.79.
At a nearby MOD, an 11-inch thin-crust with Unlimited Toppings is $12.69 ($14.69 for an 11-inch, thick-crust Mega). An 11-inch thin crust with one topping is $11.19 and a one-topping Mega is $13.19.
It’s the first branding move under new ownership for MOD, which was acquired by Elite Restaurant Group in July amid rumors that the fast-casual chain was headed into bankruptcy.
At the time, MOD had 512 units, including 89 franchised locations, though that was after the pizza chain closed 44 underperforming units earlier in the year.
But a press release about the menu refresh said MOD now has 492 units, indicating more restaurants may have been shuttered. The company did not immediately respond to requests for more information.
Lyndsey Patel, who was recently named vice president of marketing for MOD, said the new menu is also clearer and easier to navigate.
“MOD has always offered an incredible array of toppings, always-fresh ingredients and the freedom to choose, and now guests can do that at a value-packed price,” Patel said in a statement.
With the menu refresh also come some new promotions. On Wednesday, for example, MOD is promoting the premier of ABC’s “The Golden Bachelorette.” At each location, the first 100 guests will receive a free No Name Cake, the brand’s dessert option.
And on Sept. 27-Oct. 31, guests can round up their bill to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of Maddy, a MOD favorite for whom the cheese pizza is named. The young guest passed away from leukemia. During October, kids eat free every Sunday.
Last week, MOD announced that it is looking to refranchise its company units. Elite hired National Franchise Sales to help with that effort.
UPDATE: This article was updated to correct the unit count. The press release referenced gave an incorrect number.
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