Blaze Pizza has hired an industry veteran to serve as chief technology officer.
Chris Demery joins Blaze after serving as senior vice president at P.F. Chang’s, where worked to develop the brand’s new off-premise prototypes. Demery spent six years at Bloomin’ Brands overseeing the company’s customer-facing technology, including the development of Outback Steakhouse’s first app. Demery also worked as Domino’s Pizza, as vice president of enterprise applications.
“Chris brings such unique perspective with his deep knowledge of digital, pizza and also operational off-premise expertise and he will be invaluable in contributing to the immense growth planned for Blaze,” CEO Mandy Shaw said in a statement.
Shaw and Demery once worked together at Bloomin’ Brands.
“Since the brand’s inception, Blaze has gained recognition as a customer-centric pizza concept that pushes the boundaries through menu innovations, off-premises capabilities and superior restaurant operations,” Demery said in a statement. “The brand’s commitment to sustainability and quality have continually set it apart from other franchise concepts in the fast-casual pizza segment, and I have no doubt that my expertise coupled with the strong foundation already in place will be a recipe for success.”
During 2020, Blaze hired a number of new executives, including a chief supply chain officer, chief restaurant officer, chief marketing officer and vice president of franchise development.
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