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Blaze Pizza

Operations

Fast-casual pizza faces an existential crisis

 By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 02, 2023

Blaze Pizza is preparing for a brand relaunch, but the concept must first solve some fundamental problems laid bare by the pandemic. CEO Beto Guajardo outlines his strategy for profitability.

Operations

Blaze Pizza ousts its co-founder and culinary chief

 By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 22, 2023

Brad Kent, who developed and evolved the fast-casual chain's menu over nearly 12 years, said it was a surprise. Company officials told him they wanted to move in a different direction.

Leadership

Focus Brands President Beto Guajardo named CEO of Blaze Pizza

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 04, 2023

Guajardo replaces Mandy Shaw, who led the fast-casual chain through the pandemic.

Leadership

Beto Guajardo’s plan to build on brand love at Blaze Pizza

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 04, 2023

The chain’s new CEO sees opportunities for evaluation and renewal as it prepares for a next trajectory of growth.

Leadership

CEO Mandy Shaw to depart from Blaze Pizza

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 10, 2022

Sources say she is leaving the fast-casual pizza chain, though details of the departure and its timing are not yet clear.

Leadership

Blaze promotes Ed Yancey to chief development officer

By Heather Lalley on Jun. 08, 2022

Yancey, an industry veteran, has served as vice president of franchise development at the fast-casual pizza chain since 2020.

Operations

Blaze Pizza adjusts to running two restaurants in one

By Heather Lalley on May 12, 2021

The fast casual, which did the majority of its business in-restaurant before the pandemic, is navigating the new reality amid a tight labor market.

Leadership

Blaze Pizza hires Brad Reynolds as CFO

By Heather Lalley on Apr. 14, 2021

Blaze Pizza hires Brad Reynolds as CFO. Reynolds most recently served as COO of multiconcept ghost kitchen operator C3.

Leadership

Blaze Pizza adds Chris Demery as chief technology officer

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 05, 2021

Demery previously worked with Blaze CEO Mandy Shaw at Bloomin’ Brands.

Food

Restaurants menu holiday cheer in many shapes and flavors

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 08, 2020

Taste Tracker: Christmas in a cup from Dunkin’, Torchy’s Naughty Santa Taco, and spirited sips at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

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