Critically-Acclaimed Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza Debuts in Virginia This November

WILLIAMSBURG, VA--(Marketwired - Sep 18, 2015) - Yet another history-making event will soon take place in Williamsburg as residents get the chance to try a totally new take on one of America's favorite foods -- Blaze Pizza. The nation's leading fast-casual pizza conceptorcasually, today announced that it will soon expand its East Coast presence by opening its first Virginia location, in Williamsburg. The Virginia-based Blaze Pizza franchisee, Blazing VA, will operate the new restaurant, which is slated to open this fall in New Town Shopping Center (10307 West Broad St.).

Unlike traditional pizza chains, Blaze features an interactive assembly-line format that allows guests to create their own pizza, choosing as many toppings as they like from a wide selection of fresh, artisanal ingredients -- all for under $8. The generously-sized 11-inch pizzas are then sent to the blazing hot oven where dedicated pizzasmiths ensure that the thin-crust pies are "fast-fire'd" and ready to eat in just 180 seconds. Blaze Pizza makes its own dough from scratch using a recipe developed by critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brad Kent ("The Pizza Whisperer"), which requires a 24-hour fermentation period to produce his signature light-as-air, crisp crust. Known for custom-built artisanal pizzas, freshly made salads, blood orange lemonade and s'more pies, the restaurant's menu also accommodates guests with specific dietary needs, by offering gluten-free dough and vegan cheese. The new Blaze Pizza also offers a selection of wine and craft beer.

"We couldn't be more excited to be opening our first location right here in historic Williamsburg," said Lamar Sale, General Manager of the Williamsburg location. "At Blaze, we are all about creating an engaging dining experience where guests can enjoy artisanal pizzas that are delicious, fast and affordable. We think Blaze Pizza is going to be an instant hit."

The Williamsburg community is overdue for a shake-up when it comes to its pizza offerings. The authenticity of Blaze Pizza, along with their culture which genuinely focuses on the happiness of their guests and crew -- have been the key to the concept's popularity and expansion. Blaze's obsessive attention to detail extends well beyond the food, with a carefully considered, modern approach to restaurant design. Driven by its commitment to "Intelligent Choices for Our Pizzas, People & Planet," the restaurant is constructed with recycled and sustainable materials, uses eco-friendly packaging, and features energy-efficient LED lighting. The Williamsburg restaurant features a thoughtfully designed interior, with seating for 75 inside and additional seating on an outdoor patio. Guests can connect, create and enjoy at the new location, open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

About Blaze Pizza
The first Blaze Pizza® restaurant opened on Aug. 6, 2012, in Irvine, Calif., and quickly gained attention for its chef-driven recipes, thoughtful interior design, and a service culture that celebrates individuality. Now ranked as the overall #2 fast-casual brand in FastCasual.com's annual Top 100 list, Blaze Pizza is building momentum and developing a cult-like following as it expands across the country. The company currently operates 85 restaurants in 20 states and the District of Columbia, including the major metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas and Washington D.C. Founded by Elise and Rick Wetzel (co-founder of Wetzel's Pretzels), the concept is backed by investors including LeBron James, Maria Shriver, Boston Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner and movie producer John Davis. For more information, please visit blazepizza.com and facebook.com/blazepizza or click here to view a company video.

Blazing VA, LLC.	Blaze Pizza, LLC
10307 West Broad St. Ste. 302	35 N. Lake Ave., Suite 710
Glen Allen, VA 23060	Pasadena, CA 91101

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