Are Domino's, Pizza Hut set to be replaced?
One of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in America sets its eyes on the world
PHOTO: Blaze Pizza
Domino's and Pizza Hut may now finally have competition as one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in America is set to conquer the world.
Blaze Pizza opened 68 new restaurants in 2016, reaching 173 locations across the US. The chain's sales grew 84 per cent from $101 million in 2015 to $186 million last year. Contrary to experts, co-founders Elise and Rick Wetzel believe there's room for growth in the industry.
Founded in 2012, Blaze Pizza prepares personal pizzas "fresh to order on a Chipotle-like assembly line". Customers choose toppings from a selection on display.
This New York restaurant offers a $2,000 pizza topped with 24-karat gold
"There are too many fast-food restaurants," Elise told Business Insider. "People are not going to be satisfied with that. They want convenience, and health, and taste."
The company now aims to reach $1 billion in sales according to Rick Wetzel, which will make Blaze pizza the fifth largest pizza chain in the United States.
Interestingly, the Wetzels want Blaze Pizza to compete directly with competitors like Domino's and Pizza Hut who are more delivery-focused.
"Make no bones about it, we will be in delivery one day," said Rick. "It's a natural extension… [Blaze Pizza] is much better [than competitors]. What we do is what people want."
Restaurant review: The pull of Paramount
Although Rick Wetzel did not share any international expansion plans yet he said hopes to be chatting about the chain’s international success next January.
This article originally appeared on Business Insider.
Blaze Pizza opened 68 new restaurants in 2016, reaching 173 locations across the US. The chain's sales grew 84 per cent from $101 million in 2015 to $186 million last year. Contrary to experts, co-founders Elise and Rick Wetzel believe there's room for growth in the industry.
Founded in 2012, Blaze Pizza prepares personal pizzas "fresh to order on a Chipotle-like assembly line". Customers choose toppings from a selection on display.
This New York restaurant offers a $2,000 pizza topped with 24-karat gold
"There are too many fast-food restaurants," Elise told Business Insider. "People are not going to be satisfied with that. They want convenience, and health, and taste."
The company now aims to reach $1 billion in sales according to Rick Wetzel, which will make Blaze pizza the fifth largest pizza chain in the United States.
Interestingly, the Wetzels want Blaze Pizza to compete directly with competitors like Domino's and Pizza Hut who are more delivery-focused.
"Make no bones about it, we will be in delivery one day," said Rick. "It's a natural extension… [Blaze Pizza] is much better [than competitors]. What we do is what people want."
Restaurant review: The pull of Paramount
Although Rick Wetzel did not share any international expansion plans yet he said hopes to be chatting about the chain’s international success next January.
This article originally appeared on Business Insider.