News

Blaze 'brings it on home' for CEO Mizes in the Gateway City

March 8, 2018

In a real-life version of "hometown boy makes good," Blaze Pizza President and CEO Jim Mizes is getting his wish this Friday, March 9, when the fast-growing brand will open a location in his hometown of St. Louis. That's when the chain officially starts plying pies in Kirkwood, just miles from Mizes' childhood home, a news release said. The store will also feature a local cheese-maker's products and a special Red Bird pie, a nod to the St. Louis Cardinals MLB team.

"Growing up in this amazing city, I know Blaze has the food, speed, value and ambiance that the community will embrace," Mizes said in the release. "We strive for each restaurant to be service-focused, extending a level of hospitality that many in and around St. Louis may feel no longer exists. I'm looking forward to bringing that unique experience back to my hometown."

To celebrate the opening of the first St. Louis restaurant, anyone who visits the new Blaze location on Friday, March 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and follows the brand on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook will receive a free build-your-own pizza.

Additionally, the Kirkwood restaurant will "keep it local" by using St. Louis's own Provel cheese, including fresh ovalini, mozzarella, feta, parmesan and others. The brand will also offer a St. Louis-exclusive Red Bird pizza featuring its classic red sauce, Provel cheese blend, sausage, pepperoni and ground beef. 

"When we think about opening a Blaze Pizza restaurant is a new city or region, we always want to be mindful of the area's culinary traditions and tastes," Blaze Pizza Executive Chef Brad Kent, said in the release. "For us, utilizing Provel cheese was an absolute must when coming to St. Louis. Recognizing and respecting local flavors is just as important to us as utilizing the ingredient itself."

Blaze now has more than 250 restaurants in 40 U.S. states and Canada.
 

Photo: iStock