Operations

Blaze Pizza taps ex-Smashburger leader as CFO

Photo by istock.com

April 21, 2021

Blaze Pizza, a franchise concept operating 340 restaurants across 38 states and six countries, has named Brad Reynolds as its CFO.

Reyonlds is a former CFO and senior VP of franchise strategy for Smashburger and most recently served as COO at C3, a restaurant group, in which he led all operational business units, according to a press release.

"We are thrilled to welcome Brad to our executive leadership team in the midst of an exciting period for our brand. As we continue accelerating growth nationwide, Brad's expertise will be an invaluable asset in identifying new opportunities to invest in strategic initiatives targeting development and restaurant profitability," Mandy Shaw, Blaze Pizza CEO and president, said in the release. "Brad's wide-ranging financial background and operational chops, means he offers the perfect blend of insight to add to the mix at Blaze, and I have no doubt his contributions to the brand will surpass our expectations."

Reynolds entered the restaurant industry after nearly eight years in investment banking.

"I couldn't think of a better time than now to join Blaze Pizza, with the brand achieving remarkable growth over the past several years even in the face of the obstacles COVID-19 imposed on the restaurant industry. Last year, Blaze pivoted and revolutionized the concept from an operational and development standpoint in a matter of just a few weeks, and I'm thrilled to be joining the executive team responsible for such swift, decisive action," Reynolds said in the release. "This level of momentum coupled with corporate leadership's commitment to innovation and evolution reinforces Blaze Pizza's unlimited potential, and I look forward to all of the great work we'll do together."

The brand currently has dozens of locations under development, and has received numerous accolades including a #1 spot on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers and Shakers.