Blaze Pizza signs multi-unit Miami deal

Blaze Pizza has signed a franchise development agreement that will expand the brand's South Florida footprint. Nine units are planned for the greater Miami market under seasoned multi-unit operators Asif Ghaffar and Tahir Mahmood of BLD Restaurant Group. Blaze Pizza has 25 locations in Florida, according to a press release.

The first unit is set to open in Spring 2022, with a second location on track to open shortly after.

"After navigating the significant disruptions COVID-19 caused to full-service dine-in restaurants, Tahir and I wanted to diversify with a fast-casual concept that offered strong infrastructure and proven processes," Ghaffar said in the release. "With the entire restaurant industry reeling in the early days of the pandemic, Blaze Pizza pivoted operations quickly and showcased its resilience, and this ability to adapt in the face of a crisis made the brand stand out. After seeing how Blaze has continued this success into 2021, we knew we wanted to be a part of expanding its presence in the thriving South Florida community."

The Miami deal signing is fueled by Blaze Pizza's ongoing success and nationwide growth, which have sparked a surge in franchise development particularly amongst experienced franchisees looking to diversify their portfolios.

"Coupled with the ongoing development success we've experienced throughout 2021, our latest franchise agreement is a direct reflection of Blaze Pizza's position as an industry leader and the operational excellence that has continued to fuel our growth. As pioneers of the DIY model in the pizza segment, our understanding of consumer preferences and commitment to innovation are second-to-none, making us an ideal diversification option for multi-unit portfolios," Ed Yancey, vice president of franchise development for Blaze Pizza, said in the release. "We're thrilled our newest franchisees Asif and Tahir identified Blaze as the ideal fast casual concept to diversify their full-service portfolio, and look forward to supporting their growth in South Florida."

Blaze Pizza operates more than 340 restaurants across 38 states and six countries.