BLAZE PIZZA: FAST FIRE'D
/“Build-Your-Own” Artisanal Pizza Restaurant
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, the fast-casual concept known for its chef-driven menu and casually hip restaurants, has announced that it opened its first Austin location. The highly anticipated restaurant, which features a 2,600 square foot interior with seating for 75 inside and an additional 25 seats on an outdoor patio, officially opened to the public Thursday December 10th in Austin’s Lakeline Commons (14009 North Research Blvd., #103), close to the Lakeline Mall.
Blaze Pizza is a modern day “pizza joint” that has been inspiring excitement and cultivating fanatics for its custom-built artisanal pizzas, freshly made salads, blood orange lemonade and s’more pies since it opened its first location in 2012. Each restaurant features an interactive open-kitchen format that allows guests to customize one of the menu’s signature pizzas or create their own, choosing from a wide selection of carefully sourced, high-quality ingredients – all for under $8. The generously-sized 11” pizzas are then sent to a blazing hot open-flame oven – the centerpiece of the restaurant – where dedicated pizzasmiths ensure that the thin-crust pies are fast-fire’d and ready to eat in just 180 seconds. Each restaurant makes its own dough from scratch using a recipe developed by critically-acclaimed Executive Chef Bradford Kent (the “Pizza Whisperer”), which requires a 24-hour fermentation period to produce his signature light-as-air, crisp crust. For pizza fans with specific dietary needs, Blaze Pizza offers gluten-free dough and vegan cheese. The new Austin restaurant will also feature a selection of local craft beer and draft wine on tap.
To create the perfect vibe inside the new Austin restaurant, award-winning design architect Ana Henton has added several unique, modern touches, including an oversized wall graphic custom-built to suit the space. Additionally, in support of the company’s commitment to “Intelligent Choices for Our Pizzas, People & Planet”, the Austin restaurant will use both recycled and sustainable materials and energy- efficient LED lighting, and will feature eco-friendly, compostable packaging.
“At Blaze, we’re all about creating an engaging dining experience where guests can enjoy artisanal pizza that’s both fast and affordable,” said Jim Mizes, president & COO of Blaze Pizza. “The authenticity of our food, plus a service culture that genuinely focuses on the happiness of our guests and crew – have been key to our popularity and expansion.”
The newest Blaze restaurant is looking forward to building strong roots within the community, offering a spot where guests can connect, create and enjoy. To that end, the restaurant promotes a turnkey fundraiser program that returns 20 percent of an event’s proceeds back to the organization, helping schools, sports clubs and other local groups “cause a scene for a good cause.”
“Austin’s creative food and craft beer scene is inspiring. We are very excited to ‘fire up’ our artisanal pizzas here,” said Brian Kelley, Managing Partner of Saddles Blazin LLC, a Blaze Pizza franchisee. “We know Blaze will be a great addition to the community with our fresh, high-quality ingredients, eco- friendly culture, and commitment to local craft beer—all in a cool environment.”
The Rad Austin team had the pleasure of attending Blaze Pizza's opening this week. Located off the LAST FREE EXIT off of 183 North, it is not difficult to spot the vibrant red signage on your right.
Tempted by the delicious combination of their many signature pizza options, we decided to try The Green Stripe and the classic red sauced staple, Red Vine. My favorite aspect of Blaze Pizza's design is the fast and fire'd concept. The 180 seconds it takes to have your pizza cooked gives me just enough time to fill up my drink with one of their refreshing lemonades and find a seat within the open concept floorpan. The expanding windows lining the front of the restaurant gives the space an open feel making it feel larger than it may actually be.
Designed for busy people who need a quick, fresh, and tasty meal during their break, guests also have the option to choose healthy toppings based on their particular dietary needs. Offering gluten-free dough and vegan cheese you can also stack your pizza with unlimited healthy ingredients such as artichokes, mushrooms, and spinach to name a few. For the heartier fellas, you can create a pie loaded with applewood bacon, Italian meatballs and pepperoni.
The choice is entirely up to you! Giving you the option to customize your pizza with no extra charge for additional toppings not only ensures you get the pizza you want but also a pleasurable experience. Blaze Pizza's crispy crust is the perfect way to end your meal! Be sure to save room for their S'more Pie. This oozy chocolate and marshmallow classic is sure to bring back childhood memories surrounded by a fire on a chilly winter's night.
