Blaze Pizza, the nation’s #1 fast-casual franchise pizza concept, announced today the signing of a new franchise agreement to expand the brand’s presence in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by adding three additional locations. The announcement is propelled by an exceptional year during an exciting development phase for the fast-growing pizza company.

Blaze Pizza expanded significantly across the country in 2021, building 14 new locations in major target markets such as Texas, Florida, Nevada, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and California. By year’s end, the company’s investments in operational efficiencies and ongoing roll-outs of innovative LTOs and best-in-class products resulted in an 18 percent increase in same-store sales and the addition of 34 new restaurants to its growth pipeline as a result of strategic multi-unit development efforts.

Ed Yancey, Blaze Pizza’s Vice President of Franchise Development, notes that while 2021 was not without its obstacles, Blaze Pizza’s momentum remained strong as we celebrated the launch of new stores and secured multi-unit agreements to extend the brand across the country. He states that Blaze has invested in a solid support system over the last year by upgrading operations and developing new digital technologies. These initiatives have continued to attract seasoned franchisees searching for a proven model to diversify their portfolios. The latest agreement will increase Blaze Pizza’s reach in Chattanooga’s premier market, assisting their newest franchisee in introducing the one-of-a-kind Blaze experience to consumers throughout Tennessee.

Robert Martino of Chattanooga Best Pizza, LLC, a multi-unit operator, has Blaze Pizza’s 2022 expansion plans with a commitment to creating three new locations in Chattanooga over the next several years. Martino and Tony Whaley, general operations manager, plans to build their first restaurant in Fall 2022. The duo has a combined experience of more than 30 years in the restaurant industry.

According to Martino, real estate development veterans like him can quickly identify businesses doing things correctly, such as Blaze Pizza. He was initially introduced to the brand in the capacity of a customer and fan. Martino has an in-depth knowledge of the Chattanooga market. As a longtime Blaze fan, he is confident that the community would fall in love with the brand’s premium, fresh ingredients and customizable signature menu items.

Martino’s forthcoming Blaze restaurants join a flurry of other projects in his pipeline, including The Gateway, a 110-acre development in Chattanooga and East Ridge anchored by CHI Memorial Stadium. The Gateway is one of the town’s largest mixed-use complexes. It consists of upscale townhomes and apartments, craft brewers, entertainment, offices, stores, event spaces, and Martino’s Blaze Pizza restaurants.

Blaze Pizza Franchise is currently expanding aggressively and is seeking talented franchisees to join its successful brand. Franchise possibilities are available in markets throughout the United States, including Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and critical Northeast regions. Please visit www.blazepizza.com for additional information regarding development opportunities with Blaze Pizza.

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