News

Blaze gets 'large and in-charge'

LeBron James playing "Ron" for Blaze Pizza. (Photo provided)

September 9, 2019

Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza is now offering a large pizza, designed for sharing, according to a news release, which said that the menu addition is part of a major initiative to grow its digital delivery and carryout business. The new 14-inch pies join the brand's previous 11-inch pizzas and are being promoted for online ordering in North America through the brand's app, website or delivery platforms including DoorDash and Postmates.

Last week, Blaze co-owner Rick Wetzel said the introduction of these larger pies was the final piece of action brand leaders deemed necessary before going public, which he said the brand was on track to do within the next three years, according to a story in Yahoo Finance. 

The 14-inch pied launches includes the following initiatives: 

• "Upgrade the Way You Pizza," campaign focused on delivery and carryout orders. 
• Free upgrades from 11- to 14-inch pies for all pizzas ordered via the brand's app or website, through Sept. 12 in the U.S. 
• Star athlete and brand investor, LeBron James, returning as Ron in a sequel to his 2016 viral video. 
• Free Delivery through the brand's app and website orders from Sept. 13-29 in the U.S. 
• First national TV ad, produced by Zeus Jones, on Hulu, Sling, Amazon and additional connected devices, starting Sept. 13. 
• Number of online specials. 

The brand said in the release that it expects online sales to exceed $400 million in 2019, with sales website, app and third-party delivery channels expected to more than double in the next two years. The chain currently has 341 restaurants in 42 states and six countries.