Operations

Blaze names CTO

Photo: File

February 5, 2021

Blaze Pizza has hired Chris Demery, former P.F. Chang's senior vice president, as its chief technology officer. Demery, who brings 20 years of industry experience leading off-premises and consumer-facing platforms, will develop and execute strategic initiatives supporting Blaze's ongoing innovation.

Blaze said its investments in operational efficiency helped the chain avoid a slowdown in growth last year, when it opened 24 stores nationally.

"Chris brings such a unique perspective with his deep knowledge of digital, pizza and also operational off-premise expertise and he will be invaluable in contributing to the immense growth planned for Blaze. I couldn't be more thrilled for him to join the team," Blaze President and CEO Mandy Shaw said in the release.

Prior to joining Blaze, Demery most recently served as senior vice president at P.F. Chang's, where he was responsible for developing the roadmap of its new Chang's GO off-premise prototypes. Demery also spent six years at Bloomin' Brands overseeing the company's external-facing technology, as well as developing and launching the company's first Outback app. In addition, he previously held the role of vice president of enterprise applications at Domino's Pizza, where he helped the company obtain a 100% fill-rate on deliveries by streamlining systemwide delivery processes.

"After having the pleasure of working with Mandy for several years at Bloomin' Brands, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to join her team of superb leaders at Blaze and be a part of taking this trailblazing concept to new heights," Demery said in the release. "Since the brand's inception, Blaze has gained recognition as a customer-centric pizza concept that pushes the boundaries through menu innovations, off-premises capabilities and superior restaurant operations. The brand's commitment to sustainability and quality have continually set it apart from other franchise concepts in the fast casual pizza segment, and I have no doubt that my expertise coupled with the strong foundation already in place will be a recipe for success."

Blaze, based in Pasadena, California, has more than 340 stores in 41 states and six countries.