Fast casual partners with entrepreneurs Kelsey Irvine, Kunal Patel to add at least 16 new units
Blaze Pizza has inked new franchise agreements to expand in Florida, Tennessee and Texas. These new deals reflect an acceleration of franchising efforts to expand the brand across the US South Central and Southeastern Regions. Franchise partnerships with Carpo Pizza Enterprises and Kunal Patel will help Blaze Pizza enter the markets of Austin, Texas; Panama City, Florida; and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which it has targeted.
In Texas, a savvy entrepreneur and chief executive of Carpo Enterprises will develop 10 locations in Metro-Austin. An 11-unit Jersey Mike’s franchisee, the 26 year-old Irvine is building out his franchise empire in the Lone Star state.
Blaze Pizza has leveraged Texas for growth, particularly as it additionally opens four new Dallas-area restaurants this spring.
“When I was introduced to Blaze Pizza, I immediately recognized that the strength of its business model coupled with an exceptional high-quality product was a recipe for success, and am thrilled to be coming onboard in the midst of an exciting period of growth,” said Irvine. “Blaze has developed a passionate following from consumers throughout the country since its inception, and I have no doubt that the Austin community is going to fall in love with this concept and its one-of-a-kind guest experience.”
In addition to Austin, Blaze Pizza will expand in the Southeast with franchise partner Patel. Six new stores will open as a result of the executed agreement. Patel has two upcoming locations that are currently under development in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Panama City, Florida.
He will also expand Blaze Pizza in the Florida panhandle, Alabama and Mississippi over the next several years
Patel and his family have helped develop several hospitality brands, including Marriott, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and Wyndham, under license. This expertise will bring a unique perspective to operating the fast-casual Blaze pizza chain, according to the announcement.
“We recognize that our franchisees are integral to the brand’s ongoing success, and are proud that our unparalleled support system and unwavering commitment to operational excellence have attracted experienced multi-unit operators like Kelsey and Kunal,” said Ed Yancey, vice president of franchise development for Blaze Pizza.
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