Operations
January 6, 2026
Blaze Pizza has named business veteran John Owen as its chief government officer, signaling a push for world growth and technological innovation.
Owen joins the quick informal artisanal pizza chain with 40 years of expertise within the restaurant business, most just lately serving as chief working officer of Scooter’s Espresso. Throughout his time on the beverage franchisor, he managed greater than 900 areas and oversaw a interval of double-digit progress in each retailer counts and same-store gross sales.
“John’s dedication to nice visitor experiences and his means to construct sturdy relationships throughout the system place Blaze for worthwhile progress and profitable growth within the U.S. and overseas,” Rahul Aggarwal, a Blaze Pizza board member and consultant of Brentwood Associates, mentioned in an organization press launch.
Owen’s profession is rooted in operational fundamentals; he started his profession as a crew member at McDonald’s Corp. and ultimately rose to turn out to be company vp of technique and execution. He additionally beforehand served as president and CEO of Subway Russia, the place he doubled the model’s footprint to greater than 700 areas.
The appointment comes as Blaze Pizza, headquartered in Atlanta, seeks to scale its “fast-fire’d” idea past its present footprint of 250 eating places throughout 30 states and three international locations.
‘I am excited to work alongside our franchisees, the Blaze Pizza help group, and our suppliers to construct on that basis, whereas unlocking the model’s subsequent section of innovation and progress,” Owen mentioned within the launch.
Doubling down on protein
Blaze Pizza is the newest restaurant chain to lean into the high-protein weight loss program development, asserting the launch of its new “Protein-zza” to cater to health-conscious diners and people following GLP-1 treatment regimens.
Debuting Wednesday, the pizza incorporates a cauliflower crust topped with mozzarella, mushrooms, onions, recent basil, a buffalo sauce drizzle and a double portion of grilled rooster. By using the double-protein serving and a cauliflower base, the corporate says the pizza delivers 56 grams of protein per pie, or roughly 10 grams per slice.
The transfer comes as extra shoppers search out nutrient-dense choices that align with conscious consuming habits and medical weight-loss remedies.
“At the moment’s friends need meals that work for his or her life, whether or not which means prioritizing protein, following GLP-1-friendly habits, or just consuming extra mindfully,” Casey Terrell, chief advertising officer at Blaze Pizza, mentioned in a press launch.
The Protein-zza joins the corporate’s present “Carnivore” pizza, a 60-gram protein choice that options pepperoni, ham and meatballs on conventional scratch-made dough.
Whereas the brand new providing is a set recipe, the Pasadena-based chain continues to push its “build-your-own” mannequin as a method for purchasers to hit particular dietary targets. The corporate famous that diners usually “hack” the usual menu by including plant-based toppings or a number of meat parts to customise their caloric and protein consumption.
The Protein-zza will likely be obtainable for a restricted time at collaborating areas throughout the nation.
