The people: It was only a matter of time before Chipotle-ization hit pizza, and now Blaze founders Elise and Rick Wetzel (co-founders of Wetzel’s Pretzels) are riding the wave of one of the hottest fast casual concepts. In fact, Blaze is spreading like wildfire; in August 2012, it opened its first location in Irvine, California and there are currently 40 nationwide. Remarkably, the company has commitments to open 315 more restaurants in 33 states, and from now until the end of the year, a new Blaze will open every four days. It probably helps that LeBron James, Maria Shriver, Boston Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner, and movie producer John Davis are among the investors.
The place: Another industrial chic design, this time with orange and black accents and beige and white background tile. Note that the fancy centerpiece oven with its open flames is powered by gas, not wood. Staff are super-friendly, like they all took a be-personable pill.
The food: With ultra-thin, crisp crusts and judicious use of cheese, these pies are neither heavy nor gooey; they’re kind of like the easy listening music of pizza. Unobjectionable and pleasant to eat, but they won’t have you tapping your feet. Toppings sometimes border on skimpy and lacking in pizazz. Love the blood orange lemonade.
The bottom line: Way better than the pizza chain fare of yesteryear but not as good as local competitor &pizza.
Westfield Montgomery Mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 240-630-8236, www.blazepizza.com. One-topping 11-inch pizza, $6.25; build-your-own and signature pies, $7.65.
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