Blaze Pizza Taps Executive To Fuel Growth

Los Angeles-based Blaze Pizza has promoted foodservice industry veteran Ed Yancey to chief development officer.

Yancey, who joined the 340-unit brand in 2020 as vice president of franchise development, will be responsible for spearheading Blaze Pizza’s growth through franchising and real estate development, as well as leading new franchisee recruitment efforts.

Yancey has more than 25 years of experience in the industry, working in leadership roles at brands like Jersey Mike’s, B. Good and Dunkin’. At Blaze Pizza, Yancey was credited for helping open 14 new restaurants last year, which translated to an 18% increase in same-store sales by the end of the year.

“Over the past two years, Blaze has experienced a surge in franchise development, and Ed has been a driving force behind the strategies that have boosted this ongoing success. We’re very pleased to announce this well-deserved promotion and have no doubt that, in his new role, Ed will continue leveraging his tremendous experience and industry knowledge to take Blaze to new heights,” says Mandy Shaw, CEO and president, in a press release.

Blaze Pizza was founded in 2011 and has restaurants in 38 states and six countries.