The Pioneer of Fast Casual Pizza Debuts in Livonia
MOD Pizza, the Seattle-based company that launched the rapidly growing fast casual pizza segment, today announced their expansion into Michigan, with the opening of their first store in the Detroit suburb of Livonia. This will be the 55th MOD location in the U.S. with the company on track to be operating 100 stores by the end of 2015.
To lead this expansion, MOD has partnered with TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants (TSRF), a Michigan-based family-owned restaurant group with an expansive portfolio of casual, quick service and family dining restaurants throughout the state of Michigan. The store will open on Monday, June 22, 2015 and is located at 13229 Middlebelt Road. MOD, along with TEAM Schostak, will continue their efforts to put people first and “Spread MODness” by supporting the Livonia Public Schools Education Foundation during their opening day events. Since 2008, MOD has supported over 50 community-based charitable organizations, with donations approaching $200,000 to date.
“The opening of our first Midwest store is an exciting milestone for MOD as we continue to Spread MODness into a new region,” said Scott Svenson, co-founder and CEO of MOD. “We are especially excited to be partnering with TEAM Schostak, who share our belief in the value of a strong and vibrant culture, and the idea that a great business can, and should, be built around people. At MOD, we are focused on creating not just a cool place to eat, but a cool place to work that inspires and supports our employees.”
MOD’s individual artisan-style pizzas are made on demand, using fresh-pressed dough and signature sauces. Customers can create their own pizzas and salads, using any combination of over 30 featured toppings, or they can choose from a menu of MOD classics. Pizzas and salads are the same price regardless of the number of toppings. Pizzas are hand-cooked in an 800 degree oven in less than 3 minutes and salads are hand-tossed in front of the customer. MOD also serves handspun milkshakes along with house-made lemonades and iced teas.
MOD currently operates stores in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Illinois and Pennsylvania and will be opening in Idaho, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina by the end of 2015.
Seattle based MOD Pizza, founded in 2008 by Scott and Ally Svenson, was inspired by the couple’s love of Italian street-style pizza, their desire for authentic, affordable and fast dining options for their busy family and the idea that a great company could be built around people. Above all, MOD is about putting people first – both the MOD Squad and customers and is striving to redefine the fast food experience.
The Svensons bring their experience from building two highly successful concepts in the UK – Seattle Coffee Company (acquired by Starbucks) and Carluccio’s. MOD’s team of advisors and executives bring additional experience from iconic brands such as Starbucks, Apple, Panera Bread, Disney, T-Mobile, Dunkin Donuts, Qdoba, McDonald’s and Schwartz Brothers Restaurants.
MOD is committed to creating not just a cool place to eat, but an inspired place to work. The company has been recognized as one of the “Top 50 Breakout Brands” by Nation’s Restaurant News, named one of the “Fastest Growing Private Companies in America” by Inc. Magazine, ranked as a “Fastest Growing Private Company” by the Puget Sound Business Journal and named one of “Washington’s Best Work Places” by the Puget Sound Business Journal. www.modpizza.com
