[EXCLUSIVE] Blaze Pizza to Introduce New "Ignite" Concept in Atlanta

Blaze Pizza is seemingly looking to introduce a new prototype in Atlanta.  The quick-serve pizza chain which moved its headquarters from Pasadena to Vinings in 2024, will later this fall debut "Ignite by Blaze Pizza," according to signage at the restaurant.  

The location in question is situated in an endcap of Akers Mill Square (2955 Cobb Parkway) , less than two miles from the company's global headquarters on Paces Ferry Road.  Carl Hoover and his Blazing South were the original Atlanta franchisees of the brand and first opened the Akers Mill restaurant in December 2017.  Hoover would go on to open several other Atlanta area units before selling to a separate franchise group in 2024.  

The Akers Mill location was subsequently acquired by Blaze corporate to act as their "corporate store" to test ideas and introduce new offerings.  Before Blaze the space was home to failed would-be competitor Uncle Maddio's Pizza.  

In recent weeks the space was reportedly completely remodeled with a new layout and equipment package, according to a source familiar with the company's plans.  

It's unclear what exactly will be different about the "Ignite" concept, but it likely represents CEO  Beto Guajardo's biggest and boldest bet on modernizing the Blaze business.  Guajardo was tapped as the company's CEO in January 2023 after about three years at Atlanta's GoTo Foods (then Focus Brands) and before that, five years at Starbucks.  

Another former Blazing South Blaze location, Emory Commons (2131 North Decatur Road), is also closed for remodeling but its work is not shrouded in secrecy (there is no covering over the windows) and seems to be more of a facelift by the franchisee than the drastic changes taking place at Akers Mill. 

Other Atlanta area Blaze Pizza locations remain open near Atlantic Station in West Midtown and near Mall of Georgia in Buford.  The company also has units in Brunswick, Valdosta, and Statesboro.  

MOD Pizza, once Blaze Pizza's most formidable competitor, was near bankruptcy last summer, and was ultimately acquired by a larger restaurant group.  That said, the Seattle-based quick-serve pizza chain has still closed dozens of restaurants around the country and their Georgia presence has shrunk from eight to just four locations: Decatur, Kennesaw, Dawsonville, and Augusta.  

Are you excited for the changes at Blaze Pizza?  What is your favorite pizza topping?  If Blaze continues to expand in Atlanta, where would you like to see them open next?

Please share your thoughts below.