ATLANTA, GA – In a move that signals both a celebration of its past and a strategic push toward its digital future, Blaze Pizza has announced a nationwide promotional event to mark its 15th anniversary. On September 15, 2026, the fast-casual industry leader will offer its Blaze Rewards members an 11-inch, two-topping pizza for the commemorative price of $6.85.

The initiative, which is exclusive to digital platforms, highlights the company’s evolution from a single storefront in Southern California to a dominant force in the global pizza market. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the brand has spent the last decade and a half redefining the speed and customization of the artisanal pizza experience.

Main Facts: The Anatomy of the 15th Anniversary Celebration

The upcoming promotion is structured as a "one-day-only" digital event, designed to drive traffic through the company’s proprietary mobile app and website. By offering an 11-inch, two-topping pizza for $6.85—a significant discount from standard menu pricing—Blaze Pizza aims to reward its existing loyalists while incentivizing new customer acquisitions for its Blaze Rewards program.

Key Details of the Promotion:

• Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
• Offer: One 11-inch, 2-topping pizza for $6.85.
• Platform: Exclusive to the Blaze Pizza App and BlazePizza.com.
• Requirement: Users must be logged into a Blaze Rewards account and use the promo code BLAZEBDAY.
• Scope: Participating locations across the United States, excluding specific non-traditional venues such as airports, stadiums, and select university campuses.

While the deal covers the standard artisanal dough, the company noted that premium options—including Gluten-Free Dough, Cauliflower Crust, and High-Rise Dough—will remain available but will be subject to additional upcharges. This tiered pricing strategy ensures that the brand maintains its commitment to dietary inclusivity while managing the food costs associated with high-demand promotional windows.

Chronology: From a "Bold Idea" to 250+ Locations

To understand the significance of the 15th anniversary, one must look back to the brand’s inception in 2011. Founded by Rick and Elise Wetzel (of Wetzel’s Pretzels fame), Blaze Pizza was built on the "Subway-style" assembly line model applied to the world of Neapolitan-style pizza.

2011–2015: The Disruptor Phase

Blaze Pizza opened its first location in Irvine, California, followed closely by a flagship in Pasadena. The concept was simple: allow guests to choose from over 35 toppings and "fast-fire" the pizza in a high-temperature open-flame oven, delivering a finished product in under three minutes. The brand gained massive cultural momentum in 2012 when NBA superstar LeBron James became an early investor and spokesperson, famously walking away from a massive endorsement deal with McDonald’s to bet on the upstart pizza brand.

2016–2020: Rapid Expansion and Market Leadership

By 2017, Blaze had become the first fast-casual pizza chain to reach 200 locations. During this period, the company focused on "clean ingredients," removing artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives from its menu. This health-conscious pivot resonated with Millennials and Gen Z, propelling the brand to the top of industry "Movers and Shakers" lists.

2021–2026: Digital Transformation and Headquarters Relocation

As the pandemic shifted consumer habits toward off-premise dining, Blaze Pizza pivoted aggressively toward digital integration. The brand relocated its corporate headquarters to Atlanta, Georgia, to tap into the city’s burgeoning tech and restaurant talent pool. By 2026, the brand has solidified its presence in over 30 states and three countries, maintaining a footprint of more than 250 restaurants.

Supporting Data: The Fast-Casual Pizza Landscape

The success of Blaze Pizza’s 15-year tenure is reflected in the broader growth of the fast-casual pizza segment. According to industry reports, the fast-casual pizza market has seen a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 12% over the last decade, significantly outpacing traditional "Big Three" delivery chains in terms of year-over-year percentage growth in foot traffic.

Brand Performance Metrics:

• Footprint: 250+ restaurants across 30+ states.
• Menu Innovation: Blaze leads the category in crust variety (Original, Keto, Cauliflower, Gluten-Free, and Vegan options).
• Loyalty Integration: The Blaze Rewards program has become a central pillar of the company’s revenue, with digital orders now accounting for a substantial portion of total sales.

The $6.85 price point for the anniversary deal is a calculated move. In an era of fluctuating food inflation, offering a high-quality, customizable meal for under $7.00 serves as a powerful "loss leader" strategy. It not only celebrates the anniversary but also positions Blaze as a value-driven alternative to both traditional fast food and more expensive sit-down dining options.

Official Responses: A Message of Gratitude and Vision

John Owen, Chief Executive Officer of Blaze Pizza, emphasized that the 15th anniversary is less about the brand’s corporate achievements and more about the community that built it.

"Blaze began with a bold idea about how pizza could be made and experienced, and our guests have fueled that idea every step of the way," Owen stated in a recent press release. "Our birthday is a chance to thank the Blaze community with an exceptional value and invite everyone to celebrate with a pizza made exactly the way they want it."

Industry analysts suggest that Owen’s focus on "personalization" and "community" is a strategic effort to maintain the brand’s identity as an artisanal maker, even as it scales to a global level. By framing the promotion around the "Blaze community," the company reinforces the emotional connection customers have with the "build-your-own" experience.

Implications: The Future of Digital Loyalty and Brand Longevity

The decision to make the 15th-anniversary deal "digital-only" carries significant implications for the future of the brand. It reflects a wider trend in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and fast-casual industries where brands are moving away from traditional paper coupons in favor of app-based ecosystems.

1. Data-Driven Marketing

By requiring customers to log into the Blaze Rewards app to redeem the $6.85 deal, the company captures valuable consumer data. This allows for more personalized marketing, targeted offers based on previous topping choices, and a better understanding of peak ordering times.

2. Operational Efficiency

Digital-only deals allow kitchen staff to manage the influx of orders more effectively through integrated Point of Sale (POS) systems. By funneling the "birthday rush" through the app, Blaze can pace order fulfillment and reduce the friction of in-person transactions, ensuring that the "fast-fire’d" promise is kept even during high-volume events.

3. Sustaining Competitive Advantage

As competitors like MOD Pizza and Pieology continue to vie for market share, Blaze Pizza’s 15th-anniversary campaign serves as a reminder of its seniority and stability in the space. The brand’s ability to survive and thrive through various economic cycles—from the mid-2010s expansion boom to the digital pivot of the 2020s—positions it as a mature leader in the category.

4. Cultural Relevance

By utilizing platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote the "BLAZEBDAY" code, the company continues to court a younger demographic. The 15-year milestone is not just a look back at the past but a reaffirmation of the brand’s commitment to "menu innovation and customer satisfaction," as noted in their recent accolades from Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500.

Conclusion

As Blaze Pizza prepares for the September 15th festivities, the $6.85 deal stands as a testament to the brand’s journey from a disruptive startup to a mainstay of American fast-casual dining. By blending artisanal quality with modern digital convenience, Blaze continues to set the pace for the industry. For the millions of "Blazers" across the country, the 15th anniversary is an invitation to revisit the assembly line where it all started—one two-topping pizza at a time.

For more information regarding the 15th-anniversary offer or to join the Blaze Rewards program, customers are encouraged to visit BlazePizza.com or download the app on iOS or Android devices.

Media Contact:
Joshua Levitt
PR for Blaze Pizza
949-981-0757