Feb. 5, 2021
Blaze Pizza has hired Chris Demery, former P.F. Chang s senior vice president, as its chief technology officer. Demery, who brings 20 years of industry experience leading off-premises and consumer-facing platforms, will develop and execute strategic initiatives supporting Blaze s ongoing innovation.
Blaze said its investments in operational efficiency helped the chain avoid a slowdown in growth last year, when it opened 24 stores nationally. Chris brings such a unique perspective with his deep knowledge of digital, pizza and also operational off-premise expertise and he will be invaluable in contributing to the immense growth planned for Blaze. I couldn t be more thrilled for him to join the team, Blaze President and CEO Mandy Shaw said in the release.
Senior Editor - Restaurants
Chris Demery has joined Blaze Pizza s executive leadership team as chief technology officer. Demery brings 20 years of industry experience leading off-premises and consumer-facing platforms for nationally-recognized food service brands, and will leverage his expertise to develop and execute strategic initiatives supporting Blaze s ongoing innovation.
Demery joins Blaze Pizza at an exciting period of development for the rapidly growing franchise concept. Despite a year of unprecedented challenges for the restaurant industry, Blaze s investments in operational efficiency helped the brand navigate 2020 without slowing down its aggressive growth efforts, opening 24 new restaurants nationwide by year-end. This success has fueled a surge in franchise development and positioned the company for explosive growth in 2021 and beyond.
Blaze Pizza Appoints New Chief Technology Officer
- Leading Fast Casual Pizza Concept Welcomes Industry Veteran Chris Demery to Leadership Team Amidst Ongoing Nationwide Growth -
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LOS ANGELES, Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ Blaze Pizza, the nation s leading fast casual franchise pizza concept, announced today that Chris Demery has joined the executive leadership team as chief technology officer. Demery brings 20 years of industry experience leading off-premises and consumer-facing platforms for nationally-recognized food service brands, and will leverage his expertise to develop and execute strategic initiatives supporting Blaze s ongoing innovation.
Demery joins Blaze Pizza at an exciting period of development for the rapidly growing franchise concept. Despite a year of unprecedented challenges for the restaurant industry, Blaze s investments in operational efficiency helped the brand navigate 2020 without slowing down its ag
“Chris brings such a unique perspective with his deep knowledge of digital, pizza and also operational off-premise expertise and he will be invaluable in contributing to the immense growth planned for Blaze,” said Mandy Shaw, Blaze Pizza CEO and president, in a statement.
Prior to P.F. Chang’s, Demery worked six years at Tampa, Fla.-based Bloomin’ Brands Inc., overseeing the company’s external-facing technology and helping to develop and launch the first Outback Steakhouse app. He also served as vice president of enterprise applications at Domino’s Pizza.
“After having the pleasure of working with Mandy for several years at Bloomin’ Brands, I couldn t pass up an opportunity to join her team of superb leaders at Blaze and be a part of taking this trailblazing concept to new heights,” Demery said.
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