PizzaRev

PizzaRev operates in the fast-casual dining sector, a market segment known for rapid service and customized meal options. The company was founded in 2012 by Nicholas Eckerman, alongside his father Rodney Eckerman and his business partner Irv Zuckerman. The founding concept, developed by Nicholas Eckerman, was to create a higher quality pizza that could be served quickly, catering to lunch-break schedules. This idea resonated with his father and Zuckerman, both retired co-CEOs of Clear Channel Entertainment, who brought extensive operational and executive experience from the live entertainment industry to the new venture.

The business model centers on a "build-your-own" assembly-line format where customers direct the creation of their personal 11-inch pizzas for a single flat price. Patrons choose from various doughs, including gluten-free options, sauces, all-natural cheeses, and over 30 toppings. The customized pizza is then cooked in a high-temperature, 900-degree stone-bed oven, completing the process in approximately three minutes. This rapid turnaround is a key feature of the service. The company generates revenue primarily through in-store sales of its menu items, which also include pre-designed pizzas, salads, and desserts.

Initially showing promise, PizzaRev attracted a significant minority investment from Buffalo Wild Wings in 2014, when the chain had just three locations. By 2016, the company had expanded to 44 restaurants. However, the growth trajectory reversed in subsequent years. In 2017, Buffalo Wild Wings sold its stake, and Cleveland Avenue, a venture capital firm led by former McDonald's CEO Don Thompson, acquired a majority share. Despite this new partnership, the chain's footprint continued to shrink. A scattered approach to geographic expansion was cited as a challenge, as it hindered the ability to build strong brand awareness in any single market. The number of stores dwindled from 44 in 2016 to 13 by mid-2020. In September 2021, the struggling company was sold to Amergent Hospitality Group for $1.1 million, with only 12 locations remaining. By early 2024, closures had continued, with reports indicating only a single location might remain operational.

Keywords: PizzaRev, fast-casual pizza, build-your-own pizza, custom pizza, stone-fired pizza, restaurant chain, Rodney Eckerman, Irv Zuckerman, Nicholas Eckerman, Cleveland Avenue, Amergent Hospitality Group, fast-casual dining, pizza franchise, Roman-style pizza, quick-service restaurant, customizable menu, restaurant decline, Buffalo Wild Wings investment, Don Thompson, restaurant acquisition