Food Chain - Issue 196 - October 2023 | Page 44

Azzip Pizza _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

In a world where taste and convenience reign supreme , Azzip Pizza ( Azzip ) has emerged as a pioneer , revolutionizing the way we enjoy pizzas . With a passion for culinary innovation and a commitment to customer satisfaction , Azzip has successfully carved its niche in the fiercely competitive fast-casual dining industry . By offering bold pizza flavors , where endless combinations of fresh ingredients meet perfectly baked crusts , Azzip has made a name for itself in Indiana and surrounding regions of the US . With a growing presence and a loyal following , Azzip continues to redefine the dining experience , one delicious pizza at a time . Andy Niemeier , Co-CEO , unveils the company ’ s history .

Family flavor
“ Azzip was founded in 2014 by my brother Brad Niemeier while he was a hospitality and tourism management student at Purdue
University . Each year , the university would organize a business plan competition , inviting students to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas . Inspired by Chipotle ’ s customer-centric model of quick , customizable food , Brad conceived a unique business plan for a pizza restaurant . Embracing Chipotle ’ s concept of preparing meals in front of customers , offering personalized options and individual serving sizes , Brad ’ s innovative vision caught the attention of the judges . Ultimately , his outstanding proposal earned him the coveted $ 20,000 reward to kickstart his entrepreneurial journey . Therefore , he decided to give his business idea a shot right after graduating . He opened the first location in Evansville , Indiana in 2014 , and a second location nearby later that year . Today , we have ten locations in Indiana and Kentucky , and we are set to open an 11th in Indianapolis in October 2023 ,” he begins .
From its inception , Azzip was always a family affair . “ I came on board a couple years after Azzip

CREATE SOMETHING DELICIOUS

44