Pieology
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fast casual restaurant |
| Founded | March 2011 |
| Founder | Carl Chang, James Markham |
| Headquarters | Tustin, California , United States |
Area served | United States, Mexico, Spain, China, Guam, United Kingdom |
Key people | Carl Chang (Founder) |
| Products | Customizable artisan pizzas, signature pizzas, salads, desserts |
Pieology Pizzeria is a fast-casual pizza chain headquartered in Tustin, California, established in 2011 by entrepreneur Carl Chang, who is the brother of former tennis professional Michael Chang. The company’s strategy emphasizes providing an affordable and engaging pizza dining experience. Its main competitors include chains such as Blaze Pizza and MOD Pizza. By October 2018, Pieology operated around 140 outlets across 23 states and territories in the U.S., with more than half located in California, and had also expanded internationally to markets including Mexico, China, and Spain.
Concept
Pieology’s operational approach is built around customizable artisan pizzas cooked in high-temperature open-flame ovens. Guests choose their preferred toppings as employees prepare the pizzas along a service line, resulting in freshly baked personalized orders. The menu also offers signature pizzas, salads, and desserts.
Each restaurant creates an inspiring environment featuring boards with motivational quotes designed to enhance the customer experience while reinforcing the brand’s identity.
History
The inaugural Pieology location opened its doors in March 2011 in Fullerton, California, close to California State University, Fullerton. It was founded by partners Carl Chang and James Markham. Originally called Pie-ology Pizzeria, the founders had previous ties to MOD Pizza. Markham exited the partnership in 2012. Following initial success, a second outlet was launched in November 2012 near the University of California, Irvine in Irvine. Early expansion efforts concentrated on company-owned stores within Southern California.
In September 2014, Pieology made its debut in Minnesota with a Mankato location owned by Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Matt Kalil. That same month marked entry into Arizona with a store opening in Tucson. By October 2014, the chain operated 35 locations spanning eight states.
In 2015, Technomic named Pieology the fastest-growing restaurant chain in the United States. The brand continued to broaden its reach geographically, entering Hawaii in March 2016 via franchise partner Cotti Foods and launching its first site outside the continental U.S. in Tamuning, Guam, in May 2016.
In 2016, Pieology attracted investment from Andrew and Peggy Cherng, founders of Panda Restaurant Group. Later that year, the company acquired competitor Project Pie, enhancing its market position and competitive edge within the fast-casual pizza sector.
Mexico
Pieology inaugurated its first international branch in January 2018 within Mexico City’s Polanco district through a partnership with Mexican franchisee OPFRA S.A. de C.V. By September 2019, a third location opened near Anahuac University as part of the company’s strategic Latin American growth plans.
Spain
In March 2018, Pieology entered Spain via a franchise licensing agreement with Comess Group. The initial restaurant launched in Madrid in September 2018, representing a significant milestone for its European expansion.
China
Pieology expanded into China in July 2020 by opening a Shanghai location through a franchise agreement with TZG Partners, marking its entry into Asia’s competitive market.
Canada
In February 2016, the company revealed intentions to extend its presence into the Canadian market; nonetheless, by September 2021, no franchise collaborator had emerged to drive this project forward.
United Kingdom
Camyabco Ltd. joined forces with the company in July 2021 to open its inaugural outlet in London, representing a calculated entry into the fast-casual dining sector within the United Kingdom. This development aligns with the company's broader global expansion and growth objectives by tapping into a significant international market.