It’s More Than the Brick Oven

In the oversaturated fast casual pizza segment, Your Pie has managed to rise above the competition by redefining the game with its customization. The concept has made its mark, maintaining steady growth and developing in more than 10 untapped markets so far in 2016.

The brand attributes its relevancy in the pizza segment to three main factors: customization, handcrafted pies and a unique brick oven cooking process.

“When we launched Your Pie in 2008, we did so with the mindset of being different from any other pizza place,” said Your Pie Founder Drew French. “Our brand is defined by our customization, including the brand name, ‘Your’ Pie. We essentially force our customers to get exactly what they want on their pizza.”

With customization in mind, Your Pie offers white, wheat and gluten free dough, a variety of sauces and cheeses and more than 30 fresh veggies and meats to choose from. The brand even hand-tosses its dough for every pizza they make.

“The science behind it is simple,” said French. “Dough is a living organism. When you use a dough press, the heat elements kill the dough’s ability to rise during the baking process. The rising of the dough in the oven during the baking process is a key component to having great tasting crust. Hand-tossing the dough is also a traditional, memorable experience for kids – and those that remain kids at heart – to enjoy while we make their pizza.”

Aside from an unforgettable experience, Your Pie’s brick oven cooking process creates a distinctive taste that has made this pie chain famous. This technique has successfully helped Your Pie set itself apart from its competitors and sparked growth in new communities where the team continues to prove that they are passionate about changing the way people experience pizza.

“We believe that custom, hand crafted, brick oven pizza speaks for itself when compared to many of our competitors,” said French. “We also know that having the best pizza in the world isn’t enough. We believe we need to be the best pizza for the world as well. If we don’t create an experience inside our store and in our community, then we will not have achieved success in our eyes.”

To continue improving upon its guest experience, Your Pie is consistently working to surprise guests with new creations. The brand’s monthly Craft Pie Series allows the team to get creative in the kitchen, according to French.

“The Peach Prosciutto pie won Best Pizza in the East and landed me on the U.S. Pizza team which allows me to compete in the World Pizza Championships in Italy,” said French. “In October, we are featuring the Pitmaster Pie which features olive oil, smoked pork, balsamic roasted red onions and mozzarella cheese. After it’s baked, we top the pie with coleslaw, fresh cilantro and a swirl of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Our next craft series will feature something very unique so stay tuned.”

While the Craft Pie Series gives unexpected flavor combination each month, the classics remain the staple of the brand. Top-sellers like The Nat, made with basil pesto sauce, mozzarella and feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and grilled chicken, have been on the menu since launch.

As for the founder’s favorite?

“My favorite creation honestly depends on my mood,” said French. “Right now, I’d have to go with the wheat crust, marinara and basil pesto mixed sauce, fresh mozzarella, spinach, Italian sausage, fresh garlic and feta cheese.”

The growing brand currently has 32 restaurants in operation in 10 states with nearly 50 more under development. Your Pie’s existing locations include California, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Virginia.