BIZNOTE: New owner for MOD Pizza, six weeks after its first West Seattle restaurant closed

After reports it was contemplating a bankruptcy filing, MOD Pizza has instead just found a new owner. This news comes six weeks after MOD abruptly closed one of its two West Seattle restaurants, the Junction location that was its first on the peninsula. We requested MOD’s announcement after seeing first word of the sale via Restaurant Business this past hour, and here’s what we received from a company spokesperson:

MOD Super Fast Pizza Holdings, LLC (“MOD Pizza”, “MOD” or the “company”) today announced that Elite Restaurant Group has acquired 100% of the equity of the company pursuant to a merger agreement between the company and an affiliate of Elite.

“MOD has an outstanding culture and passionate, loyal guests and employees,” said Michael Nakhleh of Elite Restaurant Group. “We recognize the inherent value this represents and look forward to helping MOD write the next chapter in its history.”

MOD, a pioneer of fast-casual pizza and salads, and its franchisees own and operate restaurants in 28 states and Canada. In recent months, MOD has been implementing a plan that includes rightsizing its portfolio, refreshing its brand, and further elevating guest experiences. It has made steady improvements to the overall business.

“MOD is a beloved brand with a strong following,” said Beth Scott, CEO of MOD Pizza. “We’re excited to work with Elite Restaurant Group to strengthen MOD’s future.” …

MOD’s remaining West Seattle store is at Westwood Village. The chain was founded in Seattle in 2008.

Alki resident July 10, 2024 (4:31 pm)

This is excellent news!

Myron July 10, 2024 (4:45 pm)

The one I could walk to closed.

MODern Arthur July 10, 2024 (5:15 pm)

This is better news than I’d feared. I’m a big MOD fan and I am glad to see it will live on. But I don’t know about this “elevating the guest experience “. Sounds like ordering kiosks/tablets, which would be a shame. MOD is people powered and one of the best parts of going is the friendly and attentive employees – among the best around.

WiseWoman July 11, 2024 (2:55 am)

I totally agree!!
Mel July 12, 2024 (8:34 am)

I work there I am a Certified Training General Manager and I completely agree! I was able to chime in about this so I’m praying it remains the same. It’s all about the guest connections. This is the part of MOD that I enjoy the most.

Luke July 10, 2024 (5:51 pm)

When you’re restaurant uses this language you are about increasing profit above all else which typically means quality suffers. rightsizing its portfolio, refreshing its brand, and further elevating guest experiences

bolo July 10, 2024 (10:21 pm)

Admittedly that language confused me. Is it corporatespeak? Does anyone even know what each of those three phrases even means?
- ES July 11, 2024 (5:39 am)
  
  Rightsizing its portfolio = will close locations that are unprofitable or too close to each other (oversaturated)Refreshing its brand = can mean a number of things but usually starts with market research to see how customers perceive the brand and whether they can change its brand position to be more appealing, competitive, profitable Further elevating guest experiences = this one is unclear, but “elevating” makes me think adding higher price points for more premium offeringsThis chain was losing money so, yes, probably some cost will need to be taken out (eg how you order to save labor) or prices go up on some or all products. I hope they can make it work without becoming too expensive.
  - bolo July 12, 2024 (11:56 am)
    
    Thanks, that helped a lot!

Local cat July 11, 2024 (2:12 am)

My son loves this pizza it’s a teenager favorite! I remember going to the Seattle center one myself not sure if that one is there. Sounds like MOD is a franchise. Love how you can get personal sized pizzas here.

Eric 43 July 11, 2024 (8:06 am)

Tried MOD Pizza for the first and last time I thought it was a little overpriced I could go to trader Joe’s and get the stuff and make it at home or go to local west Seattle pizza place and get better quality and support local instead of corporate/chain pie

Alki resident July 11, 2024 (9:27 am)

MOD doesn’t charge per topping so no matter what local place you go to, you’re paying way more than what MOD charges. Pizza Gallery will always be our favorite no matter what.

Sorry, comment time is over.