Pizza chain gets a slice of life in Leeds

A fast growing US pizza chain has chosen Leeds to launch its UK business.

MOD - Made on Demand - Pizza opened the doors to its first UK store in Cardigan Fields and its founder, Scott Svenson travelled all the way from Seattle for the occasion.

Mr Svenson, who along with his wife Ally founded the Seattle Coffee Company before selling it to Starbucks - giving the US coffee giant a foothold in Europe, said they chose Leeds because the city has “a strong sense of community”.

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He also says that Leeds has a “entrepreneurial, dynamic, creative” energy that fits in with the pizza chain’s culture.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Mr Svenson said: “To be honest where we do best in the States is where there is a strong sense of community because MOD very much becomes a part of the community.

“It’s a place where people love to come and spend time with their family and kids love to come with their friends and one of our biggest customer bases is youth sports team.

“The reality is there’s a strong sense of community in places like Leeds, which we find very attractive.”

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The pizza chain will employ 40 staff at the restaurant in Leeds.

MOD is looking to bring “fast casual” style of dining to the UK. Mr Svenson says fast casual combines the quality of casual dining with efficient service of fast food.

All pizzas and salads will be the same flat price of £7.47, regardless of what toppings customers ask for.

At the opening, the firm invited young people’s charity, Breeze. Mr Svenson said that 100 per cent of proceeds from all pizza sales on the opening day will go to Breeze.

The company has also announced its second store, which will open in Brighton in August.

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