The fast-casual pizza concept Pieology filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday.
The Irvine, California-based chain was once one of the rapidly growing “craft your own pizza” brands gunning to be the “Chipotle of pizza” in a field that included MOD Pizza, Blaze Pizza and others. Designed to be made fresh on site, that style of pizza has suffered since the pandemic drove many consumers to rely more on delivery.
Founded in 2011, Pieology had more than 200 units at one point pre-pandemic, but in recent years the number of units has shrunk considerably. Last year, Pieology ended with 103 locations, a 5% decline. Sales in fiscal 2024 were $101.8 million, down almost 11%, according to Technomic’s Top 500 Restaurant Chain list. All but eight of the chain's locations are owned by franchisees and wouldn't be affected by the filing.
Closures have reportedly continued into this year, with units shuttering in Roseville, California; Rancho Cordova; and Sacramento.
Pieology is owned by founder Carl Chang, brother of professional tennis player Michael Chang who at one point was also a franchisee. The company was operated by The Little Brown Box Pizza LLC, doing business as Pieology.
The company listed liabilities between $1 million and $10 million in the filing, and creditors include numerous leaseholders. Pieology also owes more than $125,000 in state sales taxes.
Pieology officials did not immediately respond to requests for more detail.
Pieology joins a number of restaurant chains that sought bankruptcy protection this year, including Razzoo’s Cajun Café, Planta, K&W Cafeteria, Pinstripes, Hooters of America, Abuelo’s, and more.
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