Lucas Bravo named chief financial officer of Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza names new CFO amid unit decline and sales challenges.
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Lucas Bravo has been appointed as the new chief financial officer of Blaze Pizza, bringing extensive finance experience from various restaurant brands. He will be responsible for overseeing financial strategy and supporting the brand's growth initiatives, particularly in a challenging fast-casual pizza market. Blaze Pizza finished 2025 with 230 domestic units, a 13.5% decline year-over-year.
Why It Matters
The new leadership at Blaze Pizza may drive shifts in operational strategy to support franchisee performance, as the brand seeks to overcome current challenges in unit economics and market competitiveness.
Lucas Bravo has been appointed as the chief financial officer of Blaze Pizza, a fast-casual, build-your-own pizza chain, effective immediately. Bravo brings nearly 28 years of extensive experience in finance, strategic planning, treasury, and operational leadership across the restaurant and consumer sectors, previously holding the role of senior vice president of finance at GoTo Foods, the parent company of well-known brands like Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon.
In his new position at Blaze Pizza, Bravo will oversee the company’s financial strategy, accounting, treasury, and planning and analysis. He will also play a crucial role in supporting both domestic and international growth initiatives, as well as managing the company's supply chain and franchise administration and compliance. In his statement regarding his new role, Bravo expressed enthusiasm about Blaze Pizza's potential, saying, "I’m excited to join the team and help build on the company’s strong foundation as we continue driving profitable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value for our franchisees and stakeholders."
Bravo’s extensive background includes a tenure as director of finance and treasury at Burger King, providing him with a strong operational insight that Blaze’s CEO, John Owen, believes will be invaluable. Owen, who took on his role in January, noted, “Lucas brings a strong combination of financial discipline, analytical rigor, and operational insight that will be invaluable as Blaze Pizza continues to strengthen its business and support our franchise partners.”
