Simple Food For Complex Times

In 2008, Scott and Ally Svenson of Seattle had an idea. It was inspired by their love of pizza and simple pleasures, and motivated by their need to feed four hungry boys. It was a complicated time—the financial crisis was brewing and many were stressed. They adopted the motto “Simple food for complex times.”
The Svensons were motivated to create something unique: an honest, inspiring and memorable experience for customers and team members alike. Was it possible to create an authentic, fresh, hand-made product super fast? And what would happen if they allowed customers to choose exactly what they wanted without charging more (a true “no catch” offer)?
With the help of some really smart, experienced friends the Svensons figured it out. From the beginning, MOD was an experiment—motivated by the desire to create something really special and inspired by some shared values. How the experiment would turn out, though, was uncertain. How would customers react? Would the team get it? Was the experiment worth the Svensons’ blood, sweat, and tears required to go the distance?
Less than a decade later there are 190 MOD Pizza stores either open or are set to open soon around the country. The fifth Charleston location just opened in West Ashley in the Westwood Plaza. The West Ashley location is holding a Grand Opening party Wednesday, Aug. 17 with the first 52 people who come through the doors receiving free pizza and one lucky customer winning free pizza for a year. Doors will open at noon. Also 100 percent of all pizza proceeds that day will be donated to Children’s Chance, a local charity that assist children and families facing pediatric cancer throughout South Carolina.
MOD Pizza is located in the Westwood Plaza at 1812 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. For more information, call 854-999-1872 or visit www.modpizza.com.