Another pizza place opened in Ann Arbor this past August: Blaze Pizza, a pizza chain backed by basketball star, LeBron James. The first location in Michigan opened at Washtenaw Commons Shopping Center at 3500 Washtenaw. The second location opened in the Cranbrook Village Shopping Center at 980A Eisenhower Parkway in the space of former Tony Sacco’s Coal Oven Pizza. The concept is much different than your standard pizza place.

Blaze cooks their pizza for about 180 seconds in a “blazing hot open flame oven.” They are fast, efficient and cooperative. Blaze has four different pizza options. You can order a signature pizza or build your own, which costs the same, about $8. They also offer a “1 top,” which is just under $7. You can also order a simple pie which is under $6.

I ordered a build your own. I didn’t have a sauce, but I added bacon, banana peppers, pineapple, gorgonzola and a barbeque sauce drizzle on the top. I had originally wanted to try their signature barbeque chicken pizza but they had run out of chicken. The line was fairly long, about eight others in front of me, but the it seemed to move fairly quickly as I waited about 10 minutes for my turn to build my pizza. It was particularly busy as they were running a buy one get one free promotion. I had a chance to try their gluten free crust., I was surprised that the crust tasted just like a regular pizza crust.

My second visit to Blaze Pizza I was able to try their signature barbeque chicken pizza, which had chicken, banana peppers, gorgonzola, red onion and a barbeque drizzle. Overall, the pizzas were delicious. It was nice to have a gluten-free option and not have to pay for each topping.

Blaze also offers drinks and desserts. Blaze has regular Coca-Cola fountain drinks, tea and assortment of agua frescas; like prickly pear and key lime mint. They also have blood orange lemonade and traditional lemonade. You can order beer or wine to go with you pizza if you are of age. After consuming your pie you can order something sweet, including a s’more pie, sea salt cookie or an olive oil brownie.

I liked Blaze’s atmosphere though it was a little noisy. I did like the setup which is a modern restaurant chain. I also liked how they use fresh, high quality food for toppings and make their dough from scratch. Their 11’’ pizzas is a great size for someone’s meal. In the end I really enjoyed the pizza and how the employes were very understanding.