Our Story

About Mod Pizza

We started with a simple belief: everyone deserves bold, fresh mod pizza made exactly the way they want it. Discover the people, passion, and purpose behind every slice we serve across the United States.

Mod Pizza kitchen with fresh pizza ingredients being prepared
2011 Founded in Gurnee, IL

The Story Behind Every Slice

Mod Pizza was born from a passion for pizza that breaks the mold. Founded in Gurnee, Illinois, our mission was always to deliver fresh, customizable mod pizza that gives every customer the freedom to build their perfect pie — at a price that never compromises on quality.

From day one, we've believed the best mods pizza experience happens when you combine exceptional ingredients, a welcoming atmosphere, and a team that genuinely loves what they do. Our roots are planted firmly in community — we know our regulars by name and treat every first-timer like family.

"Great pizza isn't just about the dough and sauce — it's about the people who make it and the community that gathers around the table."

Today, Mod Pizza continues to grow across the United States, carrying the same spirit of boldness, creativity, and genuine hospitality that defined us from the very beginning.

13+ Years of Service
500+ Locations Nationwide
30+ Fresh Toppings
2M+ Happy Customers
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Our Mission: Make Every Pizza Personal

At Mod Pizza, our modpizza mission is simple — to serve fresh, boldly-flavored pizza built exactly the way you want it, in a place where every guest feels welcome and every team member feels valued.

Our Core Values

Fresh Ingredients

We source quality, fresh toppings daily. No shortcuts, no compromises — every pizza starts with the best ingredients available.

Community First

We're more than a restaurant — we're a gathering place. We invest in the neighborhoods we serve and the team members who show up every day.

Bold Flavors

From classic margherita to creative custom builds, we encourage every guest to explore and discover their own signature mod pizza combination.

Genuine Hospitality

Every guest matters. We train our team to be warm, fast, and genuinely happy to serve — because great pizza deserves great service.

A History Built on Bold Choices

From a single location in Gurnee to a beloved brand across the United States — here's how the mod pizza story unfolded.

2011

The First Slice

Mod Pizza opens its first location at 6447 Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL. Founders set out to reinvent the pizza experience with a fast-casual, fully customizable model.

2013

Expanding the mods pizza Vision

The mods pizza model proves wildly popular. New locations open across Illinois and neighboring states, driven by word-of-mouth from passionate regulars.

2015

National Recognition

Mod Pizza earns national media coverage and industry awards for its innovative approach, community culture, and dedication to second-chance employment programs.

2017

modpizza Goes Coast to Coast

The modpizza brand crosses 200 locations nationwide. New menu items, gluten-free options, and a revamped loyalty program launch to rave reviews.

2020

Adapting & Strengthening

Through unprecedented challenges, Mod Pizza pivots to contactless ordering and curbside pickup, doubling down on its community commitment with meal donation programs.

2024

The Next Chapter

Today, Mod Pizza continues to grow with 500+ locations, a thriving franchise program, and an unwavering commitment to serving the freshest mod pizza in the United States.

The People Behind the Pizza

Our leadership team combines decades of culinary passion, business expertise, and an unshakeable love for great mod pizza experiences.

Marcus Rivera, CEO and Co-Founder of Mod Pizza

Marcus Rivera

CEO & Co-Founder

A lifelong pizza enthusiast, Marcus built Mod Pizza around the belief that every guest deserves a fully personalized, boldly flavored pizza experience.

Sarah Chen, Head of Culinary Innovation at Mod Pizza

Sarah Chen

Head of Culinary Innovation

With a culinary degree and 15 years of kitchen expertise, Sarah leads recipe development and ensures every topping combination meets our quality standards.

James Okafor, VP of Community and Culture at Mod Pizza

James Okafor

VP of Community & Culture

James champions Mod Pizza's mission to create opportunity for team members and give back to the communities where our restaurants call home.

Priya Nair, Director of Franchise Development at Mod Pizza

Priya Nair

Director of Franchise Development

Priya works with aspiring franchise partners to bring the Mod Pizza experience to new cities, ensuring each new location upholds our brand standards.

Interested in joining the Mod Pizza family?

View Careers Franchise Opportunities
Ready to Taste the Difference?

Your Perfect Mod Pizza Awaits

Build it your way. Eat it your way. Experience the freshest, boldest pizza in the United States — one custom slice at a time.