Come late October, students will have a build-your-own-pizza option across the street from East Campus.
Courtesy: Kimberly Smith
The Den better watch out. Pizzeria chain Pieology is opening up right across the street from East Campus in the Yogurtland and Chick-fil-A square — just a short jaywalk away for hungry students who complain of long lines and waits at the Den.
“There are mainly fast food [and] burger offerings so we thought custom pizza would be ideally complementary,” Pieology’s Mark Wong said in an email. “Many customers who are familiar with us have affectionately titled Pieology the ‘Chipotle of Pizza’ or ‘Subway of Pizza.'”
With an anticipated grand opening Monday, Oct. 28, Pieology, which is known for its fast, build-your-own-pizza options, will be hosting a pre-grand opening “free pizza” day. Specific details will be released as the opening date approaches.
Planning for the Azusa store started in April and construction in July.
Wong said he hopes the store will become an integral part of the Azusa and APU communities by hosting fundraising events and supporting various nonprofit organizations both on and off campus. And of course, he hopes to appeal to students from his prime, right-next-to-campus location.
“It’s a college town with hungry students whom we aim to make happy,” he wrote. “We’ve learned from Pieology Fullerton (which is two blocks from Cal State Fullerton) that students eat pizza — and lots of it! College students also have a much more discerning palette and love to customize their own pizzas to their particular liking.”
Den manager Paul Grether said he is not worried about potential competition.
“I’m kind of excited that they are opening up across the street,” he said. “It gives not only the students another option, another alternative to eat at, but also the general public.”
Students interested in applying for employment can visit the company’s website at www.pieology.com.