PORT ANGELES — Visitors to the new Starbucks store at South Del Guzzi Drive and East Front Street in Port Angeles probably have noticed the vacant storefront and dirt floor next door, which was slated to host a MOD Pizza restaurant.
The new restaurant still is coming but has been delayed until next year.
Property owner Roger Wilson of Wilson Real Estate in Yakima wrote in a Sept. 14 email, “The buildout by the developer has been finished and MOD took over the project for the final tenant improvements.
“Before the floor is poured, all of the plumbing for the fixtures needs to be in place. We expect MOD to be in business bringing their super fast and tasty pizzas to Port Angeles next year.”
Representatives of MOD Pizza could not be reached for a more precise opening date or other details.
City spokesperson Jessica Strait wrote in a Sept. 15 email that a “tenant finish out permit” was issued Oct. 26, 2022. It allows work to be done, inspected and approved to complete items required for occupancy, she wrote. A sign permit was approved and city staff contacted the company’s design team regarding the permit fee and issuance.
MOD Pizza is a Seattle-based chain founded in 2008. It now has more than 500 locations in 20 U.S. states, British Columbia and the United Kingdom.
MOD is an acronym for “Made On Demand.” A restaurant trade publication has characterized the chain as “the Chipotle of the pizza industry,” although customers often have compared it to Subway because customers can chose their own toppings.
MOD’s gas-fired ovens cook at such a high temperature it only takes a few minutes, depending on the number of toppings. The company recommends a maximum of four.
The company was founded by Scott and Ally Svenson in 2008. According to the company website, “The MOD experience is built around high-quality, personalized products delivered superfast.
“Our individually sized pizzas and hand-tossed salads are fully customizable, with more than 40 toppings, eight finishing sauces, and eight delectable dressings.
“Every pizza or salad is made on demand and completely unique, but the price always stays the same.”
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at brian.gawley@ soundpublishing.com.
