LeBron James-Backed Pizza Chain Fires Up the Ovens on Boston University’s Campus

Speedy pizzas cruise into Boston University’s campus today with the opening of Blaze Pizza, a counter-service spot that serves customizable pies cooked in minutes. Taking over the space at 961 Commonwealth Ave. where BurgerFi used to operate, Blaze joins a few other locations in the metro Boston area Thursday, according to Boston Restaurant Talk.

The California-based pizza chain first opened at 1 Canal Park in East Cambridge in June 2016, as previously reported; a Fenway location (1282 Boylston St.) joined the mix in September; and a third restaurant opened in December at CityPlace (123 Stuart St.), near Emerson.

Blaze, which has noted investors including NBA star LeBron James and Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner, serves a mix of pre-set signature pizzas and build-your-own options. Toppings range from pepperoni, meatball, and barbecue chicken to peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, and assorted cheeses.

The BU location operates from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and Blaze will push forward to open a fourth Massachusetts location in Burlington, at 91 Middlesex Turnpike.

In honor of Thursday’s opening, Friday, August 4, is free pizza day at the new location for anyone who follows the chain on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, or Facebook. Swing by between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m.

• Blaze Pizza to Open in Former BurgerFi Space by Boston University [BRT]