Blaze Pizza is growing its footprint in the Kalamazoo area with a new location in Portage.

Blaze will be taking over the former Panchero's Mexican Grill at the Southland Mall in the building shared with Jimmy John's and Noodles and Company. The address is 6160 S. Westnedge. Panchero's closed in February 2018. The additional location of Blaze comes as a similar chain, Mod Pizza is set to open at Stadium and Drake.

The confirmation on the location comes from a hiring blitz underway for the new pizzeria. The company is looking for team members and managers.

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, the nation’s leading build-your-own pizza concept, serving up custom-built pizzas at crazy fast speeds, is seeking team member applications for our new Portage location opening soon.

We’re looking to hire positive, enthusiastic, cool, individualistic, and fun Team Members who share in our commitment to our core values – celebrating individuality, making intelligent choices and serving up exceptional pizza. If you thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment, come talk to us.

Blaze has a location currently in Kalamazoo at West Main and Drake. The closest other locations to Southwest Michigan are South Bend and Lansing.

Here's a look inside Blaze if you've never visited before:

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