USA: Pizza Fusion receives organic restaurant certification

Pizza Fusion, based in Florida, USA; serves gourmet pizza and a variety of delicious sandwiches, salads, desserts, beer and wine. The company has already more than 75 locations in development since the launch of their franchise program in February 2007. Pizza Fusion’s operations are continuously evaluated from an environmental perspective in an effort to further minimize the ecological footprint. Through their philosophy and principled leadership, the company intends to redefine the fast casual restaurant industry. Now Pizza Fusion has become the world’s first restaurant chain to adopt organic restaurant certification. (Picture: Pizza Fusion)

Pizza Fusion does not only offer gourmet pizza. The 75% organic menu also features further dishes like panini sandwiches, wraps, breadsticks, salads, desserts, soda, teas, artisan waters, juices, beer and wine. Additionally, health conscious alternatives for people with selective diets and food allergies are available such as gluten-free pizza, brownies and beer and vegan selections. Dough, sauce, meats and poultry of each pizza are made from 100 % certified organic ingredients, and so are most of the topping. Some toppings like prosciutto or sweet Italian sausage are not available in organic versions, but are all natural. Customers may choose to eat the pizza in one of the locations, have it delivered at home by a hybrid car or to take out the meal. The company also has a catering service. The average pizza price is $ 20; the most expensive one is available in large size for $ 48.

Pizza Fusion was founded by Vaughan Lazar and Michael Gorden in 2006. Vaughan Lazar studied marketing at Florida Atlantic University and has contributed both in-kind and monetary donations to a number of non-profit organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, Kids In Distress and the Humane Society. After meeting Michael Gorden at university, they opened their first Pizza Fusion location in Florida. There will be 20 locations in the United States by the end of the year - customers will be able to enjoy their dishes in Washington, California, Arizona, Illinois, Colorado, Kansas, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania and in New Jersey soon. The company is also looking for franchise partners abroad.

Pizza Fusion’s locations are designed in a raw, modern way, which reflects the basic approach to organic and sustainable living, by using accents from the natural elements of the earth. Stores are powered with 100 % renewable wind energy. The company recycles and also gives discounts to customers for bringing back the pizza boxes. All cleaners applied are eco-friendly, and 100 % recycled paper is used, with print made of soy ink. The plastic substances are made of 100 % corn starch. The company also sees their the task in improving social well-being by donating money to environmental causes in and around their communities. Free organics for kids classes once a month to educate children on the importance of eating organic and recycling.

Pizza Fusion has now announced their pursuit of independent, third-party Organic Restaurant Certification for all their restaurants upon receiving certification at their Fort Lauderdale, Florida, location. Quality Assurance International (QAI), the third-party certifier conducting Pizza Fusion’s certifications, verifies the strict standards set forth by the USDA's National Organic Program via on-site inspections to validate the use of organic ingredients and menu selections with consistency and integrity in the certification process.

Pizza Fusion’s adoption of Organic Restaurant Certification builds upon their industry leading approach to quality, including being the only restaurant chain to build all their restaurants to LEED certification standards. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures.

The Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department has recognized Pizza Fusion with their prestigious Emerald Trophy Award recently. The Emerald Award Program recognizes businesses for their voluntary efforts in four areas: waste reduction, recycling, improved operating practices, and other “green” strategies that reduce pollution and waste.  Pizza Fusion was acknowledged under the Innovative Procedures/Process Improvement category of the award.

Pizza Fusion has also been recognized by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) as one the top 10 vegan-friendly pizzerias in the U.S.  Voted on by PETA members, Pizza Fusion was recognized as "the biggest vegan-friendly pizzeria" for their vegan menu options, including a number of specialty pizzas that can be made with the organic restaurant's available soy cheese. In addition to pizza, Pizza Fusion also serves vegan brownies, breadsticks, sodas and wine. The organic, eco-friendly restaurant chain has specialized in vegan options from their early days, prior to launching their franchise program. Today, a number of Pizza Fusion locations around the country participate in the company's 'love your vegan' day where patrons receive free soy cheese on their pizza.

www.pizzafusion.com