Patxi’s Pizza (pronounced PAH-cheese. ‘t’ before ‘x’), one of the most loved pizza restaurants in the Bay Area, announced today that it will open its first Northwest location in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood at 5323 Ballard Ave NW later this summer.

Patxi’s celebrated its 10th anniversary on June 4 and is famed for classic Chicago-style stuffed pizza and authentic Italian thin crust. What began as a labor of love for old friends and now business partners, William Freeman and Francisco “Patxi” Azpiroz, has grown into nine locations in the Bay Area, a thriving three-store operation in Denver, and the soon-to-open location in Seattle.

“The Northwest is a region with a passion for culture, art, technology, outdoor adventure and last, but not least, great food,” said Freeman. “Seattle, and Ballard in particular, has a deep pride in its heritage and a strong commitment to giving back to the community. This authentic spirit and devotion to healthy lifestyles is a perfect blend with the Patxi’s brand and initiatives such as our 52 Weeks of Giving charitable program. We look forward to sharing a portion of our profits with local nonprofit organizations dedicated to education and children’s health and welfare.”

Natural and Healthy Choices

Patxi’s menu brings healthy pizza options, with natural ingredients at a great value. Whole wheat crust, low-fat mozzarella, nitrate-free meats and more than twenty vegetable topping choices offer a variety of ways for guests to customize their pizza and make healthier choices—while still satisfying their Patxi’s craving. Even those with dietary restrictions or food allergies can enjoy the famous pizza, including a gluten-free thin crust option and many alternative vegan and dairy-free cheese options.

“My passion is pizza and it’s an honor to bring Patxi’s Pizza to a new community in Seattle,” said Azpiroz. “You won’t find any stovetops, deep fryers or freezers at Patxi’s. Instead we prepare all of our dishes using fresh ingredients, sourced locally when possible. Combined with a fun atmosphere and genuine hospitality, our high quality and affordable pizza is sure to be well received.”

Delivery

For pizza cravings at home or the office, Patxi’s pies will also be available for delivery. The delivery area will extend to the Ship Canal and Salmon Bay to the south, Puget Sound to the west, NW 80th Street to the north, and Highway 99/Aurora Ave N to the east.

Design

On the design front, Patxi’s remodeled space is in Ballard’s historic Sanborn Building, originally built in 1901. The landmark with a characteristic sandstone façade will invite locals to venture in to enjoy a pie surrounded by exposed brick walls, reclaimed hardwood floors, tall ceilings, a central island bar and plenty of natural light.

Patxi’s is working with local businesses and craftsmen to carry out the building’s transformation, including Wilcox Construction, Mike Skidmore Architects and idX, which is providing custom interior finishes such as tables, liquor racks, mirrors and reclaimed wood.

ABOUT PATXI’S PIZZA

www.patxispizza.com

Founded in 2004 by two longtime friends, entrepreneur Bill Freeman and pizza expert Francisco “Patxi” Azpiroz, Patxi’s Pizza offers authentic Chicago- and Italian-style pizza, featuring two distinct, handcrafted styles of dough, four types of mozzarella (including a vegan option) and over 30 different fresh meat and veggie toppings. Guests may choose from a number of chef-tested combinations or are invited to "Create Your Own Perfect Pizza,” made with ingredients sourced locally whenever possible.

Though most well-known for its authentic deep-dish Chicago-style crust, Patxi’s (pronounced pah-cheese) also offers a recently-debuted thin crust featuring imported Italian Double Zero flour, a whole-wheat option, as well as a Gluten-free thin crust. Fresh salads, appetizers and beverages including beer and wine are offered at all Patxi’s locations.

Patxi’s Pizza is privately owned and operated with a total of 12 locations: 9 in the San Francisco Bay Area, 3 in Denver, CO, and 3 new location openings planned for 2014, including expansion to Seattle and Santa Barbara.

With a total of 549 employees, Patxi’s Pizza was ranked #6 in the Food & Beverage Industry by Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Hire Power Companies of 2013. Esquire Magazine named Patxi’s among the Top 10 “Most Life-Changing Pizzas” of 2012, and Westword deemed Patxi’s the Best Deep Dish Pizza in Denver in 2014.

Through its 52 Weeks of Giving program, Patxi’s Pizza donates a portion of its profits to local nonprofit organizations dedicated to education and children’s health and welfare. To date, the company has donated more than $450,000 to partnering organizations.