On Dec. 19, pizza lovers showed up in droves for MOD Pizza's big opening celebration in Ballard.

The new store is located on 15th Avenue Northwest, where Ivar’s used to be (6010 15th Avenue NW).

The ribbon cutting ceremony was at noon, and spectators got in line to have a look at the refurbished building and to taste MOD specialities.

To celebrate their arrival to the Ballard community, MOD donated 100 percent of their opening day pizza sales to the Ballard Food Bank.

“We have worked hard to create a great gathering spot for the Ballard community and we can’t wait to share it,” said Scott Svenson, co-founder and CEO of MOD Pizza. “MOD is a place where families and friends come together in a friendly, cool and locally-inspired environment. More than anything, we are committed to making a positive impact in our communities with as many people as possible, beginning with our amazing employees – the MOD Squad – and continuing with the Ballard Food Bank.”

The new store is the 15th MOD location in Washington and the 30th nationwide. MOD will employ 25 people at the news shop.

So why Ballard?

“Being a local Northwest company, Ballard seemed like an obvious location for MOD.  It is such a vibrant area that is home to other great local companies, and it is an area that has such a strong sense of community,” stated a MOD spokesperson.
The renovated space, which had fallen into disrepair after Ivar’s left, is bright and vibrant with a large outdoor patio, a Ballard-inspired mural and a gas-fired display oven.
 
What about the pizza?

The Ballard News-Tribune heard a diner say that MOD is like the Subway for pizza. Which in a way is true, but they are so much more.

Customers pay for the crust and then have their free reign to decide on a huge buffet of toppings. The same formula goes for salads. During the opening, guests asked MOD staff to pile on bits of vegetables, mushrooms, meats, and cheeses onto three sizes of crusts. Over 30 toppings are available and make for culinary experiments not offered at traditional pizzerias. If customers do not feel like making their very own pizza Picasso's, they can order any of the specialty menu pizza options. Pies are cooked for three minutes in an 800-degree oven and quickly delivered to guests.

While the Ballard News-Tribune waited for a doctored version of the “Valencia” -- white sauce, mozzarella, chorizo, red onions, diced tomato, feta, lemon wedge, cilantro, with a sri-rancha swirl -- a Manny’s beer was imbibed. Wine is also offered at MOD. The beer/wine, freedom to create personal pizza productions and a three-minute cook-time makes MOD much more than just a “Subway” formula spin on pizza; MOD makes grabbing a slice even more convenient than it already is. Oh and don’t worry if you don’t like your pizza creation, MOD will make you a new one on the house. Grin.

The ease of ordering and expediency is sure to attract students from Ballard High School, which is north of the pizzeria. Over lunch breaks, students are already seen thronging into neighboring places like El Camion, Taco Bell and Taco Del Mar. MOD will provide a much-desired spice of life for students, especially after Sahara Pizza closed last year.

The Ballard News-Tribune had the pleasure to sit with the Ballard High School swim team. The Beavers had just lost a meet against Roosevelt High School, but seemed in good spirits, especially with bejeweled 11-inch pizzas and strawberry milkshakes before them. One Beaver, a sophomore, said that he could definitely see students eating at MOD. He said, “It seems like that kind of place.”

And that’s exactly what MOD had in mind when they landed their store at the new location.


The BNT asked MOD why they chose the old Ivar’s spot and they replied, “For it's great location on 15th.” Indeed, the new location, fast, convenient pizza and “freedom” for creation offered to customers will make MOD a good fit on 15th Avenue Northwest.