Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer.
Pizza Fusion is not your average pizza joint. The company’s mission is “is to uphold the highest level of integrity in all we do, from the quality and origin of our food to our care for the health of our customers and the environment.”
Their motto? Saving the earth, one pizza at a time.
I first came across Pizza Fusion when they started following me on Twitter. At first, I wondered why a pizza chain that didn’t even have locations in my state would bother following me. But then I started reading more and was intrigued. My guess is that my focus on philanthropy was the reason for the follow since they are pretty darn committed to making a difference in the world.
According to co-founder and CEO Vaughan Lazar, Pizza Fusion was founded on “the simple principle of doing good. From the creation of our food to its delivery to the customer, every aspect of our operations was designed to support the preservation and improvement of the environment.” The company caters to health-conscious people by carefully choosing the best organic ingredients from the most responsible sources. They also take an eco-friendly approach to all of their business operations.
There is a laundry list of ways in which Pizza Fusion is working to save the earth on the website, including the use of hybrid delivery vehicles and building their restaurants according to LEED certification standards.
As Pizza Fusion opens more franchises around the country, Vaughan tells me there approach is to “try and see how we can provide that local community with something, and truly become a part of it.” During the month of September, for example, Pizza Fusion is taking part in the No Kid Hungry campaign along with other restaurants nationwide. Because the company is built on integrity and everyone shares the same values, the different locations are setting some lofty fundraising goals and really getting involved with ending childhood hunger in their communities.
Vaughan notes that consumers are becoming more savvy about engaging businesses that truly care. By visiting a Pizza Fusion restaurant, “their purchase decisions not only put awesome organic food on their dinner table but they can also feel like they made a difference by doing so.”
Sadly, Pizza Fusion is not yet in Maine. So, if there’s one near you, please go and have a slice for me with a Shipyard beer (brewed in Maine) to wash it down. You’ll be doing some good, in more ways than one.
