You can go to a “fancy” eatery and spend an obscene amount of money on what is supposedly amazing pizza, but how would all of our lives change if we could get that same amazing pizza, made our way in under two minutes for only $7.50? Enter Project Pie, the latest innovative, no BS, fast-casual dining concept set to take the world by storm. And the best part, it’s coming to Boulder circa end-of-March 2013.
Owner James Markham has been all over the world, literally, touting new restaurant ideas and attempting to create the perfect, affordable pizza pie. Inspired by the casual dining experience perfected by Chipotle, Markham and his Boulder-based business partner dreamed up what is sure to become the next feasting obsession. The assembly-line ordering style allows guests to choose any number of vegetables, meats and cheeses for their personal artisan pizza. A special 800-degree oven cooks guests’ creations to perfection in two minutes or less. Here’s where it gets unbelievable: each pie is only $7.50; regardless of how many toppings you may choose (even Gluten-free crust is available at no extra charge!).
The maiden voyage of Project Pie set sail in Las Vegas in the MGM Grand in October 2012. Thus far, the concept has been wildly successful. The Boulder location will open on The Hill, straight west of the University of Colorado’s campus. This location was chosen strategically, of course, to offer easy access to the tens of thousands of CU students. Keeping Boulder party habits in mind, Project Pie plans to stay open late to accommodate for all those late night bar hoppers in desperate need of a snack. Plans to open a second location on Pearl Street are also in the works.
Markham (who I got the pleasure of chatting with live about his concept) describes his brainchild as the “non-chain chain.” The industrial design makes each location feel like an independent, neighborhood-friendly restaurant. Markham is confident that the style and “real” vibe of the eatery will resonate with the younger generation, especially, and be appreciated by those of all ages.
Project Pie uses organic, all-natural and sustainably sourced ingredients whenever possible without passing on exponential costs to customers. Markham guaranteed that he and his team are constantly working to improve and refine ingredients and streamline processes in an effort to continuously get better and remain relevant. One thing I can say with absolute confidence, James Markham is extremely passionate about his craft and it translates into his ventures. Needless to say, my Italian mouth was watering by the end of our conversation.
Visit www.projectpie.com for more information on this new pizza joint scoring high in convenience and taste. Also worth checking out is James’ blog (http://www.jamesmarkham.net), which has a disclaimer cautioning readers to “enjoy at their own risk.” Roughly translated, that means it’s worth a laugh or two. Get ready Boulder; your world is about to get rocked in the best possible way.
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