What's Happening in Cranberry Township, PA…

The Blaze chain of pizzerias has opened up its newest outlet in Cranberry Township, and kicked things off with two words that are always bound to appeal – free pizza.

During its opening last Friday, June 1, the new Cranberry Mall franchise offered a free make-your-own pizza to anyone who visited the new storefront and showed that they had followed Blaze on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. It was a convenient way to establish both a social media presence and an impression on the taste buds of visitors.

Those who missed out on the opening event will have to pay for their first visit to the new store, with a price of about $8 for a personal pizza. Blaze features an "open kitchen" format that allows visitors to give their pies hands-on customization. Ingredients such as fresh vegetables and artisanal meats can be piled on and then fired in a custom oven for about three minutes. For those in a hurry to eat, pre-topped pizzas featuring conventional combinations like meat-lover's or Hawaiian are also available.

Blaze is a nationwide chain with two existing locations in the Pittsburgh area at Monroeville and Settler's Ridge. Even so, chains usually need to get the word out both through events like free opening day and local advertising such as that provided by printing services.