Fast-casual pizza concept Project Pie is scheduled to open its second restaurant next month, and has launched a franchise program that will include international growth in the Philippines.

Project Pie debuted in October with a unit in the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The custom-made artisan pizza concept was founded by James Markham, chief executive, who also founded and later left the MOD Pizza chain in Seattle, and Pieology, based in Fullerton, Calif.

Although Markham arguably created the fast-casual pizza niche, his Project Pie is now following the launch of a number of rapidly growing competitors.

Others include Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, based in Pasadena, Calif.; 800 Degrees in Los Angeles; Uncle Maddio’s in Atlanta; Top That! Pizza, based in Tulsa, Okla.; PizzaRev in Los Angeles; and Pie Five, based in The Colony, Texas.

Markham, however, notes that he already has experience developing custom-made pizza concepts in various markets, which gives his company an advantage as he grows Project Pie across the country. “There are so many people popping up out there, it’s almost comical,” said Markham. “But the other guys are still figuring it all out. I did that with MOD and Pieology. I’ve been through all the trial and error already.”

Project Pie oven

At Project Pie, guests walk a service line and build their own pizzas for one price — typically about $7.50 for a 12-inch pizza, although the Las Vegas unit is priced at $12, which is in line with other casino-resort restaurants.

The pizzas feature a thin crust topped with sustainable and local ingredients when possible. Pies are cooked in an 800-degree oven in a few minutes. The menu also includes salads, housemade oatmeal cream pies and milkshakes.