She loved this California chain restaurant then moved to Idaho. Now she’s opened one here

Idaho will get its first taste of a California-based national pizza franchise this week.

And an Idaho transplant will see her dream become reality.

Pieology will celebrate its grand opening Tuesday at 1327 N. Meridian Road — in the Ridley’s Family Markets Shopping Center in Kuna. Its the first Gem State store for the chain, which has 125 locations.

For franchisee Laurie Wylie, it’s a chance to bring a slice of her former life to her family’s new home in Idaho. She and her husband, Rob Wylie, were planning to relocate when she took a short-term position at a Pieology in Chino Hills, California, in 2019. The idea was a “mom job,” she told the Statesman in 2021. “Something while the kids are at school.

“And then I fell in love with the pizza place.”

Kuna has at least one reason to feel the same way about Pieology. Welcoming the community, the restaurant will hold a weeklong fundraiser for Kuna High School’s Special Education Department. From Jan. 10-16, “guests can order in-store, online or via the Pie Life App with promo code ‘RAISEFUNDS’ at checkout to show support for the high school program,” according to a media release. “Supporters who use the code or mention the fundraiser will have 20% of the their food purchases go to the program.”

The Wylies and partner Michael Gordon signed a Pieology development rights agreement to open five Idaho franchise stores. The Kuna location, which will be open daily for lunch and dinner, is their first.

Founded in 2011, Pieology is a “down-the-line” pizzeria headquartered in Tustin, California. It serves a menu of individual-sized, customizable pizzas in a fast-casual setting. You pick ingredients while moving down the service line, and employees — “Pieologists” — spread them on the crust. Then your creation gets baked at high heat.

Expect to spend from $9 to $11 on most pies. Pieology focuses “on high-quality ingredients, salads, beverages, sides, and sweets,” the company says, “and is a favorite for fans who like to personalize their own pizza.” Its main competitors are Blaze Pizza and Mod Pizza, which already operate in Idaho.

Wylie told the Statesman that there’s room for all three chains. Pieology can set itself apart, she added. “I really think it’s the freshness and the flavor.”

With plenty of choices among crusts, sauces and toppings, it’s easy to concoct something tantalizing. Or just order a signature pizza such as a Mega Meat or an Alfredo Bacon Chicken “ABC” pie. Vegetarians can opt for the gluten-free (and slightly pricier) Cauliflower Pizza — with grape tomato, green pepper, artichokes and basil on gluten-free cauliflower crust with herb butter and mozzarella.

“I really enjoy the cauliflower crust pizza,” Wylie said. “It has the best flavor of any cauliflower crust that I have personally tried.”

Pieology in Kuna will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sundays. “Service options include dine-in, curbside pickup and contactless delivery,” according to the media release.