Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 1:14PM Veteran strives to save the earth one pizza at a time
PATRIOT EXPRESS LOAN HELPS LAUNCH PIZZA FUSION FRANCHISE IN SAN DIEGO
Text and photos by Martha Christopherson / edible San Diego, Fall 2008
Mike Walker, a former Marine who served two combat tours in Iraq has opened Pizza Fusion in Hillcrest. Walker found the franchise opportunity with the help of VetFran( a resource for veterans looking to open their own franchise) and was able to fast-track his loan with help from the Small Business Administration's Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative.
"I wanted to do a restaurant." Walker said. "But I wanted something that fit my social values and my personality."
Pizza Fusion's motto is "saving the earth, one pizza at a time" and the franchise follows standards to qualify for LEED Leadership certification. It was the eco-friendly approach that attracted Walker to seek a franchise with Pizza Fusion.
"Everything my wife and I do involves the outdoors," said Walker. "We've had some good times and we owe it to take care of the earth."
Pizza Fusion, which opened its first restaurants in Florida in 2006, is opening four franchises in California this year. Walker's will be the first one in San Diego. Walker said he was blown away when he did his research on Pizza Fusion and found the company's values were aligned so closely with his. Pizza Fusion serves up pizza using organic, gluten-free and vegetarian or vegan toppings. Its decor includes countertops fabricated with recycled beer and wine bottles and the lighting is provided by compact fluorescent bulbs and solar tubes.
Walker says the owners of Pizza Fusion provided him with guidance during every step of his business launch and the Patriot Express Loan Initiative helped speed the process along. Walker has plans to support other veterans. " I plan to have some benefit nights and donate 5 percent of net sales to programs like Wounded Warriors."
Pizza Fusion
3827 Fifth Ave.
Hillcrest
619.278.0057
