In the midst of a bustling street — cars blurring past, people scurrying to and fro, high heels clacking like ice cubes in a glass — a pop of red illuminates the gray hue of buildings. This red belongs to the sign of MOD Pizza, emblazoned with large white letters spelling out the name of the restaurant.

Inside, a black and white collage of MOD customers adorns the rightmost wall of the restaurant, full of pictures of customers smiling, holding their pizzas; pictures of families eating together; pictures of employees putting the pizzas into the oven. The photos elicit a feeling of ebullience, immortalizing the memories of a community. Tables of different sizes line the wall opposite to the photo collage, providing customers with space to enjoy their meal. 

The instant customers step into the building, a menu greets them near the doorway. Pizzas range from $4 to $10, with over 30 toppings to choose from and a vast array of choices on the menu.  They’re affordable and quick to make, yet delicious nonetheless. The chain’s name itself reflects the emphasis on fast, quality and customizable pizzas: “MOD” stands for “made on demand.” 

MOD pizzas and salads are offered in three different sizes: Mini, MOD and Mega. The ingredients are all fresh, and the pizzas are made with flour, dough pressed daily and a variety of toppings. Customers can choose to add their own toppings before the dough goes into the pizza oven. The workspace is exposed so anyone can watch the “superfast” pizza-making process. 

The menu also lists some of the pre-arranged combinations of pizzas, ranging from regular cheese and pepperoni options to “Jasper,” topped with mozzarella, spicy chicken and beef;  “Lucy Sunshine” with artichokes, garlic and drops of red sauce; and “Calexico” made of gorgonzola, jalapenos, hot buffalo sauce — an explosion of spicy flavors wrangling in your mouth. 

One popular choice for vegetarians is the “Tristan,” made with mozzarella, asiago, roasted red peppers, mushrooms and pesto. A fusion of the dark red sauce, the bright green pesto and pale brown crust, it’s as much a feast for the taste buds as it is for the eyes. The sharp taste of basil contrasts and balances out the soft, milky flavor of the cheese. The crust is thin, crunchy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. The cheese strings stretch for miles and feel smooth, almost elastic. The blend of the saltiness of the meats and the sweetness of the red sauce cause a combustion of flavor bursting inside the mouth before melting away and resulting in a tangy aftertaste.

Available along with the meal are an array of drinks and condiments, including garlic bread, garlic strips and cinnamon strips, which can complement any pizza. For beverages, the restaurant serves milkshakes, fountain drinks and craft beers.

MOD Pizza provides an array of choices in crusts and cheeses as well. Along with the usual crust, they offer a gluten-friendly crust and a cauliflower crust. Similarly, the cheeses include a dairy-free option. 

Additionally, all salad toppings are not restricted to just salads — they’re available on pizzas as well. MOD provides croutons, feta cheese, balsamic fig glazes and honey as options. For those looking to satisfy their fiery taste buds, choose the Sri-rancha sauce to top off the pizza. 

Overall, MOD Pizza is perfect for anyone craving a fast, fresh and flavorful pizza, in approximately 3 minutes — and at an affordable price. The vast combination of options will suits any customer’s desires, whether due to dietary restrictions or taste preferences. For any hungry student after a long day at school, for any family hosting a birthday party, for anyone who wants to grab a quick bite or for anyone who just wants a delicious pizza, MOD Pizza is the place to go.