Slow Business: Pizza Fusion Temecula
Story by Emily Hartop, Photographs by Justin Betz
 If you think Pizza Fusion is just another franchised pizza chain, think again. I met Temecula Pizza Fusion owner Nima Noorad as he was picking up local organic produce for the restaurant at the Temecula farmers' market. Nima was proud to tell me all about his business, and how his restaurant is "Saving the Earth...One Pizza at a Time".
Nima Noorad and his family opened the Temecula Pizza Fusion in October of 2008 as part of their own effort to live an organic and green lifestyle. A family restaurant serving real food with sound environmental practices was something they felt Temecula needed. Pizza Fusion offered an opportunity to get into a business committed to environmental responsibility and quality ingredients. Although a franchise, Pizza Fusion encourages local sourcing of ingredients. The Noorads source tomatoes, herbs, lettuce, arugula, bell peppers, jalapeños, avocados, chicken, and even some beers, locally. Pizza Fusion has made an additional commitment to local agriculture by joining the Inland Empire community supported agriculture program. Add to that the school fundraiser nights, Vegan and Holistic Moms Meetup groups (his wife started and heads the latter), Temecula Celiac Meetup group (Pizza Fusion offers gluten free pizza crusts...and brownies!), Temecula Autism Meetup group – and it's evident Pizza Fusion is committed to the local community. They even offer an educational children's class where kids can make organic pizzas while learning about choosing local and sustainable foods.
The environmental responsibility does not stop with the food. Everything in the restaurant is designed to reduce the restaurant's environmental impact; from recycled and reclaimed building materials to recycled menus, from purchased energy credits to offset use to their hybrid delivery vehicles. Pizza Fusion is a model of what a business can accomplish if they place community and environment above profitability.
Did I mention that along with the microscopic carbon footprint comes a mighty tasty pizza? House-made crust, pesto, marinara, and olive tapenade ensure freshness and quality. So, the next time you're ordering pizza (or salads, or sandwiches), try Pizza Fusion – support a company making a positive impact on your community (and beyond!).
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