New Pizza Chain Comes to Austin; Paula Rester Back at La Corsha; More

CHAINS WIRE — The Austin Business Journal reports that Blaze Pizza will open its first Austin location in the Lakeline Commons in December. The California-based chain offers customized pizzas, not unlike Mod Pizza, the first competitor in Austin’s emerging fast-pizza space, at reasonable prices. [Austin Business Journal]

SOUTH CONGRESS — A quick spin around Poached reveals that Central Standard, another asset of the South Congress Hotel, is hiring hosts and bar staff, which suggests that opening is imminent. (Early December, to be precise, but these goalposts often move.) Brush off your mixology and hospitality resumes for some income just in time for the holidays. [Poached]

SOMMELIER SHUFFLE — Sommelier Paula Rester, formerly of Congress Austin and Vino Vino and currently of Maialino in New York’s Union Square, will be returning to Austin to serve as La Corsha Hospitality’s wine director. The move is effective December 1. La Corsha’s concepts include Congress, Second Bar + Kitchen, Boiler Nine Bar + Grill, and Green Pastures. [EaterWire]

PIE WIRE — Bribery Bakery and Cafe No Se will take pre-orders for holiday pies starting on November 1 and November 2, respectively. [EaterWire]

— Melanie Haupt