Kevin Durant-Backed Pieology Pizza Chain Shrinks to 27 Locations
A Folsom, California, outpost of the once-popular build-your-own pizza chain has closed, marking another contraction for the brand backed by the NBA star.
Pieology Pizzeria, a California-based chain that once had approximately 150 restaurants nationwide and attracted investment from NBA star Kevin Durant, has dwindled to just 27 locations following a series of closures. The latest casualty is a decade-old Folsom, California, restaurant that quietly ceased operations earlier this month.
The Folsom location, situated in the Folsom Gateway shopping plaza, had been serving customizable pizzas and calzones since 2016. The franchisee opted not to renew its lease, according to Kelly Rule, senior vice president of leasing at landlord Pappas Investments. A replacement tenant is reportedly being sought for the vacant space, though details remain undisclosed.
Founded in Fullerton, California, in 2011, Pieology gained popularity with its assembly-line concept, allowing customers to select their own toppings for individual pizzas. The chain also offered alternative crust options like cauliflower and gluten-free. Its growth attracted significant investment, including from Panda Express founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng, and Kevin Durant.
However, sales began to decline in subsequent years, leading to numerous store closures. By late 2025, the parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Other Sacramento-area locations, including those in Rancho Cordova, downtown Sacramento, and Roseville, have also closed in recent years. Two Pieology restaurants remain in Sacramento County: one in the Meadowview neighborhood and another in Elk Grove.