Pizza fans, rejoice: OG ZaZa is coming to Mall of America. Chef Josh Hedquist, a familiar face to Food Network viewers (three-time winner of “Guy’s Grocery Games” and recent “Chopped” contender), is expanding his fast-growing pizza brand to Minnesota’s most iconic shopping destination. Set to open this fall on Level 3 North, this will be the fourth brick-and-mortar for OG ZaZa—and perhaps its buzziest yet.
Courtesy of Mall of America
What sets ZaZa apart? Hedquist’s take on New Haven-style pizza, a Connecticut-born style that’s known for its crispy, charred crust with a tender chew. At ZaZa, every pie starts with dough that rests for five days to develop deep flavor, then gets fired in a blazing oven and finished in just five minutes. Toppings range from the classic (pepperoni, mozzarella, tomato sauce) to the adventurous (prosciutto, hot honey, gorgonzola, and even gooey yolk sauce).
Courtesy of OG ZaZa
But the food is just one part of the ZaZa experience. Expect a vibe that’s playful and nostalgic—think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles meets artisan pizza—with branding that leans into bold ’90s colorways, oversized breadsticks, and even pizza boxes designed to double as coloring books for kids. (Yes, parents—there’s a Happy Pizza Meal too.)
This Mall of America debut is just the latest move from Hedquist, who also operates OG ZaZa inside King Coil Spirits in St. Paul, in Shakopee near Canterbury Park, and in Rosedale Center’s POTLUCK Food Hall. Both locations have been a hit, with lines for his scratch-made pies and signature 2-foot-long Big Azz Breadstick.
“We’re proud to welcome OG ZaZa to our culinary offerings,” said Carrie Charleston, MOA’s VP of Leasing in a recent release. “Josh Hedquist’s energy, creativity, and passion for flavor are unmatched—and his unique take on pizza brings something truly special to our guests.”
With a commitment to clean ingredients, a strong philanthropic streak, and a vibe that’s both high-quality and highly fun, OG ZaZa is set to be a standout addition to MOA’s ever-evolving food scene.
Courtesy of OG ZaZa
Read more about OG ZaZa’s recent openings in Shakopee and King Coil Spirits.
