At MOD Pizza, Music Is a Critical Part of the Customer Experience

Great music and great pizza—a killer combo! Earlier this year, Custom Channels client MOD Pizza was ranked the #1 fastest-growing chain restaurant in Technomic’s Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report. With that kind of momentum, MOD Pizza continues to earn national media attention. Check out their news coverage or visit the MOD story page to learn about their people, purpose, and community spirit.

The first MOD Pizza opened in downtown Seattle in 2008. Just two years later, MOD partnered with Custom Channels to create a fully customized Ethos channel that matched their unique energy and personality. Today, there are over 400 MOD Pizza locations across the U.S. and U.K.—and every one features music that fits their brand perfectly. Stop by your nearest MOD Pizza location to experience it for yourself, or listen to MOD Radio online—the same custom MOD Pizza music heard in every restaurant.

For an inside look at how music shapes the MOD brand, we spoke with Kevin Flaherty, MOD Pizza’s VP of Marketing, about why music matters and how partnering with Custom Channels keeps their brand sound consistent and on point.

Custom Channels Q&A: MOD Pizza Music

CC: Tell us about MOD Pizza.

KF: MOD is the original superfast pizza experience—a fast-casual concept that puts customers in control. Our pizzas and salads are made on demand, individually sized, and ready in minutes. At its heart, MOD is a platform for doing good. When we take care of our MOD Squad (our team), they take care of our guests. That’s what we call “Spreading MODness.”

CC: Why is music so important to your business?

KF: The moment someone walks into a MOD Pizza, we want them to feel that they’re part of something fun, lively, and welcoming. Music helps create that first impression. It sets the mood, builds anticipation, and makes the space feel alive. It’s a key part of the MOD experience and one of the ways we connect emotionally with our customers.

CC: How does music enhance the customer experience?

KF: Customers often tell us that our music gives MOD a unique energy. It’s intentional, and it’s curated to feel authentic. Our playlists feature familiar tracks that reflect our roots and brand voice. It’s the little details that make people remember MOD.

CC: Is the music more for customers or staff?

KF: It’s equally important for both. Customers hear it for an hour; our MOD Squad lives with it all day. It keeps them engaged, upbeat, and connected. When we see team members celebrating their favorite songs online, that tells us the music is working. That connection supports employee morale and the MOD culture.

CC: Why use a single playlist across all locations?

KF: Consistency matters. Whether you’re in Seattle or Chicago, MOD should sound like MOD. Building playlists takes expertise and time—so we trust Custom Channels to get it right. They handle the music so our teams can focus on our customers.

CC: What’s it like working with Custom Channels?

KF: Fantastic. We use Custom Channels in every location. Getting music right is hard—but Custom Channels makes it easy. They handle music licensing, messaging integration, and playlist updates for us. It’s smooth and reliable.

CC: Describe the MOD sound.

KF: MOD music draws inspiration from the MOD movement of the ’60s and ’70s—artists who defined that era and the ones they inspired today. It’s upbeat, recognizable, and a little rebellious—just like our brand. You can even stream it anytime on MOD Radio.

CC: Any advice for other business owners?

KF: Music is part of your story. Get it right, and it becomes part of what people remember about your business.

Case Study Highlights

• Challenge: Create a unique restaurant atmosphere that connects with customers and keeps staff energized across 400+ locations.
• Solution: Partnered with Custom Channels to build a branded, fully licensed playlist integrated across all stores and MOD’s online radio experience.
• Result: A consistent sound that reinforces brand identity, improves employee morale, and delivers an unforgettable dining experience.

Bring Your Brand Sound to Life

The MOD Pizza story shows how music for business can elevate brand identity, unify multi-location experiences, and engage both employees and guests. Explore how Custom Channels helps restaurants like MOD enhance customer experience and create custom playlists that fit their vibe.

Ready to sound like your brand? Sign up today or learn more about our pricing and plans.

Excerpted from an interview with Kevin Flaherty, VP of Marketing, MOD Pizza. Photos and video courtesy of MOD Pizza.