In the early 2000s, pizza was experiencing a renaissance. Fast-food chains were giving way to artisan creations, and woodfired ovens were becoming the centerpiece of a new culinary movement. It was during this time that Omid, working in finance and dreaming of something greater, found himself inspired by the transformation happening in the world of food. Around the same time, he and Susan were planning their future together. The spark of creativity and love for food led Omid to build “Lucy,” a custom trailer outfitted with a handmade woodfired oven. With Lucy as their first test kitchen, Omid began experimenting with dough recipes and the art of woodfired cooking.

It wasn’t easy—there were countless failed attempts to secure a brick-and-mortar location. But persistence prevailed, and in time, a landlord in Burlingame saw their passion and took a chance on them. That’s how the original Rise came to life. A small restaurant with a big heart, it quickly became a local favorite, known for its warm atmosphere and authentic, flavorful dishes.

The evolution from Rise to Rise Woodfire reflects the journey of Susan and Omid as both restaurateurs and innovators. That iconic photo of them at Burlingame captures this chapter beautifully: Omid in the kitchen, perfecting recipes and refining his craft, and Susan ensuring every guest felt like family. Together, they built a brand that celebrated community and culinary excellence.

But the story didn’t end there. As their expertise grew, so did their vision. They began to incorporate woodfired cooking as a central part of their menu, crafting bold flavors and experiences that transcended the original concept. This evolution led to the rebranding as Rise Woodfire, where the name now encapsulates their signature process and philosophy.