Join Bruce on this solo episode of the Smart Pizza Marketing podcast where he dives deep into the realities of owning and running a pizza shop. From his personal regrets to powerful lessons learned from hundreds of interviews and site visits, this episode is a must-listen for any pizza shop owner serious about growth and sustainability. Thinking about opening a shop? Bruce is, too—and he might just document the entire process for you.
Jul 01, 2025•12 min
In this episode of the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast, Bruce sits down with Sam and JD from Town Hall Pizza. Hear the remarkable story of how two former pastors with no restaurant experience took over a 50-year-old pizzeria, transformed it with modern systems, and built a thriving business without delivery. Discover their text marketing blunder that led to record-breaking sales, how they built a loyal vegan following, and the surprising realities of owning a legacy restaurant. Check out Boostly: ...
Jun 25, 2025•39 min
Just back from the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Bruce shares every must-know insight for pizza shop owners . From game-changing ovens to underrated tools and marketing mistakes, this Q&A-style episode is packed with value. If you missed the show, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Hear what’s trending, what’s worth investing in, and how to make expos like this truly worth your time . Brought to you by Fiero Group and hosted on the Smart Pizza Marketing channel. 👉 Su...
Jun 02, 2025•39 min
Most pizzerias don't fail because of bad pizza or a bad location — they fail because of what happens (or doesn’t happen) behind the scenes. In this no-fluff video, Bruce shares the real reasons pizza shops struggle, and what successful operators are doing differently. Whether you're just getting started or feel stuck in the daily grind, this video will show you exactly how to build systems, lead better, and grow with clarity. Plus, Bruce gives a preview of what you’ll gain at the National Restau...
Apr 23, 2025•8 min
Bruce hits the streets of Dallas to uncover how real pizzeria owners are surviving (and thriving) in 2025. From $10K store launches to no-walk-in operations and humbling failures, this episode is PACKED with real advice and behind-the-scenes strategy. Thinking of opening your own pizza shop? Start here. Use code Bruce25 for $25 off the National Restaurant Show: nationalrestaurantshow.com Chapters: 00:00 - Intro & Purpose of the Trip 00:38 - National Restaurant Show Preview (May 17–20) 02:16 ...
Apr 21, 2025•18 min
In this episode, Bruce shares a raw and honest reflection on 10 years of podcasting and what he’s learned from talking to pizza shop owners all over the country. Whether you're new to the business or have 20 years under your belt, this is the mindset advice you need to hear. Plus, a preview of the National Restaurant Association Show and some behind-the-scenes updates on Smart Pizza Marketing and Pizza Insider. 👇 Chapters below — make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more pizza biz...
Apr 14, 2025•10 min
New In this solo episode, Bruce shares raw insights on working with influencers in the pizza business world. He reflects on a shocking conversation about influencer rates ($4,500?!) and breaks down a smarter, performance-based model for partnerships. Plus, get updates on upcoming content from the Pizza Expo and find out why Bruce is seriously considering opening another pizza shop. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro + Pizza Expo Plans 00:29 – Sponsor Shoutout: Cheese Hog Machine 01:28 – Why Shredded Cheese...
Apr 11, 2025•10 min
This episode is packed with insights from Lisa at the National Restaurant Show and Tom, the culinary director at Papa John’s. We break down how large restaurant chains like Papa John’s create family-friendly menus, innovate new products, and maintain consistency across thousands of locations. Plus, we talk about what you need to know before attending the National Restaurant Show this May in Chicago. Use promo code BRUCE25 for $25 off your ticket (expires May 9). Details and links are below! 👇 C...
Apr 09, 2025•33 min
Join Bruce from Smart Pizza Marketing in this raw, one-on-one episode where he shares the 9 biggest lessons he learned the hard way over 20 years in the pizza business. Whether you're just starting out or trying to grow your pizzeria, these insights can save you thousands in mistakes, stress, and sleepless nights. 💡 This isn’t theory—this is real advice from someone who’s lived it. 🔔 Subscribe for more real talk on Youtube. 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing/...
Apr 07, 2025•14 min
Owner Forum: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pizzashopownersforum In this bite-sized podcast audio from Bruce at Smart Pizza Marketing, we dive deep into the frustrating feeling of slow progress as a pizzeria or restaurant owner. Whether you're overwhelmed by the day-to-day or wondering if you're getting anywhere at all, this episode is your pep talk and reminder that every little action is building momentum . 🚀 Bruce also talks about the upcoming National Restaurant Show in Chicago , how to ge...
Apr 04, 2025•7 min
In this episode, Bruce breaks down the three key stages of pizzeria growth, from perfecting your product to building unstoppable systems and retaining top talent. Whether you're just starting or trying to get to the next level, this is your roadmap. Learn how tools like Meta glasses and ChatGPT can streamline training, and why retaining great employees is the real growth multiplier. Don't miss this no-fluff guide for serious pizza shop owners. 🔗 Sponsored by: Fiero Group — creators of the revol...
Apr 02, 2025•6 min
Feeling overwhelmed with social media for your restaurant or small business? In this quick but powerful episode, Bruce breaks down the biggest reason most pizza shops (and small businesses) struggle with marketing — and what you can do about it. Whether you're just getting started or need to reboot your strategy, this episode is packed with real talk, practical tips, and a clear roadmap to stay consistent, build momentum, and actually grow your business using simple content strategies. 👇 CHAPTE...
Mar 31, 2025•6 min
After skipping Pizza Expo since 2018, Bruce is back with a full behind-the-scenes breakdown of what went down at Pizza Expo 2025. From the Slice booth to the gear you actually need to see — and what you can skip — this is the only recap pizza shop owners need. Plus, tips for first-time attendees, session feedback, networking advice, and thoughts on the future of the pizza business. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Why I Went Back to Pizza Expo00:48 – Why I Stopped Going After 201801:42 – Shoutouts: Chee...
Mar 29, 2025•18 min
In this episode, Bruce breaks down what it really takes to start and run a successful pizzeria. He tackles common questions from aspiring pizza shop owners, like whether it’s better to buy an existing spot or start fresh, how to nail down profit margins, and why a solid business plan matters. He also shares tips on perfecting your pizza at home, the risks and rewards of expanding or rebranding, and the best ways to use social media to get more customers through the door. Chapters 00:00 Introduct...
Mar 14, 2025•18 min
Matt Plapp, CEO of America's Best Restaurants, shares his journey from growing up around restaurants to creating a marketing firm that helps independent restaurants thrive. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, attention, and a structured marketing strategy to engage customers and build loyalty. Matt discusses the challenges restaurant owners face and how leveraging technology can simplify marketing efforts. He advocates for creating themed marketing days to maintain consistency and enga...
Mar 03, 2025•46 min
Sponsored by: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/boostly Thinking about opening a pizza shop? WATCH THIS FIRST! 🍕🚨 I made some huge mistakes when I first opened my pizzeria—ones that cost me over $100,000 and nearly destroyed my passion for the business. Don't let that happen to you! In this video, I expose the worst pizza business advice out there and share what actually works to run a successful pizzeria. ✅ Need help with your marketing? Comment "I need help" below, and I'll reach out!...
Feb 26, 2025•17 min
Johnny had zero experience making dough, but that didn’t stop him from building a massively successful pizzeria in Canada. In this episode, he shares how he went from meal prep to pizza, how he keeps costs low, and why he believes a small shop is the key to big profits. If you’re thinking of starting your own pizza shop, this episode is a MUST-WATCH! 🍕💡 💬 What’s your biggest struggle in running a pizzeria? Drop a comment below! 📲 Follow Johnny: 📸 Instagram: @ElevatedPizzaCHWK 🌐 Website: ht...
Feb 19, 2025•51 min
Welcome back to the podcast! Today, it’s just me, and we’re talking all things pizza business. I just got back from Detroit, visited some amazing pizzerias, and I’ve been reflecting on whether I’d ever open another shop. Let’s break down what makes a great, profitable pizzeria in 2025. 🎥 Watch my latest YouTube video on top pizza shops: https://youtu.be/_MqbAkXHoy4 🎧 Subscribe to the "How You Slice It" Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x9A9kUppkJhY1PatO2CrX?si=93ac8871498346b0 📩 Want to...
Feb 12, 2025•13 min
For more go to www.smartpizzamarketing.com Summary Lynn and Brandon share their inspiring journey from making pizza at home to launching their own restaurant in Chicago. They discuss the challenges they faced, the importance of community support, and the strategies they employed to build their brand and engage with customers. Their story highlights the resilience and adaptability required in the food industry, as well as the significance of staying true to one's roots and vision. Chapters 00:00 ...
Jan 29, 2025•42 min
YouTube Description for the Episode: 🎙️ Live from the Pizza Tomorrow Summit! 🍕 In this episode, Bruce chats with Enrico from Uncle Rico's Pizza in Fort Myers, Florida! Recorded live at the Pizza Tomorrow Summit in Orlando, we dive into the vibrant pizza scene, Enrico's journey in the business, and his first-ever competition. 🎯 Topics Covered: The growth of the Florida pizza scene Enrico’s unique approach to pizza (not your typical NY style!) Lessons from 26 years in the pizza industry The pow...
Jan 03, 2025•27 min
Join our newsletter for pizza operators: Follow on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Smartpizzamarketing Slice Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SlicePlatform Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Andrew from Gianni's Pizza 04:02 Managing Multiple Locations and Family Dynamics 10:07 Adapting Business Hours for Profitability 16:12 The Challenges of Delivery and Third-Party Services 20:30 Creating a Unique Dining Experience 26:02 The Evolution of Gianni's and Lupo Pizzeria 32:14 Marketing Strategies in ...
Dec 28, 2024•40 min
Here’s the truth: talent is overrated.It’s the small, consistent choices that make your pizzeria a success.Which one of these do you think has the biggest impact in your shop? Let me know. MY OTHER SOCIALS: 🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people - 🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod 📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing 📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok...
Dec 03, 2024•9 min
MY OTHER SOCIALS: 🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people - 🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod 📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing 📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing 👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing 🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing...
Nov 26, 2024•9 min
Nov 20, 2024•19 min
Welcome to the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast, your go-to resource for real talk and actionable advice on running a successful pizzeria. I’m Bruce, your host, and I’m excited to introduce a new, shorter format to deliver quick tips, strategies, and insights directly to you. While my in-depth interviews have moved to the How You Slice It podcast with Slice (check it out and subscribe), this show is all about sharing the lessons I’ve learned from talking to hundreds of pizza entrepreneurs. From bui...
Nov 14, 2024•9 min
In this episode of Smart Pizza Marketing, Bruce chats with Loren Paddleford, Chief Revenue Officer of Slice, about the distinct challenges and opportunities independent pizzerias face in a competitive market. Loren explains how Slice is dedicated to supporting pizzerias with tools like online ordering, in-store POS systems, and tailored marketing services, diverging from the consumer-focused models of UberEats and DoorDash. The episode underscores the importance of community engagement and story...
Nov 02, 2024•43 min
In this episode, Bruce Irving discusses the evolution of his podcast and the focus on providing actionable insights for pizzeria owners. He emphasizes the importance of negotiation, marketing tactics, and sharing personal experiences from the pizza industry. The podcast will feature shorter episodes aimed at delivering quick, practical tips to help pizzeria owners improve their businesses.
Oct 30, 2024•8 min
In this episode, Bruce interviews Camilo, the owner of La Rosa Pizzeria. They dive into the challenges of opening and running a pizzeria, especially during the pandemic. Camilo shares his experiences in building two locations from scratch, the realities of restaurant construction, and how delivery has become a significant part of his business. MY OTHER SOCIALS: 🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people - 🌍 My website / blog - https:...
Oct 10, 2024•45 min
In this episode, we catch up with Bill Hoon, who shares his incredible journey of growing his pizza business from a single night operation in a local bar to opening two successful brick-and-mortar locations in Northeast Ohio. Bill dives into the challenges he faced during the build-out process, the lessons learned along the way, and how he implemented efficient systems to scale his business. MY OTHER SOCIALS: 🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other...
Sep 26, 2024•42 min
Summary In this episode, Bruce Irving interviews the team behind Amadoris Pizzeria, a Detroit style pizza restaurant in Miami, Florida. They discuss the journey of starting the pizzeria during the pandemic, the unique appeal of Detroit style pizza, and the challenges faced in the pizza business, particularly regarding cheese prices and seasonal fluctuations. The conversation also covers marketing strategies, the role of social media and influencers, customer engagement through text and email mar...
Sep 19, 2024•38 min
