Send us a text Like many in the pizza business, Pete Tolman didn’t set out to do pizza. But, when he did, he dialed everything in, from the gorgeous Detroit-style pizza, business planning, marketing, and décor to create Iron Born, a hot spot pizza brand with two locations in the Steel City. On this episode, he dives into his business incubator beginning, developing the concept, the pizza and growing Iron Born. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message...
Jul 01, 2021•30 min•Ep. 55
Send us a text Owner and pizzaiolo Vincent Rotolo shares some jewels about moving Good Pie into a bigger location, the unique business environment of Las Vegas, enlisting the help of pizza legends, building a strong employee culture and the pizza styles that connect Vincent to his heritage.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message
Jun 24, 2021•47 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Send us a text On this episode of the Hot Slice podcast, the Pizza Today editorial crew reads and discusses some "Letters to the Editor." We get tons of awesome e-mails and decided to share and discuss a few. We had so much fun we're already planning to do it again!--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message
Jun 17, 2021•31 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Send us a text Tom Iannucci is a lifelong learner of pizza making and the pizza industry. He shares how Pizza Expo and Pizza Today took him from pizza enthusiast to owner. We talk various perspectives of what pizza is and how challenging tourism-rich Hawaii can be to meet global travelers’ expectations of pizza.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message
Jun 10, 2021•43 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Send us a text We sit down with Manny Karvelas of Karvelas Pizza Co. in Georgia to talk about retaining employees, leadership, logistics and priming a family owned business for growth.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message
Jun 03, 2021•33 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Send us a text King Umberto is a legendary Long Island, New York pizzeria. We sit down with one of its youngest partners, Giovanni (John) Cesarano. John is one of Pizza Today’s Rising Stars in the June edition of Pizza Today Magazine. We talk continuing the family business and infusing fresh perspective. John loves to bring new and innovative products to the menu. Don’t miss John reveal his biggest menu success and worst flop. This episode is hosted by Editor In Chief Jeremy White and Executive ...
May 27, 2021•27 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Send us a text This was such great episode that we brought it back for a replay. Listen to World Pizza Champion and Restaurateur Tony Gemignani and his right hand Laura Meyer, also a World Champion, together talk pizza business and the next big thing in the industry. This episode is hosted by Pizza Today Executive Editor Denise Greer and Editor In Chief Jeremy White. Tony and Laura talk: How COVID-19 has changed the business - The pizza school Pizza Styles Next big trend in pizza What they have ...
May 20, 2021•41 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Send us a text Listen to a rising star in the pizzeria industry Marcus Medina talk food truck beginnings and opening his carryout-only pizzeria, Hella Pie Pizza Co. in Tracy, California, in the midst of the pandemic. Marcus shares his story of finding pizza passion in this 30s, being self-taught and always striving to improve. He “sits down” with Editor In Chief Jeremy White and Executive Editor Denise Greer.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message...
May 13, 2021•23 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Send us a text The team at Pizza Today gather to discuss what’s happening right now in the pizzeria industry. We’re tackling the worker shortage, a big push to switch to the Delivery and Carryout Only model, online ordering and the state of industry as dine-in resumes. Get the inside scoop on Pizza Expo 2021. See how you can get four free tickets to the show by winning our Pizza Expo 365 Pizza Box Challenge. Show Notes: Here are links to some of the topics we discussed on the show that you shoul...
May 06, 2021•42 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Send us a text Brenda’s Pizzeria sits in the mountains of rural Maryland. Owner Brenda McDonnell shares the inner workings of the business, as well as how it has fared during the pandemic. See how she rewards her team with trips to Pizza Expo. This episode is hosted by Editor In Chief Jeremy White and Executive Editor Denise Greer.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message
Apr 29, 2021•29 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Send us a text In the face of a quickly shrinking labor pool, Pittsburgh-based pizzeria owner extraordinaire and Pizza Today contributor Nick Bogacz is springing into action with an aggressive hiring and employee retention plan. Editor-in-Chief Jeremy White and Executive Editor Denise Greer delve into the details with Nick in this can't-miss episode of the Hot Slice.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message...
Apr 22, 2021•31 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Send us a text Bill Jacobs of Piece Pizzeria and Brewery in Chicago sits down with Jeremy White and Josh Keown on this episode of The Hot Slice podcast. As Piece nears its 20th anniversary, Jacobs discusses New Haven-style pizza, live music, beer and the hope of returning to normalcy soon as the effects of the pandemic begin to diminish.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message
Apr 15, 2021•25 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Send us a text Executive Editor Denise Greer sits down one-on-one with Maggie Mieles, daughter of Dom DeMarco who now operates the famed di Fara pizza in New York. Maggie shares stories of her father and growing up in the business. We talk about di Fara’s recent growth, continuing the legacy of the 56-year-old business and the new addition of a ghost kitchen.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message...
Apr 08, 2021•39 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Send us a text Detroit-style pizza has exploded across the U.S. Creative Director Josh Keown and Executive Editor Denise Greer ‘sit down’ with the Chief Brand Office at Buddy’s Pizza Wes Pikula. Wes takes us through Buddy’s past, present and future. Wes talks: The origins of the “Detroit Style” Detroit Style’s popularity explosion Big moments in Buddy’s Pizza history Buddy’s Focus and Principles Buddy’s people What’s next for Buddy’s --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/m...
Apr 01, 2021•37 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Send us a text Leah Scurto opened her Sonoma, California-area pizzeria, PizzaLeah, just four days before the COVID-19 shutdown. She talks candidly about the realities of operating a new business with Creative Director Josh Keown and Executive Editor Denise Greer. Leah shares how she’s lifting other women in the industry up and how her career at Pizza My Heart has helped pave the way to ownership. We couldn’t have a champion pizza maker on the show without talking pizza making, dough and competin...
Mar 25, 2021•38 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Send us a text Jeremy White and Denise Greer sit down with Dave Dombrowski, owner of PizzaMia in New Lenox, Illinois, for this week's episode of the Hot Slice. An experienced operator, Dave will celebrate 30 years in the pizza business this July. He discusses the technological changes that have taken over since he opened his pizzeria, as well as how the pandemic has impacted PizzaMia.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message...
Mar 18, 2021•40 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Send us a text In this episode, Creative Director Josh Keown and Executive Editor Denise Greer introduce a one-on-one marketing trends talk with Denise and Clayton Krueger, Director of Marketing and Communications at Tacoma, Washington-based Farrelli’s Pizza. We’re talking what’s hot, what’s not in marketing. Clayton talks: Marketing Trends Third-party Delivery Local Advertising SMS Marketing Push Notifications Partnerships Marketing Technology. Read the full feature -- 2021 Marketing Trends: A ...
Mar 11, 2021•40 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Send us a text This episode, we tap one of the most brilliant minds in the pizza business John Arena. John owns Metro Pizza in Las Vegas. He is not only a successful pizzapreneur, but also a dough expert and mentor to many in the field. The “sit down” is hosted by Editor In Chief Jeremy White and Executive Editor Denise Greer. John talks: Common industry questions and his responses His pizza start and growth Business shifts Pizza dough Flour blends Learning, a key to success Motivation for pizze...
Mar 04, 2021•25 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Send us a text To kick off Season, one of the pizzeria industry’s top pros Mike Bausch has taken over the podcast. He’s talking to Alfredo Herera, Mike’s right hand at Andolini’s before setting out on his own business in Colorado. Listen to this insightful conversation. Mike is an industry leader whose restaurant, Andolini’s Pizzeria, is a top ten pizzeria in the US, as named by TripAdvisor, BuzzFeed, CNN, and USA Today. Andolini’s began in 2005 and has grown to five pizzerias, two gelaterias, t...
Feb 25, 2021•39 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Send us a text Michael Androw made a huge decision with his pizzeria, E and D Pizza Company, Avon, Connecticut, to permanently switch to a DELCO model. Get insights on why and how Michael transitioned to DELCO. This episode is hosted by Editor In Chief Jeremy White and Executive Editor Denise Greer. Michael talks: Community focus Family market Converting to a DELCO model Transitioning Staff Marketing 2021-22 Outlook Lessons learned working 30 years in the restaurant industry --- Send in a voice ...
Feb 18, 2021•27 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Send us a text This week, we answer your questions. We’re talking pizza styles and ovens, hiring employees, text marketing, Pizza Expo 2021 and more. Editor-In-Chief Jeremy White, Creative Director Josh Keown, Executive Editor Denise Greer and Design Lead Katie Wilson share pizzeria industry insights. Show Notes: Hiring Tips: https://pizzatoday.com/departments/back-office/mikes-monthly-tip-the-few-and-the-proud-employees/ https://pizzatoday.com/departments/back-office/finding-greatness/ https://...
Feb 11, 2021•31 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Send us a text Jeremy White and Josh Keown talk shop with Joe Fugere, founder of Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria in Seattle. Joe shares his vision on the pizzeria of the future, discusses his innovative employee programs and details how the grocery business and a mobile unit helped Tutta Bella thrive during a pandemic.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message
Feb 04, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Send us a text On this week's Hot Slice podcast we sit down with Pizza Czar author, globetrotting consultant, Pizza Expo speaker and all-around pizza lover, Anthony Falco. From Texas to Seattle to Brooklyn, and beyond, Falco shares his tells from inside the pizza world with Jeremy White and Josh Keown. Don't miss it!--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message
Jan 28, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Send us a text The energetic and savvy entrepreneur Melissa Rickman of Wholly Stromboli in Lupton, Colorado, drops great advice on menus, employee retention and startup mistakes. She’s also a frequent speaker at Pizza Expo. Melissa talks: COVID-19 impact and shifts Outdoor Dining Menu Changes Strategic and expansion planning Staff Programs Common business startup mistakes Catch Melissa’s Checking In With episode: https://www.pizzatoday.com/news/videos/checking-in-with-melissa-rickman-wholly-stro...
Jan 21, 2021•29 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Send us a text We brought World Pizza Champion and Restaurateur Tony Gemignani and his right hand Laura Meyer, also a World Champion, together to talk pizza business and the next big thing in the industry. This episode is hosted by Pizza Today Executive Editor Denise Greer and Editor In Chief Jeremy White. Tony and Laura talk: -How COVID-19 has changed the business -The pizza school -Pizza Styles -Next big trend in pizza -What they have planned for the Pizza Expo 365 platform -Pizza as a continu...
Jan 14, 2021•41 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Send us a text We’re peeling back the curtain to share a sneak peek at Pizza Expo 365, the most comprehensive pizzeria resource platform to learn, shop and connect 24/7. The Pizza Today Editorial Team detail exclusive details on what’s on Pizza Expo 365, its launch date and the first competition dates. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the insides scoop on all things Pizza Expo 365. Sign up now for Pizza Expo 365 to be among the first on the platform when it launches: https://registration.exper...
Jan 07, 2021•35 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Send us a text So long 2020! The team at Pizza Today wraps up this year with a compilation of the best stories and advice on The Hot Slice podcast. The pizzeria industry’s brightest minds dropping knowledge on one episode. It’s a can’t miss.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-hot-slice/message
Dec 31, 2020•31 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Send us a text The editorial team at Pizza Today come together to share New Year’s resolutions. We pay tribute to our Dough Doctor Tom Lehmann. Editor-In-Chief Jeremy White, Creative Director Josh Keown, Executive Editor Denise Greer and Design Lead Katie Wilson share their experiences covering the pizzeria industry. The team talks: The impact Tom Lehmann has had on American pizzerias 2020 Pizzeria Industry Outlook Each member’s individual resolution to pizzeria operators A sneak peek on the pow...
Dec 24, 2020•30 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Send us a text Adam Borich, owner of the five-unit Lucifers Pizza, gets real on the devastating second wave restaurant dining shutdowns in Los Angeles with Editor in Chief Jeremy White and Executive Editor Denise Greer. While times are tough, Lucifers has managed to thrive and grow amidst the pandemic. Adam talks: Latest Restaurant Dining Shutdown in Los Angeles How the Recent Shutdown Compares to March International Perspective as a New Zealand Native How Lucifers Has Transitions -Opening a New...
Dec 17, 2020•27 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Send us a text Get the lowdown on Detroit-style pizza by none other than Motor City native Jeff Smokevitch, who leads a comprehensive demonstration on the style at International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Jeff owns Brown Dog Pizza in Telluride, Colorado and Blue Pan Pizza in Denver. We also pay tribute to Shawn Randazzo, who was the catalyst for Detroit style’s rise across the country. This episode is hosted by Editor In Chief Jeremy White and Executive Editor Denise Greer. Jeff talks: A Look at H...
Dec 10, 2020•39 min•Season 3Ep. 2
