In this episode, we meet up with Al The Pizza Buddha, and he’s going to give us a glimpse of what it’s like in one of his consults. He will discuss the challenges of working with contractors, the importance of planning and communication, and the need to pay attention to details like location, electricity, and lease agreements. Check out Al The Pizza Buddha here: https://althepizzabuddha.com/ Follow Al The Pizza Buddha here: https://www.instagram.com/althepizzabuddha/ Thank you to our show sponso...
Sep 15, 2024•33 min
In this episode we meet up with Anthony Gilbert of Melt Pizza Company. We discuss New York style and Detroit style pizza, including the dough recipe, ingredients, and process. Anthony also discusses his experience opening Melt and how he has grown the business organically through word-of-mouth and collaborations. Check out The Melt Pizza here: https://www.meltpizzacompany.com/ Follow The Melt Pizza here: https://www.instagram.com/meltpizzacompany/ Thank you to our show sponsors: Corto Olive Oil:...
Sep 08, 2024•1 hr 10 min
In this episode, let’s reflect on what happened this August with all of my pizza side hustles. 1. Corporate Pizza Class 2. Pizza Consultation 3. Hosting/Judging Pizza Competitions 4. Private Catering. As always, I will share the lessons learned and my plans for continuous improvement! Timestamps are located below the sponsors if you want to be able to jump topics! Thank you to our show sponsors: Corto Olive Oil: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1808352&u=2800064&m=112748&urllink=&a...
Sep 01, 2024•43 min
In this episode, we meet Marcus and Amy Medina of Hella Pie Pizza Company. We discuss their journey from running a mobile pizza trailer to establishing a brick-and-mortar store, exploring challenges like transitioning from a wood-fired to a conveyor oven, introducing pizza by the slice, and navigating a drop in business. They also share the emotional decision to sell their beloved pizza trailer, Gemma, as they balance the demands of work and family life. Highlights: - Mobile to Brick-and-Mortar ...
Aug 25, 2024•1 hr 5 min
In this episode, we meet with Neil from Longbridge Pizza to discuss his journey from cook to owner. Neil shares the secrets behind his shop's success, highlighting the importance of community, relationships, and clear communication. We also cover the challenges of catering and pop-ups at festivals, offering practical advice. Plus, Neil delves into pizza-making techniques, from dough management to using different ovens, and provides valuable lessons for aspiring pizza entrepreneurs Highlights Fro...
Aug 18, 2024•1 hr 29 min
In this episode, we meet with Guy Luna and talk about the challenges and rewards of running a mobile pizza operation and his philosophy on making pizza and connecting with his community. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of personal growth and staying positive in the face of adversity. Highlights: - Challenges of mobile operation: It requires being a jack of all trades and handling plumbing, electrical, and mechanical issues to avoid costly repairs. - Lessons learned: Importance of p...
Aug 11, 2024•49 min
In this episode, we meet up again with Al The Pizza Buddha. We discuss his recent work and experiences traveling to different pizzerias. We talk about the importance of having a systematic and documented approach to running a pizzeria, which he helps implement at Hella Pie and Rose City Pizza. This involves creating detailed dough recipes, plating guides, and prep inventory systems to streamline operations and empower pizzeria owners to focus on other aspects of their business. Highlights: - Imp...
Aug 04, 2024•1 hr 42 min
In this episode, we catch up with Jeff Rogers of Wrectangle Pizza, who has experienced massive growth over the past five years. He credits some of his early success to starting out in a ghost kitchen that only charged him a percentage of sales for his rent when starting out. Highlights: Jeff started Wrectangle Pizza in a ghost kitchen incubator in Minneapolis in 2019. Jeff credits the incubator for the success of the business because it was low-cost and offered marketing and camaraderie with oth...
Jul 28, 2024•1 hr 17 min
This episode explores the story of Peter Campbell, the owner of Red Wagon Pizza, who brings his pizzas to events with his mobile catering service. He offers practical advice on efficiencies to optimize his busy summer season. Highlights: Humble Beginnings: Peter started by making and selling pizzas at his kids' school fundraiser. Taking the Leap: Encouraged by positive feedback, Pete decided to turn his passion into a business. However, he faced the fear of quitting his stable job and the financ...
Jul 21, 2024•1 hr 12 min
In this episode, we meet up with Anthony Gilbert of Melt Pizza. Anthony discusses his journey from pizza pop-ups to owning his own restaurant. He discusses the importance of insurance, the financial realities of owning a business, and the decisions involved in buying out his business partners. The conversation also touches on profit margins in the restaurant industry and Anthony's future plans for expansion. Highlights: Importance of insurance for businesses, especially pop-ups and small enterpr...
Jul 14, 2024•41 min
In this episode, we meet up with Siler Chapman, a world pizza champion and ambassador for a cheese company. We discussed Chapman's journey in the mobile catering business, sharing tips on everything from automatic gratuities to scaling staff. Chapman emphasizes the importance of prioritizing customer satisfaction and always striving to improve. He also shares his experiences with different ingredients and equipment, offering insights into the evolving world of pizza. The conversation also touche...
Jul 07, 2024•1 hr 19 min
In this episode, let's recount my experience catering to my largest paid event yet! (60 people!!!!) Highlights: Invest in new equipment after each event: Upgrading equipment helps streamline processes and improve efficiency. Batch prep time and accurately estimate ingredient costs: This saves time and reduces unnecessary expenses. Be prepared for unexpected situations: Things may not always go according to plan, so it's crucial to have contingency plans in place. Consider gratuity and tipping: A...
Jun 30, 2024•17 min
In this episode, we meet up with Stephanie Swane and discuss the larger pizza industry, including the role of women and the importance of innovation. Stephanie shares her experience working on the Modernist Cuisine cookbooks and their passion for the pizza community. Highlights: Modernist Pizza's Impact: The book challenges traditional pizza norms and encourages innovation and creativity. Women in Pizza: Stephanie highlights her work promoting women in the industry through interviews and social ...
Jun 23, 2024•49 min
In this episode, we meet up with Ian Galbraith, owner of The Carlson Block, a pizza maker who owns a pizzeria in a small town. We discuss the challenges and rewards of owning a small business, the importance of family, and the role of passion and hard work in achieving success. Highlights: Balancing business and family: He prioritizes providing for his family and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He is content with his current level of business and focuses on quality over maximizing profi...
Jun 16, 2024•1 hr 15 min
In this episode, we met up with Courtney and Kyle, the former owner of Bootleg Pizza and talk about the story of a partnership gone wrong . Together we also discuss the challenges and triumphs of making sourdough on a commercial level. They emphasize the importance of precision and consistency, revealing their unique starter maintenance routine and dough recipe. They also share tips on finding affordable used equipment, such as ovens and mixers, as well as how they found their current location t...
Jun 09, 2024•57 min
In this episode we meet up with Justin Piazza, owner of What Up Dough. Justin is a pizza maker who has moved to LA from Phoenix and partnered with 3 other people to open this hip hop themed pizzeria. Highlights: The L.A. Pizza Scene: is it oversaturated? Learning from other Pizza Makers: Justin talks about what he learned from other pizza makers and how he uses those lessons in his pizzas Challenges: Justin also discusses the hardships of running a slice house and how he is still learning to man...
Jun 02, 2024•46 min
Equipment costs a lot of money. We often find ourselves asking- how much? And then when the price is too high, we say, mehhhhh, nvm. Are you like this too? If so- this episode is for you. We meet up with Francesco Marra, of Marra Forni, a Naples-born entrepreneur who has revolutionized the pizza industry. He arms us with the questions we should be asking when looking to grow and expand our business. Highlights: Preserving a Legacy: Francesco is dedicated to bringing the true taste of Naples to t...
May 26, 2024•53 min
In this episode Donna Reeves, the SVP, Pizza & Flatbreads and Value Added Bakery Categories for Rich's, a company that manufactures and supplies pizza dough and other related products to pizza businesses. Highlights: The Pizza Struggle: Pizza businesses are struggling to find labor and keep up with changing consumer trends. Rich’s Offers Solutions: Donna discusses the challenges faced by pizza businesses, particularly the difficulty of finding labor and keeping up with changing consumer tren...
May 22, 2024•35 min
In this episode we met with Kira and Mark, owners of Much Ado About Pizza, and talked about their pizza journey. After doing pop ups and a near death experience, they decided to leave their jobs and make the jump into brick and mortar. How are they doing? Tune in to find out! Highlights: “Things done well and with a care, exempt themselves from fear”: They competed in a pizza competition for the first time and did surprisingly well (3rd place overall, 2nd in their division). “ We know what we ar...
May 19, 2024•1 hr 10 min
In this episode we met up with Joseph, and his wife Kamille - the owners of Corner Slice! They operate a 1500 sq foot pizzeria, just the two of them! Together, they discuss how they got their start in the pizza business and their journey in buying their used PizzaMaster! Highlights: • From Humble Beginnings: Both Joe and Kam share their “origin” stories, from Joe’s culinary background and Kam’s career in luxury retail. With their powers combined, they are able to run a dope pizzeria, just the tw...
May 13, 2024•59 min
In this episode we met up with Vanessa and Radcliffe of The Cheese Board Collective, and we dive into the history of the Cheese Board Collective, how it functions as a worker-owned business, and the challenges and benefits of this model. Highlights: • The Long History: The Cheese Board Collective started in the 1960s as a cheese shop and became a worker-owned collective in 1971. • From Renting to Ownership: They recently purchased the building they have been in for almost 60 years. • United, The...
Apr 28, 2024•1 hr 40 min
In this episode we met up with Charles Cullison, the owner of Charlie’s Pizza. Charlie transitioned from postman to pizzeria business owner, growing his business from a pop-up to a successful restaurant. In this episode we discuss Charlie's personal journey, including his recent weight loss and his dedication to health. He shares his passion for pizza as a key ingredient in his success, alongside his commitment to fostering a positive work environment for his staff. Highlights From Postman to Pi...
Apr 21, 2024•54 min
In this episode, we met up with Salar, owner of MaiPai Tiki Bar. We discuss his business methods- from building out his own restaurant and the journey to finally delegating so he can work on the business. We also talk about the loyal fans of Tiki Bars. Highlights: Uniquely Tiki: The pizzeria is successful because it offers a unique combination of delicious pizza, tiki drinks, and a fun atmosphere. From humble beginnings: Salar started small with pop-up restaurants and a food truck before opening...
Apr 14, 2024•58 min
In this episode, we met up with Alexandra Castro from Pizza with Ale, an entrepreneur who started from internships to finally opening up her restaurant - But in a weird twist of faith, she gave up on it all. Listen as we discuss her reasons for doing so, and what she’s currently up to. Highlights : Her Journey from Internship to Business Owner : Our guest discusses how she got started, from being an intern, to how she got started in the Pizza Business. Pizza Prodigy on Pause: Ale left the family...
Apr 07, 2024•46 min
In this episode, Christina Martin, owner of Manizza’s Pizza, shares her successful marketing tactics. Highlights: Direct Mail Success: Christina uses targeted direct mail coupons to attract new customers in their neighborhood. Building Relationships: She prioritizes creating a positive customer experience with greetings, complimentary food, and personalized touches. Data-Driven Decisions: Christina tracks key metrics to measure marketing effectiveness, like coupon redemption rates and order time...
Mar 31, 2024•19 min
In this episode, we meet the inspiring owner of 550 Pizzeria, a testament to hard work, passion, and community. Highlights: Pizza Journey: Our guest started as a cashier at Laredo Pizza Factory, impressing everyone with her customer service. Despite not attending culinary school, her dedication and hunger to learn ("Let me show you that I can make it!") led her to become a pizzaiolo (pizza maker) with a valuable mentor by her side. Pizza At Home - Homemade Virality: She began experimenting with ...
Mar 27, 2024•44 min
This is a wild story of my first time competing at the Las Vegas Pizza Expo. You're not going to want to miss this one. Thank you to our show sponsors: [Ooni Pizza Ovens Affiliate] https://ooni.com/?sscid=51k7_g9gpn&utm_medium=shareasale&utm_source=2800064&utm_campaign=1232202 [Corto Olive Affiliate] https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1808352&u=2800064&m=112748&urllink=&afftrack= [Bacio Cheese] https://www.baciocheese.com/?utm_source=Influencer&utm_medium=Podcast_S...
Mar 25, 2024•39 min
Horacio of Tio's Pizza shows us his pop-up setup!Highlights: Horacio breaks down (see what I did there?) his pop-up from must-have materials, tips of the trade and so much more. Tio also tells us how he landed this brewery as a client He shows us how he cooks Detroit-style pizzas in his Ooni ovens and how and why he's always on max flame! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_tios_pizza_/ Thank you to our show sponsors: [Ooni Pizza Ovens Affiliate] https://ooni.com/?sscid=51k7_g9gpn&utm_med...
Mar 17, 2024•16 min
Today we are talking with Sofia from Latinos en Pizza. She's not just a content creator; she's a visionary building a unique and thriving community. Sofia, through her background and expertise, is on a mission to empower the Latino community in the world of pizza. With the help of members of the community and brand sponsors, the Latinos En Pizza is growing at a rapid rate. Highlights: We learn about Latinos En Pizza, a group putting Latino pizza makers in the spotlight. Pizza with a Purpose: Sof...
Mar 13, 2024•52 min
Join us as John from Speederia reveals the secrets to their authentic New York-style pizza on the West Coast! This episode dives into maintaining consistent quality for both whole pies and slices. Highlights: Get a slice of this- bake times for slices are one minute at 575. Toss your dough! Helps you see the evenness (or unevenness) of your dough. Forget eyeballing it! John unveils his technique for perfectly measured sauce, cheese, and toppings. Consistent, delicious pizzas, every single time C...
Mar 10, 2024•24 min
