Episodes

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-Mo...

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 ...

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: Import...

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: -...

In this podcast episode, we catch up with Jeff Rogers of Wrectangle Pizza, who has experienced massive growth over the past five years. His journey began with a desire to create amazing Detroit-style pan pizza. Starting with a ghost kitchen and very little money, Jeff's passion and dedication have led to remarkable success. Highlights: Jeff started Wrectangle Pizza in a ghost kitchen incubator in Minneapolis in 2019. Rectangle Pizza sells Detroit-style pizza, which is a deep-dish squar...

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 ...

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 sma...

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...

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. Conside...

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 intervie...

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 maximizin...

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...

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 ...

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 tast...

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 kn...

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 t...

In this episode Donna Reeves, the SVP, Pizza & Flatbreads and Value Added Bakery Categories of 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 trends. S...

In this episode we met up with Vanessa and Radcliffe of The Cheeseboard 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. ...

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 ...

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 open...

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 famil...

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:...

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 ...

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&u...