PIE 2 PIE - A Pizza Maker’s Podcast

In this episode, Alex sits down with Hunter of Detroit Pizza Depot in Los Angeles to discuss his journey from Michigan to Los Angeles and the art of crafting "authentic" Detroit-style pizza. Hunter shares his humble beginnings, from running a food truck in his hometown to opening a cloud kitchen near USC, and reveals his exciting plans for a new brick-and-mortar location in the heart of Hollywood. Dive deep into the world of Detroit-style pizza as Hunter and Alex explore what sets this square pie apart from the rest, the importance of steel pans, and the age-old debate of par-baking versus baking raw. Hunter pays homage to the late, great Shawn Randazzo, a pioneer in the Detroit-style pizza scene, and discusses the impact he had on his own journey. From the challenges of navigating bureaucracy in Michigan to finding the perfect spot in LA, Hunter's story is one of perseverance and passion. He shares his vision for Detroit Pizza Depot's future, the importance of creating a strong company culture, and the power of the LA food community's support. Peppered with laughter and mouthwatering descriptions of pizza, this episode is a must-listen for any pizza lover or aspiring restaurateur. Join Alex and Hunter as they explore the past, present, and future of Detroit-style pizza in Los Angeles and beyond. https://www.instagram.com/detroitpizzas/

Thank you to our show sponsors→

Enjoy a dab of Zabs datil pepper hot sauce: https://bit.ly/ZabsHotSauce

Dope plant-based food for your restaurant:https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni

Here's some FREE stuff →

🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe

🌱 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/

In this episode of Pie 2 Pie, we sit down with Michael Fiorelli and Liz Gutierrez of Fiorelli Pizza, a wood-fired pizza venture based in a community garden in Venice, Los Angeles. Mike and Liz share their unique journey from working in fine dining to nearly opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant of their own to deciding to pursue a mobile pizza concept in an intimate, outdoor setting. They discuss the challenges and rewards of leaving their day jobs, the importance of staying true to their vision, and the power of storytelling in the food industry.

The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of kitchen culture, the value of respect and patience in the workplace, and Mike's memorable appearance on the TV show Entourage. Join Alex as he delves into the magic of Fiorelli's secret garden pizza experience. https://www.instagram.com/fiorellipizza/

Thank you to our show sponsors→

Enjoy a dab of Zabs datil pepper hot sauce:

https://bit.ly/ZabsHotSauce

Dope plant-based food for your restaurant:

https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni

Here's some FREE stuff →

🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe

🌱 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/

In this episode, meet Jean and Grace, the husband and wife duo behind Montreal's Brigade Pizza. The first Neapolitan pizza lineup concept in Canada, Brigade has been serving up beautiful Neapolitan pies and sparking conversations since 2014. They discuss the merits and pitfalls of VPN certification, the evolution of their dough recipe, and the struggle to balance creativity with customer expectations.

The couple shares their entrepreneurial journey, from their frozen yogurt beginnings to the ups and downs of running a pizzeria as partners in both business and life. They reflect on valuable lessons learned, like the importance of perseverance and the acceptance that everything tends to work out in the end. Peppered with personal anecdotes and industry insights, this conversation is a must-listen for any pizza lover or aspiring restaurateur. Grab a slice and tune in as Alex, Jean and Grace prove that the recipe for success is one part passion, one part resilience, and a whole lot of love.

https://brigadepizza.com/

Thank you to our show sponsors→

Enjoy a dab of Zabs datil pepper hot sauce:

https://bit.ly/ZabsHotSauce

Dope plant-based food for your restaurant:

https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni

Here's some FREE stuff →

🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE

https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe

🌱 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here:

https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/

Alex sits down with the one and only Angelo Womack of Rad Times Pizza for a no-bullshit, hilarious pizza chat that’s equal parts sage advice and ruthless roasts. Shots are fired, tea is spilled, and no one is safe, but primarily this episode is about the importance of keeping pizza FUN. Angelo is someone who keeps it 100 all the time, dropping truth bombs and hot takes that'll either have you laughing or crying, or both.

We cover the influence of Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports over the pizza industry, the dark side of social media and its effects on the restaurant industry, the influence of Roberta's on the pizza industry and the secret behind their famous bee sting pizza, NY pizza shops expanding into LA, dealing with tech bros wild pizza ideas, a power fart sent from god, and why you should re-think opening a restaurant with a partner.

Along the way Angelo shares his journey from his days slinging pies at the legendary Roberta's in Brooklyn to opening his own joint in Silicon Valley, to launching Rad Times and expanding his impressive consulting portfolio. 

https://www.instagram.com/radtimespizza/

Thank you to our show sponsors→

Enjoy a dab of Zabs datil pepper hot sauce:

https://bit.ly/ZabsHotSauce

Dope plant-based food for your restaurant:

https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni

Here's some FREE stuff →

🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE

https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe

🌱 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here:

https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/

In this episode, Alex sits down with Luca of The LA Food Podcast and The LA Countdown to talk about a new era of food critics and their influence over the restaurant scene and the individuals who own and operate restaurants. Luca shares his origin story, starting back in 2021 when he embarked on an epic quest to devour 100 slices of pizza across Los Angeles – a journey that ignited his passion to share his culinary experiences with the world.

https://linktr.ee/TheLACountdown

Enjoy a dab of Zabs datil pepper hot sauce: https://bit.ly/ZabsHotSauce

Dope plant-based food for your restaurant:

https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni

Here's some FREE stuff →

🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe

🌱 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/

In this episode, meet Zack and Kara, the rad duo behind LA's Boy Blue. Blasting onto the scene last summer these two started popping up making incredible pizzas, but quickly began to expand their menu outside the realm of za, wondering, ‘what else can we cook in a Gozney Dome?’

Zack has worked at such reputable institutions as Roberta's, Prime Pizza, and Pizzeria Sei while Kara tapped into her culinary roots and past pop-up experience, and together they balance deliciousness and seasonal eclecticism. I'm talking beautiful and tasty delights from pizza to goyza to plantains to a noodle bar.

While Zack oozes passion for pizza, Kara dabbles in the funky - late night eats, cafe dreams, industry nights if these two ever settle into a brick-and-mortar. So tune in for all the tasty nuggets, and we hope you enjoy it.

https://www.boyblue.la/

Thank you to our show sponsors→

Enjoy a dab of Zabs datil pepper hot sauce: https://bit.ly/ZabsHotSauce

Dope plant-based food for your restaurant: https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni

Here's some FREE stuff →

🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE: https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe

🌱 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/

In this episode of Pie 2 Pie, host Alex Koons sits down with the Holt Family of Sunday Pizza Company - a family of 4 that makes Detroit-style square pizza together.

Thank you to our show sponsors→

Dope Plant Food for your restaurant:

https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni

Here's some FREE stuff →

🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE:

https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe

🌱 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here:

https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/

In this episode, we’re getting all dressed up to sit down with Caitlin and Daniel, owners of the highly acclaimed, Ronan Los Angeles. Tucked away on bustling Melrose Avenue, Ronan has earned a reputation for creating an elevated dining experience that puts pizza at the forefront.

https://www.ronanla.com/

Enjoy a dab of Zabs datil pepper hot sauce:

https://bit.ly/ZabsHotSauce

Dope plant-based food for your restaurant:

https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni

Here's some FREE stuff →

🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE:

https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe

🌱 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here:

https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/

In this episode, Jose and Bronwen of Naughty Pie Nature join PIE 2 PIE to discuss their incredible journey going from starting their pizza pop-up to opening a brick-and-mortar shop in LESS THAN A YEAR. After years of working in big corporate restaurants and missing the creative control and hands-on experience of pizza, they quickly snowballed into the LA pizza scene.

We talk about taking the leap to quit their jobs and go all-in on pizza, hustling to book pop-ups, streamlining operations, cooking in Gozney Domes, getting into a space, and ultimately manifesting their pizza dreams in record time. Jose and Bronwen also discuss support from the pizza community, social media marketing, expanding the menu, future plans, and more.

https://www.instagram.com/naughtypienature/

Enjoy a dab of Zabs datil pepper hot sauce:

Dope plant-based food for your restaurant:

Here's some FREE stuff →

🚀 HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE:

🌱 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop?

Start here:

https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/