Ready to open your first pizza business? Get my FREE New Store Checklist 

go.tyrellreed.com/free

Todd's Curry Sauce - Enjoy 10% Off All Orders using code: PIZZAKING

www.toddscurrysauce.com

Bag Genie Pizza Bags - Buy and 4 bags and get a 5th bag for free using Code: PIZZAKING

www.baggenie.net

As we close out an incredible year, I’m taking this solo episode to reflect on the highs, the lessons, and the growth of 2024. From launching 25 impactful episodes to growing our community across platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, this year has been nothing short of transformative.

Here’s what we covered in this special recap:

• Podcast Growth: Celebrating the leap to nearly 7,000 YouTube subscribers and engagement across all platforms.

• Favorite Episodes: A look back at standout moments, including guest episodes with industry legends and heartfelt family features.

• Lessons Learned: Why chasing perfection can hold you back and how embracing imperfection helped this podcast grow.

• Industry Trends: The rise of AI and delivery sales technology in the pizza industry, plus leadership insights on navigating challenges with a Gen Z workforce.

• Milestones: Launching new tools like the Idea to Open book and bundle, the Pizza Pro Circle community, and impactful speaking engagements at major events.

What’s Next for 2025:

• More episodes, guests, and exclusive content for the pizza and business community.

• Continuing to serve and inspire new and established pizzeria operators through coaching, resources, and consulting.

• Expanding our reach internationally (Australia, we’re coming for you!).

Join the Conversation:

Are you a passionate pizzeria operator, industry expert, or just someone with a great pizza story to share? I’d love to have you on the show! Visit PizzaKingPodcast.com to apply to be a guest or connect with me directly.

Stay Connected:

• Website: TyrellReed.com

• Instagram: @TyrellReedSr

• Email: [email protected]

Don’t forget to grab your free New Pizzeria Opening Checklist at TyrellReed.com. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!

Peace, and see you next year!

George rolls up in the EDGE test truck and invites you to step inside, where you’ll bake your own pizzas in our oven—using your dough, your toppings, your process. It’s the simplest way to experience firsthand why EDGE powers some of the best-performing pizza kitchens in the world, and why our bake is widely regarded as market-leading. 

https://www.edgeovens.com/test-bake

Listeners get $150 Off your first mailing. Visit https://mailwisesolutions.com/

Support the show

Join us here: 

https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about

Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers

Email: [email protected]

Upcoming events and appearances: 

Pizza Expo Columbus 10/11-10/12

Pizza Tomorrow Summit (Orlando, FL) 10/25-10/27

Ready to open your first pizza business? Get my FREE New Store Checklist 

go.tyrellreed.com/free

Todd's Curry Sauce - Enjoy 10% Off All Orders using code: PIZZAKING

www.toddscurrysauce.com

Bag Genie Pizza Bags - Buy and 4 bags and get a 5th bag for free using Code: PIZZAKING

www.baggenie.net

In this episode of The Pizza King Podcast, I sit down with Chef Hector Sanchez, a Marine Corps veteran turned dough master, to talk about his journey from the battlefield to the kitchen, his passion for pizza, and the art of creating culinary masterpieces. Chef Hector shares how his love for cooking became a healing outlet and a source of purpose after retiring from the military.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hector's Journey to Pizza Mastery:

   • Spent 10 years in the Marine Corps, serving in some of the most intense deployments.
   • Transitioned to cooking after military service, finding peace and focus in the kitchen.
   • Trained in Italy and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America through the Wounded Warrior Program.

2. Crafting the Perfect Dough:

   • Discussed his signature techniques, including cold fermentation and high-hydration dough.
   • Shared the importance of using high-protein flour and pre-ferments like biga to enhance flavor and digestibility.
   • Advocates for hand-mixing dough to maintain quality and connect with the process.

3. Balancing Creativity and Business:

   • Hector combines Neapolitan and New York-style techniques for a unique pizza experience.
   • His focus on small-batch, handcrafted production ensures quality but poses scaling challenges.
   • Balancing wings and pizza sales in a college town to sustain his pop-up business while preparing for growth.

4. Passion Meets Purpose:

   • Cooking has been a therapeutic journey for Hector, helping him manage PTSD and channel his energy.
   • He emphasizes the importance of respecting culinary traditions while innovating to meet customer preferences.
   • Inspires other chefs to find their creative voice and connect with their communities.

5. Sneakers and Pizza:

   • Chef Hector reveals his love for Air Max 1s and other sneaker classics, proving that style extends beyond the kitchen.

Where to Find Chef Hector Sanchez:

• Instagram: @ChefHectorSanchez
• Check out his pop-ups for "Papa Sanchez Pies" in Columbia, SC, for handcrafted pizza, wings, and more.

George rolls up in the EDGE test truck and invites you to step inside, where you’ll bake your own pizzas in our oven—using your dough, your toppings, your process. It’s the simplest way to experience firsthand why EDGE powers some of the best-performing pizza kitchens in the world, and why our bake is widely regarded as market-leading. 

https://www.edgeovens.com/test-bake

Listeners get $150 Off your first mailing. Visit https://mailwisesolutions.com/

Support the show

Join us here: 

https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about

Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers

Email: [email protected]

Upcoming events and appearances: 

Pizza Expo Columbus 10/11-10/12

Pizza Tomorrow Summit (Orlando, FL) 10/25-10/27

Ready to open your first pizza business? Get my FREE New Store Checklist 

go.tyrellreed.com/free

Todd's Curry Sauce - Enjoy 10% Off All Orders using code: PIZZAKING

www.toddscurrysauce.com

Bag Genie Pizza Bags - Buy and 4 bags and get a 5th bag for free using Code: PIZZAKING

www.baggenie.net

On this episode of The Pizza King Podcast, I sit down with Adrion Thomas, the founder of BLK Crust Pizza LA, to hear his inspiring journey from a corporate recruiting career to becoming a full-time pizza entrepreneur. Adrion shares how he turned a layoff into an opportunity, creating a unique brand featuring pizzas with his signature black crust made from activated charcoal. We dive into the value of starting small, building community, and staying true to your vision. This conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone dreaming of building something amazing from scratch.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Adrion transitioned from corporate life to running BLK Crust Pizza full-time.

• The story behind the name "BLK Crust" and the unique use of activated charcoal.

• Why Adrion keeps his menu small and mighty.

• The importance of giving back to your community while building a business.

• Adrion’s plans to scale from pop-ups to a food truck and beyond.

  Key Takeaways

1. Turn Setbacks into Opportunities: Adrion’s story shows how losing his corporate job became the spark for something greater—building a one-of-a-kind pizza brand.

2. Brand Identity is Everything: The name BLK Crust Pizza and its signature black dough have helped Adrion stand out in a crowded market.

3. Community is Key: Adrion has made a conscious effort to build strong relationships by giving back, feeding those in need, and engaging with his loyal customers.

4. Simplicity Wins: Keeping a streamlined menu of three pizzas ensures operational efficiency and high quality, while reducing waste.

Sustainable Growth: Adrion’s vision for BLK Crust includes organic growth, starting with pop-ups, moving to a food truck, and eventually expanding to brick-and-mortar locations.

Give them a follow on IG: @BLKCRUST

George rolls up in the EDGE test truck and invites you to step inside, where you’ll bake your own pizzas in our oven—using your dough, your toppings, your process. It’s the simplest way to experience firsthand why EDGE powers some of the best-performing pizza kitchens in the world, and why our bake is widely regarded as market-leading. 

https://www.edgeovens.com/test-bake

Listeners get $150 Off your first mailing. Visit https://mailwisesolutions.com/

Support the show

Join us here: 

https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about

Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers

Email: [email protected]

Upcoming events and appearances: 

Pizza Expo Columbus 10/11-10/12

Pizza Tomorrow Summit (Orlando, FL) 10/25-10/27

Tyrell and Larry Rubin discuss the world of gift cards, focusing on Larry's company, Swipe It, which specializes in providing gift card solutions for small to mid-sized businesses. They explore the evolution of gift card programs, best practices for implementation, and the importance of marketing and exposure. Larry shares insights on the psychological barriers small business owners face regarding gift card promotions and highlights the significant impact gift cards can have on driving customer traffic and increasing sales. The discussion also touches on the future of gift cards, particularly the rise of e-cards, and concludes with how businesses can connect with Swipe It for support and guidance.

Takeaways

- Gift cards can significantly enhance customer engagement and sales.

- Small to mid-sized businesses often need more help with gift card programs.

- Exposure is key to selling gift cards effectively.

- E-cards are becoming increasingly popular for convenience.

- Many gift cards go unredeemed, benefiting businesses financially.

- Gift cards serve as a cost-effective marketing tool.

- Support and consulting are crucial for successful gift card programs.

- The gift card industry is growing, especially during the holiday season.

- Local businesses can benefit from regional gift card promotions.

- Building relationships with clients is essential for long-term success.

Connect with Larry and the Swipeit team

Website: www.swipeit.com

Email: [email protected]

Insta: @swipeitgiftcards

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SwipeItGiftCards/

Thank you to our podcast supporters!

Todd's Curry Sauce - Enjoy 10% Off All Orders using code: PIZZAKING

www.toddscurrysauce.com

Bag Genie Pizza Bags - Buy and 4 bags and get a 5th bag for free

Using Code: PIZZAKING

www.baggenie.net

George rolls up in the EDGE test truck and invites you to step inside, where you’ll bake your own pizzas in our oven—using your dough, your toppings, your process. It’s the simplest way to experience firsthand why EDGE powers some of the best-performing pizza kitchens in the world, and why our bake is widely regarded as market-leading. 

https://www.edgeovens.com/test-bake

Listeners get $150 Off your first mailing. Visit https://mailwisesolutions.com/

Support the show

Join us here: 

https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about

Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers

Email: [email protected]

Upcoming events and appearances: 

Pizza Expo Columbus 10/11-10/12

Pizza Tomorrow Summit (Orlando, FL) 10/25-10/27

In this episode of the Pizza King podcast, host Tyrell Reed discusses the importance of empowering young people in the pizza industry, sharing insights from the recent Pizza Tomorrow Summit. He emphasizes the need for soft skills in leadership and the responsibility of leaders to develop the next generation of talent. Reed also navigates the challenges of customer expectations, sharing a personal story about a loyal customer and the importance of setting boundaries.

Takeaways

• We hire three times more young people than any other industry.
• The Pizza Tomorrow Summit is becoming a premier event in the pizza community.
• Soft skills are essential for effective leadership.
• Creating a positive team experience enhances guest satisfaction.
• Developing young talent is crucial for the future of the industry.
• Leaders should focus on communication, motivation, and conflict resolution.
• The cost of employee turnover is significant for restaurants.
• Building relationships in the community is vital for business growth.
• Feedback is essential for personal and professional development.

• Navigating customer requests requires setting clear boundaries.

George rolls up in the EDGE test truck and invites you to step inside, where you’ll bake your own pizzas in our oven—using your dough, your toppings, your process. It’s the simplest way to experience firsthand why EDGE powers some of the best-performing pizza kitchens in the world, and why our bake is widely regarded as market-leading. 

https://www.edgeovens.com/test-bake

Listeners get $150 Off your first mailing. Visit https://mailwisesolutions.com/

Support the show

Join us here: 

https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about

Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers

Email: [email protected]

Upcoming events and appearances: 

Pizza Expo Columbus 10/11-10/12

Pizza Tomorrow Summit (Orlando, FL) 10/25-10/27

In this episode, we're diving into the world of restaurant ownership with the first edition of our new segment, Restaurant Chronicles. This week’s chronicle unpacks a wild, true story of dealing with a "scamming ass scammer" – a repeat customer who racked up over $300 in orders using stolen credit cards and fake names.

Beyond the scams, I also share a personal look at the resilience of my family and our pizza business as we navigated the aftermath of back-to-back hurricanes in Florida. Join me for an honest, eye-opening conversation on the unexpected challenges and real-life moments that come with running a restaurant.

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love to hear your feedback! And be sure to follow me on Instagram @tyrellreedsr for a behind-the-scenes look at my pizza life, industry tips, and more stories from the world of restaurant ownership.

George rolls up in the EDGE test truck and invites you to step inside, where you’ll bake your own pizzas in our oven—using your dough, your toppings, your process. It’s the simplest way to experience firsthand why EDGE powers some of the best-performing pizza kitchens in the world, and why our bake is widely regarded as market-leading. 

https://www.edgeovens.com/test-bake

Listeners get $150 Off your first mailing. Visit https://mailwisesolutions.com/

Support the show

Join us here: 

https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about

Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers

Email: [email protected]

Upcoming events and appearances: 

Pizza Expo Columbus 10/11-10/12

Pizza Tomorrow Summit (Orlando, FL) 10/25-10/27

Have you embraced the AI movement? Not sure how or what you should know? Join me as I talk through the ways I'm currently using AI both in the restaurant and on the podcast.

AI has been a helpful tool for both marketing and productivity. Tasks from content creation to writing email AI has only helped us execute at a higher level.

Tune in and don't forget to leave that feedback!

- Pizza King

George rolls up in the EDGE test truck and invites you to step inside, where you’ll bake your own pizzas in our oven—using your dough, your toppings, your process. It’s the simplest way to experience firsthand why EDGE powers some of the best-performing pizza kitchens in the world, and why our bake is widely regarded as market-leading. 

https://www.edgeovens.com/test-bake

Support the show

Join us here: 

https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about

Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers

Email: [email protected]

Upcoming events and appearances: 

Pizza Expo Columbus 10/11-10/12

Pizza Tomorrow Summit (Orlando, FL) 10/25-10/27

In this episode, I recap my recent experience at the California Restaurant Show in Los Angeles. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders and share insights on the education stage. During my trip, I visited several local pizzerias, and I’m excited to spotlight two standout pies this week!

Pizza of the Week:

• MVP from South Bay Pizza – A true star with amazing flavor combinations.
• Vodka Pizza from Hot Tongue – A deliciously unique take with a vodka sauce that can't be missed!

I also share this week’s Team Building Tip: how to build trust as a leader. Trust is the foundation for any great team, and in this episode, I dive into the practical steps you can take to foster trust with your team.

Tune in for all this and more on The Pizza King Podcast!

George rolls up in the EDGE test truck and invites you to step inside, where you’ll bake your own pizzas in our oven—using your dough, your toppings, your process. It’s the simplest way to experience firsthand why EDGE powers some of the best-performing pizza kitchens in the world, and why our bake is widely regarded as market-leading. 

https://www.edgeovens.com/test-bake

Listeners get $150 Off your first mailing. Visit https://mailwisesolutions.com/

Support the show

Join us here: 

https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about

Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers

Email: [email protected]

Upcoming events and appearances: 

Pizza Expo Columbus 10/11-10/12

Pizza Tomorrow Summit (Orlando, FL) 10/25-10/27

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how you can turn a failing pizza restaurant into a thriving business? In this episode, you'll learn the five critical steps necessary for turning around a struggling restaurant: food safety, cash processes, inventory and food costs, management routines, and communication. I'll highlight the vital role of leadership in maintaining high standards and ensuring a safe, quality experience for your customers. Additionally, discover effective management and ...

George rolls up in the EDGE test truck and invites you to step inside, where you’ll bake your own pizzas in our oven—using your dough, your toppings, your process. It’s the simplest way to experience firsthand why EDGE powers some of the best-performing pizza kitchens in the world, and why our bake is widely regarded as market-leading. 

https://www.edgeovens.com/test-bake

Support the show

Join us here: 

https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about

Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers

Email: [email protected]

Upcoming events and appearances: 

Pizza Expo Columbus 10/11-10/12

Pizza Tomorrow Summit (Orlando, FL) 10/25-10/27

Send us a Text Message.Unlock the secrets to multi-unit success with our guest Mike Bausch, the visionary behind Andolini's Pizzeria in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In this episode, Mike shares his remarkable 20-year journey from aspiring JAG lawyer to pizza entrepreneur. Through his experiences managing 12 diverse units and authoring his book Unsliced, Mike provides invaluable insights into the world of pizza and beyond.Pizza Entrepreneur Success StoryMike begins by recounting his transition from law to...

George rolls up in the EDGE test truck and invites you to step inside, where you’ll bake your own pizzas in our oven—using your dough, your toppings, your process. It’s the simplest way to experience firsthand why EDGE powers some of the best-performing pizza kitchens in the world, and why our bake is widely regarded as market-leading. 

https://www.edgeovens.com/test-bake

Listeners get $150 Off your first mailing. Visit https://mailwisesolutions.com/

Support the show

Join us here: 

https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about

Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers

Email: [email protected]

Upcoming events and appearances: 

Pizza Expo Columbus 10/11-10/12

Pizza Tomorrow Summit (Orlando, FL) 10/25-10/27