Pizza King Podcast: Empowering Pizzeria Leadership

In this episode of The Pizza King Podcast, I sit down with Stuart Townsend, co founder of Podcast Hawk, to talk about how podcast guesting really works and how pizzeria owners can use it to grow their brand.

We break down podcast marketing for small businesses, why most guests never get booked, and how restaurant owners can use podcasts to build authority, trust, and visibility without relying on discounts or paid ads.

If you own or operate a pizzeria and want to stand out in your market, this episode gives you a clear path.

You will learn:

• How pizzeria owners can use podcast guesting as a marketing tool
 • Why podcast marketing works for local restaurant owners
 • The biggest mistakes business owners make when pitching podcasts
 • How to build personal brand authority as a pizza shop owner
 • Why relationships matter more than reach in podcast growth
 • How podcasting helps you step out from behind the counter
 • What podcast hosts look for in strong guests
 • How podcasts support long term growth for restaurant operators

This episode is for pizzeria owners, pizza shop operators, and restaurant leaders who want smarter marketing, stronger positioning, and better visibility in their community and beyond.

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

Brought to you by ThrivePOS - Pizza Driven Point of Sale

You can change your customer experience today with one simple habit. In this episode, Tyrell shares a quick lesson from chef Billy Manzo that will help you tighten up your shop fast. You will hear why clean windows, clean thresholds, clear walkways, and a clutter free counter drive repeat visits. You will learn how small daily actions can lift team pride and customer confidence.

This five minute tip gives you one job to start doing today so your shop looks better, feels better, and wins more business.

Thank you for your support! Visit our new merch shop

https://pizzaking.dashery.com/

Or visit our donation page to help us out

Donate

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

Powered By ThrivePOS - Pizza Driven Point of Sale

In this episode, George Clark from Pizza Solution/Restaurant Outfitters breaks down the oven decisions every pizzeria struggles with. You get a clear look at electric decks, gas decks, conveyors, and wood fire options. George explains why so many high-volume shops are switching to electric, what operators miss when comparing ovens, and how to match your equipment to your dough, your workflow, and your goals.

You learn how oven choice affects consistency, labor, bake time, recovery, and long-term maintenance. George also shares real examples from shops across the country, the rise of electric technology, and what to avoid when upgrading your setup.

If you want a better bake, faster production, or a smarter equipment strategy before your next expansion, this conversation will help you make the right call. 

George Clark 

Cell: 859-404-8089

Email: [email protected]

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

Ask me how to test drive ThrivePOS

You hit walls during the year. You get tired. You question the work. This episode shows what happens when you refuse to quit. I share the honest story of almost walking away from the podcast and how your messages, your actions, and your progress kept this mission alive. 

You hear the data from this year, the growth from the show, and the impact you helped create in your shops. You also hear a full rundown of every guest who joined the podcast and the lessons their stories brought to the industry.

If you run a pizzeria, you understand hard seasons. This episode reminds you to stay consistent, trust the process, and keep moving forward when the work gets heavy. The growth shows up after the persistence.

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

Powered by ThrivePOS

Learn how to drive more traffic, increase repeat visits, and build stronger customer relationships using birthdays and new mover programs. I sit down with David Michaelson of Celebration Marketing to break down why birthdays are the strongest dining occasion, why personalized mail is outperforming digital channels, and how independent pizzerias can use these tools to grow.

We cover how to target the right demographics, what offers work, what returns operators see, and how to build a system that brings in high quality guests every month. You will hear real results from pizzerias and restaurants across the country and see how these programs create consistent revenue without discounting your brand.

If you want more first time customers, stronger loyalty, and a predictable way to fill your dining room and carryout schedule, this episode gives you the playbook.

To learn how this program could work in your own shop, reach out to David Michaelson directly at

[email protected]

410-446-4589

https://celebrationmarketing.us/

He will walk you through the options and help you see what kind of results to expect. 

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

Powered by Thrive POS

This takeout tip breaks down how introverted owners can grow their pizzeria without feeling drained. You learn how to engage your community in small, consistent ways that build real relationships, drive repeat orders, and strengthen your local presence.

You get clear steps you can use today to stay visible, support key groups, and create a simple system for monthly outreach.

If you want steady growth without becoming the center of attention, this episode gives you a practical path forward. 

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

Powered by ThrivePOS

You will hear the story of OG Papa Fern and how he built a following by traveling the country, teaching the craft of Argentinian style pizza, and supporting independent shops. We talk about dough methods, fermentation, adapting to different kitchens, and the realities of running high-cost specialty styles. 

You will learn how collaboration events can drive traffic, how to introduce new styles to customers, and why community work matters for long-term brand trust. This episode gives operators ideas to improve their product, create local buzz, and build a stronger network inside the industry. 

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

Get up to 3 months FREE from Thrive POS! Visit ThrivePOs.com/PizzaKing

You learn how to drive faster online sales by removing friction in your ordering process. I walk through a real shop visit where one simple change turned a slow day into a strong night. You see how direct links, clean messages, and fewer steps can lift response rates and help customers place orders fast. 

This is a quick win for any pizzeria looking to raise sales with text and email. 

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

 Explore the exclusive listener offer from Thrive POS at the link below 

ThrivePOS.com/PizzaKing

You learn how to build a strong team from day one. I break down a simple three day onboarding system that helps you train faster, spot A players early, and set up future managers. 

You hear why most new hires fail, how to fix your training gaps, and the routine that keeps people engaged and growing. 

Pizzeria owners will walk away with clear steps to improve hiring, training, and leadership development inside the shop. 

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

Learn about our exclusive listener offer from Thrive POS visit ThrivePOS.com/Pizzaking

You get a full recap of my week at the Pizza Tomorrow Summit and the Florida Restaurant Show. I talk about speaking on leadership, judging world class pizza makers, connecting with friends from across the industry, and spending real time with the people who make this community special. 

I walk through each day, from the leadership session on day one, to judging both the main competition and the Young Pizza Makers division, to recording with OG Papa Fern. I also highlight key conversations with Bruce Irving, Charlie from PMQ, and the crew from Todd’s Curry Sauce. 

If you want a closer look at what these events provide for operators and pizza makers, this episode gives you the full picture. 

Visit tyrellreed.com for free tools and resources for pizzeria owners. 

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