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In this episode of The Pizza King Podcast, I sit down with Mikey and Amanda from Fire & Smoke BBQ—a powerhouse couple turning their passion for barbecue into a growing brand. We talk about their journey from running pop-ups in Chicago to building a BBQ business in St. Augustine, Florida, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Mikey shares his evolution from pizza kitchens to pitmaster, how their signature seasonings and sauces took off, and why their shiitake seasoning is both their best seller and biggest challenge. Amanda gives us a behind-the-scenes look at running the business, managing operations, and why working with your spouse is both rewarding and, let’s be honest, a little chaotic.

We also get into:

✅ The strategy behind selling out at pop-ups

✅ How they built a nationwide seasoning and sauce brand ✅ The importance of quality control and smart marketing ✅ Why their brisket pairs perfectly with cornbread instead of bread

✅ A killer BBQ mac & cheese pizza recipe you need to try

If you’re in the food business or just love a good hustle story, this episode is packed with insights on branding, scaling, and making damn good barbecue.

🎧 Tune in now and support Fire & Smoke BBQ at fireandsmokebbq.com.

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In this episode of The Pizza King Podcast, I sit down with Lynn from Lynn’s Chicago Pizza to hear her incredible journey from a simple at-home pizza night to running a thriving pizzeria on Chicago’s South Side.

Lynn shares how she and her partner, Chef Brandon, accidentally stumbled into the pizza business after making a deep-dish pizza from scratch at home. What started as a fun experiment quickly turned into something bigger as friends and family raved about their pizzas. Before they knew it, they were selling personal-sized deep-dish pies at a local bar, taking bulk orders, and making a name for themselves.

We talk about how they went from running pop-ups to securing a lease for their first brick-and-mortar location—competing against another concept in a pop-up challenge and winning over their community with great food and a full-on experience (DJ included!). Lynn also opens up about the challenges of funding their startup, the reality of small business finances, and how they had to get creative to make it all work.

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation is the power of marketing and community engagement. Lynn and Chef Brandon have used Instagram, social media influencers, and local events to build a loyal following. They’ve turned their restaurant into more than just a pizza shop—it’s a community hub with live music, open mic nights, wine dinners, and more.

If you’ve ever thought about starting your own pizzeria, this episode is packed with real-life lessons on taking risks, building a brand, and betting on yourself. Lynn’s story is proof that sometimes the best businesses happen unexpectedly—you just have to be ready to run with it.

📍 Want to check out Lynn’s Chicago Pizza? Follow them on Instagram or Google them to find their location.

🎧 Listen in, get inspired, and if you're in Chicago, go try that Dorchester deep-dish—trust me, it sounds like a must!

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Hey, if you’ve gotten any value from this episode, I’d love your support. Leaving a quick review on Apple or a 5-star rating on Spotify helps more pizzeria owners find this show. And as a thank you, I’m sending a free gift to every listener who shares their review—just DM me a screenshot and I’ll send you something awesome

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In this episode of The Pizza King Podcast, I sit down with Adam Nathan, co-founder and CEO of Blaze, the #1 AI marketing tool designed for small businesses and content creators.

We dive into how AI is changing the game for entrepreneurs who don’t have the time, budget, or expertise to create high-quality marketing content.

Key Takeaways:

🍕 AI can save you hours – Blaze automates content creation for social media, blogs, newsletters, ads, and more, all in your brand’s unique voice.

🍕 Small businesses benefit the most – While big corporations have marketing teams, solo entrepreneurs and pizzeria owners can now compete with professional-level marketing at a fraction of the cost.

🍕 No need to be an AI expert – Blaze simplifies content generation with easy-to-use tools—no complicated prompts required.

🍕 The future of marketing is now – AI is no longer just a trend; it’s a necessity for business owners who want to grow efficiently.

🍕 Adam’s entrepreneurial journey – From working at Apple and the White House to building Blaze, Adam shares what led him to create a tool that empowers small business owners.

If you’re struggling to keep up with marketing, Blaze might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Try it out with a free trial atBlaze.ai and see how it can streamline your content creation.

Get Blaze CEO Adam Nathan's cheat codes to building and growing a $150M company in your inbox every week with Startup Tycoon. Powered by Adam's experience shipping product to millions, raising $46M, and hyper-scaling to $7M+ in revenue in 15 months with only 25 people.

Subscribe here https://startuptycoon.com/

Let’s make better content, save time, and grow our businesses!

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

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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

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We Appreciate Your Support

Hey, if you’ve gotten any value from this episode, I’d love your support. Leaving a quick review on Apple or a 5-star rating on Spotify helps more pizzeria owners find this show. And as a thank you, I’m sending a free gift to every listener who shares their review—just DM me a screenshot and I’ll send you something awesome

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In this episode of The Pizza King Podcast, I sit down with my guy, Farris Roach—newest franchise owner of VODA Cleaning & Restoration. We dive into his transition from a 20-year banking career to owning his own business, the challenges of stepping into an unfamiliar industry, and the power of franchising as a path to entrepreneurship.

Farris shares why he chose VODA, how franchising provided him with a roadmap to success, and the importance of community within a franchise system. We also talk about his mission to spread awareness of business ownership opportunities, particularly within underrepresented communities. Plus, he’s offering a special deal for Tampa Bay listeners—tune in to find out how to get 40% off your first service!

Key Takeaways:

✅ The benefits of franchising and how it provides a proven system for success

✅ Overcoming fear when making the leap from corporate life to business ownership

✅ How having a strong franchise community can set you up for success

✅ Why it's important to expand awareness of franchising in underrepresented communities

✅ The mindset shift needed to embrace entrepreneurship and financial freedom

🔗 Connect with Farris and VODA: 

Instagram

Facebook

🎧 Listen now!

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We Appreciate Your Support

Hey, if you’ve gotten any value from this episode, I’d love your support. Leaving a quick review on Apple or a 5-star rating on Spotify helps more pizzeria owners find this show. And as a thank you, I’m sending a free gift to every listener who shares their review—just DM me a screenshot and I’ll send you something awesome

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On this episode of The Pizza King Podcast, I sit down with Elliott Ramsdell, the mastermind behind the rapid rise of Todd’s Curry Sauce. We dive into his journey from running a digital agency to launching a game-changing sauce brand and how he’s disrupting the food industry one bottle at a time.

Elliott shares how he went from branding and marketing to rolling up his sleeves and scaling a sauce business with a unique vision: getting Todd’s Curry Sauce into as many mouths as possible. We talk about the power of relationships in business, how great products spread through word-of-mouth, and why loyalty—both in customers and in partnerships—drives long-term success.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• How Elliott transitioned from digital marketing to food service and CPG.

• The importance of building a brand through storytelling and personal connections.

• Creative ways pizzerias can add new revenue streams through sauces, merch, and loyalty programs.

• How Todd’s Curry Sauce is shaking up the foodservice industry and landing in major restaurant chains.

• Why personalization and direct customer relationships are key to growing a product-driven business.

Plus, we swap some killer pizza topping ideas using Todd’s Curry Sauce (trust me, you’ll want to try this). If you're a restaurant owner, marketer, or just love hearing about innovative food brands, this episode is packed with gems!

👉 Tune in and hear why this sauce is making waves—and how you can get your hands on some!

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

DM us a screenshot of your review and get a special gift!

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We Appreciate Your Support

Hey, if you’ve gotten any value from this episode, I’d love your support. Leaving a quick review on Apple or a 5-star rating on Spotify helps more pizzeria owners find this show. And as a thank you, I’m sending a free gift to every listener who shares their review—just DM me a screenshot and I’ll send you something awesome

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Hey Pizza Fam! This week, I’m diving into some of the most common questions I’ve been getting from all of you about opening a pizzeria. We’re talking about startup costs, picking the right location, and negotiating lease terms – all the stuff that sets you up for success before you ever make your first pizza.

I also share one of the funniest (and most frustrating) stories I’ve had in a while involving a customer who had some... creative ideas about what “mild sauce” means. It’s a good reminder of how we adapt and improve our processes to keep things running smoothly.

Here’s What I Cover in This Episode:

• My go-to strategies for breaking down startup costs and budgeting effectively.

• Why second-gen restaurant spaces are my first choice and how they save big money.

• How I use my breakeven tool to evaluate potential locations.

• Tips on negotiating lease terms, including the importance of asking for tenant improvements and free rent months.

• Real-life lessons from customer interactions and how to handle tricky situations with grace.

A Funny (and Frustrating) Story: You won’t want to miss this one! I talk about a customer who thought mild wing sauce was pizza sauce (yes, really). I’ll let you decide who was in the wrong here, but it inspired me to make some simple adjustments to avoid future confusion.

Resources I Mentioned:

• My Idea to Open Guide: Everything you need to plan and open your pizzeria for just $27.

• Free New Store Opening Checklist: Download this checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered.

• The Breakeven Tool: My favorite spreadsheet for quickly assessing whether a location is worth pursuing.

Let’s Connect: I love hearing from you! Keep sending your questions on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. If you’re not subscribed to my YouTube channel yet, check it out – we’re building a great community over there. Got a question or want to share your thoughts on today’s episode? Email me at [email protected].

What’s Coming Up: Next month is going to be packed with value! I’ve got four amazing guests lined up to share their expertise and stories. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

Thanks for tuning in, Pizza Fam. See you next week!

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

DM us a screenshot of your review and get a special gift!

Support the show

We Appreciate Your Support

Hey, if you’ve gotten any value from this episode, I’d love your support. Leaving a quick review on Apple or a 5-star rating on Spotify helps more pizzeria owners find this show. And as a thank you, I’m sending a free gift to every listener who shares their review—just DM me a screenshot and I’ll send you something awesome

Send us a text

This week, I took the podcast on the road and recorded live from West Shore Pizza Kingsway. It’s not something I usually do, but with so much happening right now, I wanted to share my thoughts, advice, and support directly from the heart of our business. Here’s what I talked about:

• Standing with Los Angeles: My heart goes out to everyone in Los Angeles dealing with the aftermath of the wildfires. I’ve reached out to friends, family, and pizza folks in the area, and while it’s a relief to know they’re safe, I recognize how much rebuilding lies ahead. Organizations like Slice Out Hunger are stepping up, and I encourage all of us in the pizza community to help however we can.

• The Role of Pizzerias in Tough Times: Whether it’s wildfires in California or unexpected snowstorms in the South, disruptions shake up people’s routines. As pizzeria operators, we have the unique ability to offer a small slice of normalcy—a hot meal and a familiar place. Shoutout to the pizza makers and first responders out there working hard to keep things going.

• Taking Your Pizzeria to the Next Level: If you’ve been in business for a few years and are ready to grow, congrats—you’re already ahead of 60% of restaurants that don’t make it past year one. I shared practical tips on tightening operations, building strong teams, and developing marketing strategies that actually work. Spoiler: it all starts with rock-solid operations.

• Developing Future Leaders: One of my favorite topics—helping team members grow into leaders. I shared how investing time and patience into your managers can pay off big, using my favorite metaphor: growing asparagus. It’s a two-year process that leads to 20 years of productivity, but you have to put in the work upfront.

Resources I Mentioned:

• Download my free New Pizzeria Opening Checklist: go.tyrellreed.com/free

• Learn more about Slice Out Hunger’s wildfire relief efforts.

• If you’re serious about growing your business, check out my 12-week coaching program for pizzeria operators.

Shoutouts:

• To the communities in Los Angeles and the South navigating these tough times—we’re with you.

• To first responders and pizza makers giving back every day.

• To our sponsors, Todd’s Curry Sauce, Bag Genie Pizza Bags, and of course, TyrellReed.com.

Let’s Connect: If you have questions or want to learn more about the tools and resources I’ve mentioned, visit TyrellReed.com. I’d love to hear from you.

DM us a screenshot of your review and get a special gift!

Support the show

We Appreciate Your Support

Hey, if you’ve gotten any value from this episode, I’d love your support. Leaving a quick review on Apple or a 5-star rating on Spotify helps more pizzeria owners find this show. And as a thank you, I’m sending a free gift to every listener who shares their review—just DM me a screenshot and I’ll send you something awesome

Send us a text

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

Episode 33

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Jacobson, the CEO of French Florist. At first, I wasn’t sure how a florist’s business would resonate with us pizza folks, but after diving into Michael’s story, I realized just how much we all have in common as business owners. From leadership lessons to franchise strategies and innovative technology, there’s a lot we can learn from the way French Florist operates. Whether you’re running a pizzeria or another type of business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

What You'll Hear About:

• How French Florist uses proprietary technology to streamline operations and support franchisees.

• Why great leadership at the store level is critical to profitability.

• The importance of empowering your team to create outstanding customer experiences.

• Challenges of scaling a business and finding franchise partners that align with your values.

• Lessons on balancing technology investments while staying efficient.

Why This Episode Matters:

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your business while maintaining quality and culture, Michael offers some great perspectives. We also talked about the parallels between our industries—pizza and flowers—and how focusing on people and processes is key to success, no matter what you sell.

Connect with Michael Jacobson:

• Website: FrenchFloristFranchise.com

• Email: [email protected]

Favorite Quotes:

• “Mistakes are opportunities to build stronger relationships with your customers.” – Michael Jacobson

• “The best technology comes from operators who know what their business needs, not from one-size-fits-all solutions.” – Michael Jacobson

  
  

  
  

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We Appreciate Your Support

Hey, if you’ve gotten any value from this episode, I’d love your support. Leaving a quick review on Apple or a 5-star rating on Spotify helps more pizzeria owners find this show. And as a thank you, I’m sending a free gift to every listener who shares their review—just DM me a screenshot and I’ll send you something awesome

Send us a text

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!

DM us a screenshot of your review and get a special gift!

Support the show

We Appreciate Your Support

Hey, if you’ve gotten any value from this episode, I’d love your support. Leaving a quick review on Apple or a 5-star rating on Spotify helps more pizzeria owners find this show. And as a thank you, I’m sending a free gift to every listener who shares their review—just DM me a screenshot and I’ll send you something awesome

Send us a text

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.

DM us a screenshot of your review and get a special gift!

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We Appreciate Your Support

Hey, if you’ve gotten any value from this episode, I’d love your support. Leaving a quick review on Apple or a 5-star rating on Spotify helps more pizzeria owners find this show. And as a thank you, I’m sending a free gift to every listener who shares their review—just DM me a screenshot and I’ll send you something awesome