Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast

In this episode, we catch up with Bill Hoon, who shares his incredible journey of growing his pizza business from a single night operation in a local bar to opening two successful brick-and-mortar locations in Northeast Ohio. Bill dives into the challenges he faced during the build-out process, the lessons learned along the way, and how he implemented efficient systems to scale his business.

MY OTHER SOCIALS:

🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -   

🌍  My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

🐦  Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod

📸  Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing

📱  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing

👨‍💻  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing

🎥  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

2:18 - From Bar to Brick-and-Mortar

4:16 - The Build-Out Process

5:30 - Opening the Second Location

7:38 - Choosing the Right Equipment

10:07 - Quality vs. Quantity

11:02 - Implementing Systems and Training

14:01 - Addressing Employee Challenges

15:45 - Handling Customer Feedback and Complaints

18:32 - Lessons Learned from the First Location

20:53 - The Importance of Marketing and Community Engagement

24:57 - Developing Effective Employee Review Processes

28:58 - Managing Growth and Maintaining Standards

31:43 - How to Reach Out to Bill for Advice and Questions

Summary

In this episode, Bruce Irving interviews the team behind Amadoris Pizzeria, a Detroit style pizza restaurant in Miami, Florida. They discuss the journey of starting the pizzeria during the pandemic, the unique appeal of Detroit style pizza, and the challenges faced in the pizza business, particularly regarding cheese prices and seasonal fluctuations. The conversation also covers marketing strategies, the role of social media and influencers, customer engagement through text and email marketing, and future expansion plans for the business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Amadoris Pizzeria

02:26 The Journey of Starting a Pizzeria

05:50 The Unique Appeal of Detroit Style Pizza

09:11 Challenges in the Pizza Business

12:33 Social Media and Marketing Strategies

15:32 The Role of Influencers in Business Growth

20:01 Navigating Seasonal Challenges

23:58 The Importance of Text and Email Marketing

26:27 Customer Engagement and Loyalty Programs

30:07 Handling Customer Feedback and Reviews

35:47 Future Plans and Expansion Goals

MY OTHER SOCIALS:

🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -   

🌍  My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

🐦  Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod

📸  Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing

📱  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing

👨‍💻  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing

🎥  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing

In this podcast episode, Bruce Irving interviews Carlos from Vice City Pizza in Miami. They discuss how Vice City Pizza got started, the mistakes they made along the way, and the unique style of pizza they offer. Carlos shares his background in fine dining and how the pandemic influenced his decision to open a pizzeria.

Chapters

00:00 Starting a Pizza Business Out of Your House

04:09 The Importance of Recipe Improvement

08:54 The Influence of the Pandemic on the Pizza Industry

10:21 Exploring Different Pizza Styles

17:54 The Growing Pizza Scene in Florida

22:26 Vice City Pizza: A Twist on Traditional Pizza

23:24 Quality Ingredients and Unique Flavors

24:19 Adapting to the Changing Dining Landscape

25:27 Expanding the Vice City Pizza Empire

MY OTHER SOCIALS:

🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -   

🌍  My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

🐦  Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod

📸  Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing

📱  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing

👨‍💻  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing

🎥  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing

Jamie McMahon, owner of Hickory Station Pizzeria, shares his experience in the pizza business and how he has adapted to modern marketing strategies. He discusses the shift from traditional marketing methods to text marketing and the success he has seen in increasing sales. 

Get on Slice: http://slicelife.com/smartpizza

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:11 Implementing Modern Marketing Strategies

05:22 The Nightmare of Sending 12,000 Text Invitations

06:09 The Success of Text Marketing

09:19 The Value of Text Messages and Email Marketing

11:55 Utilizing Customer Data for Effective Email Marketing

14:26 The Importance of In-House Delivery Drivers

15:26 The Shift Towards In-House Delivery

15:38 The Benefits of In-House Delivery Drivers

17:20 Managing Delivery Drivers and Finding Balance

18:09 The Power of Text Marketing

19:26 The Impact of Online Ordering

21:10 The Value of a Rewards Program

In this episode, I chat with Darius Aram from Slice Street Pizza about the real challenges of running a pizzeria. We cover everything from managing delivery drivers to handling customer expectations and using third-party services. If you're a pizza operator looking for practical advice, this conversation is packed with insights to help your business thrive.

In this episode, Bruce welcomes back Ilir Sela, CEO of a leading platform dedicated to helping independent pizza shops thrive. Discover how Ilir and his team are revolutionizing the industry with innovative solutions for online ordering, point-of-sale systems, and discounted supplies. Get exclusive insights into the challenges and successes of modern pizza operations and learn how these game-changing strategies can transform your business. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of pizza with one of the industry's top visionaries.

Timestamps:

MY OTHER SOCIALS:

🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -   

🌍  My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

🐦  Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod

📸  Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing

📱  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing

👨‍💻  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing

🎥  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing

In this episode of the podcast, Bruce sits down with Andres Maldonado Fuertes, the innovative mind behind Nona Street Pizza. They delve into the journey of launching a unique pizza concept in Orlando, from building a custom food truck to creating a menu that blends Neapolitan and New York styles with inventive twists. Andres shares the challenges and triumphs of starting the business, the importance of social media in their success, and their exciting plans for the future. Tune in to hear how Nona Street Pizza is setting itself apart in the crowded food scene.

MY OTHER SOCIALS:

🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -   

🌍  My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

🐦  Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod

📸  Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing

📱  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing

👨‍💻  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing

🎥  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing

Chapters for YouTube

0:00 - Introduction

Layla Ruffino, owner of Blue Highway Pizza in Florida, shares her experience running two successful pizzerias. The original location, in a small town, has been thriving for 20 years, while the newer location in a growing area has seen rapid growth. Leila emphasizes the importance of taking care of her team, offering generous benefits and creating a positive work environment. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:07 Building a Successful Pizzeria in a Small Town

04:43 The Challenges of Operating in a Small Town

07:01 Taking Care of the Team

13:27 Menu and Offerings

15:31 Homemade Recipes and Quality Ingredients

17:03 Exploring Different Types of Ovens

22:05 Pros and Cons of the Toast Point of Sale System

27:23 Expanding with a Vintage Pizza Truck

31:14 The Importance of Networking

MY OTHER SOCIALS:

🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -   

🌍  My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

🐦  Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod

📸  Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing

📱  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing

👨‍💻  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing

🎥  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing

Learn from us:  https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind

Work with us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/work

Giovanni Chez, part owner and general manager of King Umberto's pizzeria, joins the podcast to discuss his experience in the pizza industry. He talks about the history of the restaurant, their expansion during COVID, and their plans for revamping their indoor dining room and expanding their bakery production. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:24 Expansion and Revamping

03:10 Perfecting Recipes and Pizza Styles

04:36 Sharing Knowledge and Helping Others

07:17 Marketing and Product Diversification

10:31 The Decision to Not Offer Delivery

18:56 Influence of Scar's Pizza and Nostalgia

23:00 Learning from Other Pizza Makers

26:53 Passion and Motivation

29:36 Property Ownership and Stability

Chris Black shares his journey of starting Red Rocket Pizza Company during COVID-19. He transitioned from being a nightclub DJ to a pizza maker and began by making pizzas in his garage. He eventually upgraded to a larger brick oven and started inviting friends and acquaintances to try his pizzas. 

Chapters

00:00 Starting a Pizza Business During COVID-19

02:13 Pop-Up Events and Donations

08:22 Focus on Brewery Partnerships

10:43 The Challenges of Being a One-Man Operation

13:12 Navigating the Complexities of Licensing

20:43 Sustainability and Scaling Back

23:00 Finding Investors and Determining Business Value

28:11 Creating a Unique Customer Experience with a Custom-Built Pizza Trailer

MY OTHER SOCIALS:

🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -   

🌍  My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

🐦  Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod

📸  Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing

📱  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing

👨‍💻  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing

🎥  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing