What does it take to reopen a beloved pizzeria after hitting rock bottom? From battling self-doubt and financial struggles to building a powerhouse team, Craig from June’s Pizza shares his journey of resilience, creativity, and community. 

Today, we’re diving deep into the story behind June’s Pizza, a Bay Area gem known for its unique approach to pizza-making and its vibrant community vibe. Craig opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of closing his first location, the small wins that reignited his passion, and the hard-earned lessons that shaped the reopening of June’s. We also explore his leadership style, the importance of hiring for vibes, and his vision for building a creative, sustainable business.

Highlights:

(00:00:34 - 00:03:05) The Struggle to Reopen – Navigating financial hardship and existential crises after June’s Pizza 1.0 closed.

(00:03:05 - 00:04:26) The Turning Point – How small wins and finding the right location reignited hope.  

(00:04:26 - 00:05:03) Securing Investors – The emotional impact of landing the first investor and gaining confidence.

(00:06:18 - 00:08:13)  Mindset Shift – Realizing the need for change and embracing discomfort to grow. 

(00:10:28 - 00:13:06) Building the Dream Team – The power of collaboration with Brandon and Will and the importance of letting go of control.

(00:16:09 - 00:16:43) Hiring for Vibes – Why personality and team culture matter more than a stacked resume.

(00:20:12 - 00:22:04) Managing Expectations – Balancing the pressure of being “hot” with staying true to the vision.

(00:22:04 - 00:25:25) Handling the Hype – What it’s like running a pizzeria that’s got a lot hyped. Dealing with customer reactions and explaining why June’s keeps the menu simple and sticks to its style.

(00:25:25 - 00:28:31) Anti-Marketing Philosophy – Why June’s doesn’t rely on traditional marketing and instead lets word-of-mouth do the work. It’s about being undeniably good at what they do so that customers naturally spread the word.

(00:28:31 - 00:32:17) The Weird Side of Recognition – More people know Craig than he knows them— what that’s like and how he handles it. The good, the awkward, and the struggle of being known by more people than you know in return.

(00:32:17 - 00:35:13) Where June’s Is Headed – Craig’s vision for growing June’s while keeping its heart and soul intact. Thinking beyond just opening more locations and focusing on creative ways to expand.

(00:35:13 - 00:42:08) Balancing Passion and Business – How to keep the love for making great pizza while also making smart business decisions. Finding that sweet spot between creativity and sustainability.

(00:42:08 - 00:46:43) Finding the Right Customers – Identifying and focusing on the core audience rather than trying to please everyone. Accepting that not every customer is the right fit.

(00:46:43 - 00:52:32) Community Over Going Viral – Instead of chasing internet fame, June’s is all about serving the local neighborhood and staying true to its core values. Why sticking to what works is more important than clout.

(01:00:08 - 01:00:58) Hard Work Redefined – The relentless pursuit of quality and the importance of consistency.

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