What would it take for you to walk away from an 18-year career to chase your dream of slinging pizzas full-time?

If you’ve ever felt the tension between a stable career and a risky passion project, this episode is going to hit home. Gio, owner of Pizza Di Farfalla, shares how he went from a part-time pop-up pizza guy to full-time entrepreneur — and why doing it gradually might just be the smartest way to go all in. From his roots in finance to doughballs and ovens, Gio gives us a real, honest, and inspiring look into building a brand from scratch while staying grounded in family, creativity, and community.

0:00 – Why this episode is for anyone scared to go all in.

0:43 – The moment Gio decided to leave his finance career.

1:50 – The family support that made the leap possible.

2:27 – The mindset shift: from “what if” to “let’s do it.”

3:58 – What makes Pizza Di Farfalla’s crust and style unique.

6:38 – How Gio introduced pan pizzas during the slow season.

9:01 – The concept behind Gio’s “adult pig in a blanket.”

10:04 – Collabing with other local businesses for pop-ups.

11:52 – Why community engagement is part of the brand.

16:46 – Building a rep through weddings and pop-up events.

19:23 – Running events while the main shop stays open.

22:01 – The story behind opening his brick-and-mortar space part-time.

24:09 – When Gio realized it was time to go full-time.

26:20 – Financial modeling and using career skills to predict success.

28:14 – Understanding food costs and profitability simply.

31:10 – Team motivation and simple goals: doughball count.

33:06 – Shoutout to Gio’s wife and family-first decision making.

34:56 – Teaching his son’s class about pizza and entrepreneurship.

36:01 – Peace of mind since going full-time.

37:50 – What’s next: menu expansion and finding space to grow.

39:46 – Advice for anyone opening a small food space.

Check out Pizza Di Farfalla here:https://www.instagram.com/pizzadifarfalla/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/PizzaDiFarfalla/

https://linktr.ee/PizzaDiFarfalla

Thank you to our show sponsors:

Corto Olive Oil:

https://2ly.link/260Rf

Bacio Cheese:

https://2ly.link/260Ri

DM @whatsgooddough

https://www.instagram.com/whatsgooddough/

email me: [email protected]

Topics:

pizza entrepreneur, starting a pizza business, Gio Pizza Di Farfalla, how to open a pizzeria, pizza pop-up strategy, quitting your job for your dream, building a food brand, pizza catering business, family-owned pizzeria, artisan pizza, pizza business model, pizza startup story, financial modeling for small business, from finance to food, community pizza events, brick and mortar vs pop-up, small space restaurant tips, pizzeria marketing tips, pizza menu innovation, mobile pizza oven business, how to grow a pizza brand, starting a food business part-time, pizza catering for weddings, Chicago pizza scene, running a pizza shop with family, scaling a pizza business, pizza dough secrets, pizza restaurant operations, pizza brand building, creative pizza ideas

What if your dough room could pump out 2,800 dough balls, double as a private dining spot, and deliver pizza that still slaps after 30 minutes— thanks to smart, intentional systems?

In this episode, Thomas McNaughton, Ryan Pollnow, and Elliot Armstrong of Flour + Water Pizzeria take us behind the glass into their dough room—a space built for precision, volume, and versatility. They share how they reverse-engineered a pizza that thrives in both restaurant and delivery settings. From dough hydration to custom cheese layering, they reveal the systems that make their pies stand out long after they leave the oven.

Check out Flour + Water Pizzeria here:

https://www.fwpizzeria.com/

https://www.fwpizzeria.com/home

https://www.instagram.com/flourandwaterpizzeria/?hl=en

Thank you to our show sponsors:

Corto Olive Oil:

https://2ly.link/260Rf

Bacio Cheese:

https://2ly.link/260Ri

Shot By Tristan Marr + Alexia Refil

Topics:

pizza dough room design, commercial pizza dough production, dough fermentation process, high-volume pizza dough, pizzeria kitchen layout, restaurant kitchen innovation, private dining in restaurants, best pizza for delivery, delivery-friendly pizza crust, pizza that travels well, how to keep pizza crispy, high hydration pizza dough, pizza built for takeout, restaurant quality pizza at home, flour and water pizzeria

What Does It Take to Run a Thriving Pizzeria in a Tiny Space?

Today, we’re getting an inside look at Gio’s process, from maximizing efficiency in a 250-square-foot kitchen to perfecting a single dough recipe for multiple styles, Gio shares what it takes to run a high-quality pizzeria in a limited space. We dive into the art of consistency, the challenges of high-volume service, and the magic of simple, high-quality ingredients and how he keeps customers coming back for more.

(00:14 - 01:26) The Pizza-Making Process – How Gio preps his dough, par-bakes crusts, and finishes pizzas to order.

(01:26 - 02:13) Why Cheese Goes First – The reason behind layering cheese before sauce and how it affects texture and flavor.

(02:13 - 05:05) Chicago’s Favorite Toppings – Why Italian sausage and giardiniera are staples and what makes them special.

(05:05 - 06:50) Running a One-Temperature Oven – The challenge of maintaining a single oven temperature for different pizza styles and why it works for their setup.

(06:50 - 07:27) Making the Most of Dough – How they repurpose dough for multiple menu items like garlic knots while keeping it fresh.

(07:27 - 08:23) Operating in 250 Square Feet – How Gio and his team optimize every inch of their small kitchen.

(08:23 - 10:30) Handling 60-70 Minute Wait Times – The realities of running a busy pizzeria and keeping customers happy.

(10:30 - 12:07) Why Consistency is Key – Ensuring every pizza looks and tastes the same, no matter who makes it.

(12:07 - 14:22) Fresh vs. Frozen Ingredients – The debate over fresh spinach vs. frozen and why they go the extra mile for quality.

(14:22 - 16:00) Partnering with Ooni – How Gio’s connection with Ooni has influenced his approach to pizza-making.

(16:00 - 18:00) Finishing Touches – The small details that make a pizza stand out, from the right cheese blend to the perfect bake.

Check out Pizza Di Farfalla here:

https://www.instagram.com/pizzadifarfalla/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/PizzaDiFarfalla/

https://linktr.ee/PizzaDiFarfalla

Thank you to our show sponsors:

Corto Olive Oil:

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1808352&u=2800064&m=112748&urllink=&afftrack= 

Ooni Pizza:

https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=77074&awinaffid=1800006&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ooni.com 

Bacio Cheese:

https://www.baciocheese.com/?utm_source=Influencer&utm_medium=Podcast_Social_Web&utm_campaign=Whats_Good_Dough&utm_content=Bacio 

DM @whatsgooddough 

https://www.instagram.com/whatsgooddough/ 

email me: [email protected]

Topics:

pizza making, Chicago-style pizza, pizzeria operations, small kitchen efficiency, running a pizzeria, pizza dough techniques, par-baked crust, pizza toppings, giardiniera, Italian sausage pizza, best pizza ingredients, Ooni pizza ovens, pizza business tips, restaurant management, high-volume pizzeria, pizza prep workflow, dough fermentation, pizza baking techniques, food consistency, pizzeria equipment, pizza sauce recipe, cheese layering technique, garlic knots, fresh vs frozen ingredients, pizza industry insights, pizza shop success, local pizzeria marketing, pizza restaurant strategy

Highlights:

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.

Follow Junes Pizza:https://www.instagram.com/junes_pizza/?hl=en

https://junespizza.com/ 

Follow me:

DM @whatsgooddough

https://www.instagram.com/whatsgooddough/

email me: [email protected]

Topics:

June's Pizza, West Oakland pizzeria, Oakland pizza spot, best pizza in Oakland, artisanal pizza Bay Area, June's Pizza story, June's Pizza reopening, June's Pizza Craig interview, West Oakland food scene, Oakland pizza restaurant, Bay Area pizza culture, June's Pizza menu, craft pizza Oakland, pizza made with local ingredients, sustainable pizza restaurant, community-focused pizzeria, story behind June's Pizza, rebuilding after closing, two-pizza menu philosophy, building a team at June's Pizza, commitment to quality and community, Bay Area favorite pizza

What makes June’s Pizza so special? From a simple two-pizza menu to a commitment to quality and sustainability, this pizzeria has redefined what it means to focus on the details. 

Today, we’re visiting June’s Pizza, a beloved Bay Area spot known for its dedication to perfecting every element of its pizzas. From sourcing the best basil to collaborating on seasonal specials, the team at June’s is all about quality, sustainability, and creativity. We sit down with the team to discuss their approach, the evolution of their menu, and their vision for the future.

Highlights:

(00:00:00 - 00:00:50) The Origin Story – How June’s Pizza started with just two pizzas and built a cult following.

(00:00:51 - 00:02:13) The Basil Process – Why even small details—like how they treat basil—make a huge difference.

(00:02:13 - 00:02:55) Zero-Waste Philosophy – The team’s commitment to reducing waste while maintaining high quality.

(00:04:05 - 00:05:41)  Local & Seasonal Specials – How the menu changes based on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

(00:10:44 - 00:12:36) Scaling Up vs. Staying Small – The challenges of growth and staying true to their vision.

(00:07:12 - 00:09:06)  Creativity & Collaboration – How the team works together to develop new ideas and keep things exciting.

(00:14:13 - 00:15:04)  Behind the Scenes Vibes – What makes June’s a special place to work and dine. 

Follow Junes Pizza:https://www.instagram.com/junes_pizza/?hl=en

https://junespizza.com/ 

Follow me:

DM @whatsgooddough

https://www.instagram.com/whatsgooddough/

email me: [email protected]

Shot By Tristan Marr + Alexia Refil

Topics:

June’s Pizza, Oakland pizza shop, Bay Area pizzeria, best pizza in Oakland, artisan pizza California, wood-fired pizza Oakland, local ingredients pizza, farm-to-table pizza, sustainable pizzeria, June’s Pizza menu, June’s Pizza specials, Oakland brick-and-mortar pizza, seasonal pizza toppings, unique pizza flavors, June’s Pizza hours, June’s Pizza location, best margarita pizza Oakland, pizza near me Oakland, Oakland foodie destination, supporting local farms Oakland, handcrafted pizza, Oakland dining experience, June’s Pizza reviews, June’s Pizza takeout, June’s Pizza dine-in, best pizza in Bay Area.

Would you spend $60,000 just to install an oven? That’s the dilemma Dane from Slow Co Pizza faced when opening his pizzeria. The hidden costs of launching a restaurant can be brutal—so how did he pivot and still make his dream a reality?

In this episode, we sit down with Dane from Slow Co Pizza, who turned his 13-year pizza obsession into reality in November 2024. But it wasn’t easy. From shocking equipment costs to frustrating contractor delays, Dane shares the real, behind-the-scenes struggles of opening a pizzeria—and the rewarding moment it was all worth it.

Highlights:

Check out Slow Co  here:

https://www.slowcopizza.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/slowcopizza/ 

Thank you to our show sponsors:

Corto Olive Oil:https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1808352&u=2800064&m=112748&urllink=&afftrack=

Ooni Pizza:https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=77074&awinaffid=1800006&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ooni.com

Bacio Cheese:https://www.baciocheese.com/?utm_source=Influencer&utm_medium=Podcast_Social_Web&utm_campaign=Whats_Good_Dough&utm_content=Bacio

DM @whatsgooddough

https://www.instagram.com/whatsgooddough/

email me:[email protected]Camera and Audio Provided by Tristan Marr and Alexia Refil

Topics:

pizzeria opening challenges

restaurant build-out costs

$60,000 oven dilemma

Slow Co Pizza

Dane from Slow Co Pizza

restaurant equipment costs

pizza oven installation

restaurant contractor struggles

restaurant construction delays

hidden costs of opening a restaurant

pizzeria owner advice

restaurant space limitations

unpermitted walk-in fridge

City regulations for restaurants

pizza restaurant startup challenges

starting a pizzeria business

aspiring pizzeria owner's tips

restaurant permitting issues

restaurant electrical upgrades

pizza restaurant equipment

What’s the secret to launching a successful pizzeria with minimal resources and a tiny space?

In today’s episode, we’re chatting with Paul, the self-taught pizza master behind Pie Trap Pizza, a thriving pizzeria born from a backyard hobby. Located next to a brewery, Paul shares his journey of perseverance, innovation, and the power of great ingredients—all packed into a 400-square-foot space that’s making a big impact.

Highlights:

Sweet Rent Deals and Minimal Overhead: How a favorable rent agreement helped them weather financial dips.

Keeping It Simple: Why they initially only offered pizza and sodas—and how simplicity gave them control.

Small Menu, Big Flavor: Adding Detroit-style pizza, knots, wings, and a signature Calabrian Caesar salad to the menu.

The Build-Out Journey: From bare studs to a fully equipped kitchen, including stories about plumbing, electrical, and tenant improvement pitfalls.

The Power Puzzle: Managing electrical loads with a Pizza Master oven in a small space, including tales of a temperamental technician and complex wiring setups.

Learning from Others: Insights gained from attending the Pizza Expo and meeting legends in the pizza world.

Perfect Pizza Baking Temperatures: The significance of temperature adjustments in the cooking process, including starting with a lower heat to achieve a crispier, longer-lasting crust.

Dough Perfection: The critical role of dough fermentation in achieving the ideal pizza texture, with a special focus on 4-5 day fermentation to achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor.

Check out Pie Trap Pizza here:

https://www.thepietrap.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/pietrappizza/?hl=en 

https://www.facebook.com/pietrappizza/ 

Thank you to our show sponsors:

Corto Olive Oil:

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1808352&u=2800064&m=112748&urllink=&afftrack=

Ooni Pizza:

https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=77074&awinaffid=1800006&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ooni.com

Bacio Cheese:

https://www.baciocheese.com/?utm_source=Influencer&utm_medium=Podcast_Social_Web&utm_campaign=Whats_Good_Dough&utm_content=Bacio

DM @whatsgooddough

https://www.instagram.com/whatsgooddough/

email me: [email protected]Camera and Audio Provided by Tristan Marr and Alexia Refil

Topics:

Commissary model

Commissary kitchen

Multi-unit pizza empire

Commissary-driven restaurants

Restaurant operations efficiency

Streamlining restaurant processes

Consistency in restaurant operations

Commissary kitchen setup

Centralized food production

Batch cooking for restaurants

Multi-location pizza business

Commercial food storage capacity

Walk-in refrigeration space

Scaling pizza restaurants

Food production efficiency

Commercial kitchen equipment

Restaurant commissary logistics

Pasteurization process for marinara

Shelf life of sauces

High-volume pizza production

Cloud kitchen model

Stadium food service logistics

Vinaigrette preparation in bulk

Quality control in pizza production

Cold storage management

Centralized sauce and dough production

Pizza dough and sauce consistency

Ever wondered how large pizza brands keep their products consistent and streamline production across multiple locations?  Commissary-driven operations hold the key, reducing inefficiencies and creating a centralized hub for production. 

In this episode, Juan Robles from Triple Beam Pizza breaks down how commissary kitchens eliminate variability, boost productivity, and pave the way for expanding your pizza empire. Juan has played a pivotal role in their commissary model, supplying quality pizza to multiple locations, including restaurants, a stadium, and catering services.

Highlights:

Defining the Commissary Model: Juan explains that a commissary is a centralized kitchen producing sauces, doughs, and other key ingredients to maintain consistency across multiple locations.

Key Benefits: Consistency in taste, reduced equipment costs, and better space utilization at individual restaurant locations.

Scaling with a Commissary: When planning to grow beyond three locations, a commissary model becomes critical. Juan shares how Triple Beam Pizza uses a 3,000-square-foot commissary to support multiple restaurants and a stadium operation.

Production Capacity Limits: How the sales volume at each location determines how many outlets one commissary can handle.

Challenges and Considerations: From managing cold storage capacity to balancing different types of business (restaurants vs. stadiums), Juan outlines the complexities of scaling with a commissary.

The Science of Pasteurization: Juan dives into food safety, shelf-life extension, and maintaining fresh-tasting sauces through precise pasteurization and cooling techniques.

Future Growth Strategy: How Triple Beam might adapt its commissary operations as demand shifts between brick-and-mortar locations and stadium ventures.

Check out Triple Beam Pizza here:

https://www.triplebeampizza.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/triplebeampizza/ 

Thank you to our show sponsors:

Corto Olive Oil:

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1808352&u=2800064&m=112748&urllink=&afftrack=

Ooni Pizza:

https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=77074&awinaffid=1800006&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ooni.com

Bacio Cheese:

https://www.baciocheese.com/?utm_source=Influencer&utm_medium=Podcast_Social_Web&utm_campaign=Whats_Good_Dough&utm_content=Bacio

DM @whatsgooddough

https://www.instagram.com/whatsgooddough/

email me: [email protected]Camera and Audio Provided by Tristan Marr and Alexia Refil

Topics:

Commissary model

Commissary kitchen

Multi-unit pizza empire

Commissary-driven restaurants

Restaurant operations efficiency

Streamlining restaurant processes

Consistency in restaurant operations

Commissary kitchen setup

Centralized food production

Batch cooking for restaurants

Multi-location pizza business

Commercial food storage capacity

Walk-in refrigeration space

Scaling pizza restaurants

Food production efficiency

Commercial kitchen equipment

Restaurant commissary logistics

Pasteurization process for marinara

Shelf life of sauces

High-volume pizza production

Cloud kitchen model

Stadium food service logistics

Vinaigrette preparation in bulk

Quality control in pizza production

Cold storage management

Centralized sauce and dough production

Pizza dough and sauce consistency

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Daniel, the founder of Fired Pizza, a business born from his childhood love of pizza. Growing up in the '90s, pizza was always his go-to comfort food, but he never imagined it would turn into a career. After years in sales, Daniel felt the urge to make a big change. With the support of his wife Sarah, he decided to take a leap and use his savings to start his own pizza business.

Highlights:

Check out Fired Pizza here:

https://www.instagram.com/fired_pizza/

https://www.facebook.com/firedmobile

https://www.fired-pizza.com/

Thank you to our show sponsors:

Corto Olive Oil:

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1808352&u=2800064&m=112748&urllink=&afftrack=

Ooni Pizza:

http://ooni.com/?sscid=51k7_g9gpn&utm_medium=shareasale&utm_source=2800064&utm_campaign=1232202

Bacio Cheese:

https://www.baciocheese.com/?utm_source=Influencer&utm_medium=Podcast_Social_Web&utm_campaign=Whats_Good_Dough&utm_content=Bacio

DM @whatsgooddough

https://www.instagram.com/whatsgooddough/

email me: [email protected]Camera and Audio Provided by Tristan Marr and Alexia Refil

Topics:

Fired Pizza business

How to start a pizza business

Wood-fired pizza

Pizza entrepreneur journey

From sales to pizza business

Pandemic pizza business pivot

Outdoor pizza dining

Fired Fridays pizza

Pizza business success story

Building a pizza business from scratch

Small business success in the food industry

Starting a pizza restaurant

Pizza business renovation

Entrepreneur pizza story

Supporting local pizza business

Pizza business marketing strategies

Fired Pizza podcast

Small business pivot during COVID-19

Homemade pizza tips and recipes

Starting a food business without loans

You want to make the best pizza, but the location you found is in the middle of nowhere. Will your business survive?