Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast

Just back from the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Bruce shares every must-know insight for pizza shop owners. From game-changing ovens to underrated tools and marketing mistakes, this Q&A-style episode is packed with value. If you missed the show, don't worry—we've got you covered. Hear what's trending, what's worth investing in, and how to make expos like this truly worth your time. Brought to you by Fiero Group and hosted on the Smart Pizza Marketing channel.

Most pizzerias don't fail because of bad pizza or a bad location — they fail because of what happens (or doesn't happen) behind the scenes. In this no-fluff video, Bruce shares the real reasons pizza shops struggle, and what successful operators are doing differently. Whether you're just getting started or feel stuck in the daily grind, this video will show you exactly how to build systems, lead better, and grow with clarity. Plus, Bruce gives a preview of what you'll gain at the National Restaurant Show.

Bruce hits the streets of Dallas to uncover how real pizzeria owners are surviving (and thriving) in 2025. From $10K store launches to no-walk-in operations and humbling failures, this episode is PACKED with real advice and behind-the-scenes strategy. Thinking of opening your own pizza shop? Start here.Use code Bruce25 for $25 off the National Restaurant Show: nationalrestaurantshow.comChapters:00:00 - Intro & Purpose of the Trip00:38 - National Restaurant Show Preview (May 17–20)02:16 - Overview of Dallas Pizza Tour03:00 - Type 1 vs Type 2 Fun: The Pizza Shop Owner Mindset04:29 - Why Bruce Is Thinking About Opening Again05:07 - Going Tactical: Real Data from Real Shops06:05 - ZaLat Pizza: 29 Locations, $10K Buildouts08:14 - Jay's Empire: Cane Rosso & Wood-Fired Insights10:32 - Pizzeria Karina: Bread-Maker to Pizza Pro12:52 - GapCo: Lessons from Expansion & Retraction15:36 - Normalize One-Shop Success17:17 - Upcoming Trips & Final Thoughts

In this episode, Bruce shares a raw and honest reflection on 10 years of podcasting and what he's learned from talking to pizza shop owners all over the country. Whether you're new to the business or have 20 years under your belt, this is the mindset advice you need to hear. Plus, a preview of the National Restaurant Association Show and some behind-the-scenes updates on Smart Pizza Marketing and Pizza Insider.

New In this solo episode, Bruce shares raw insights on working with influencers in the pizza business world. He reflects on a shocking conversation about influencer rates ($4,500?!) and breaks down a smarter, performance-based model for partnerships. Plus, get updates on upcoming content from the Pizza Expo and find out why Bruce is seriously considering opening another pizza shop.Chapters:00:00 – Intro + Pizza Expo Plans00:29 – Sponsor Shoutout: Cheese Hog Machine01:28 – Why Shredded Cheese > Pre-Shredded Cheese02:12 – Hosting the "How You Slice It" Podcast02:35 – The Influencer Dilemma: Are They Worth It?03:34 – The $4,500 Influencer Offer04:20 – The Real ROI of Influencer Marketing05:11 – A Smarter Influencer Deal Structure06:12 – The Hidden Labor of Content Creation07:22 – Performance-Based Influencer Contracts08:10 – Views Don't Equal Customers08:54 – Final Thoughts + Should I Open a Pizza Shop?episode

This episode is packed with insights from Lisa at the National Restaurant Show and Tom, the culinary director at Papa John's. We break down how large restaurant chains like Papa John's create family-friendly menus, innovate new products, and maintain consistency across thousands of locations. Plus, we talk about what you need to know before attending the National Restaurant Show this May in Chicago.Use promo code BRUCE25 for $25 off your ticket (expires May 9). Details and links are below!

Join Bruce from Smart Pizza Marketing in this raw, one-on-one episode where he shares the 9 biggest lessons he learned the hard way over 20 years in the pizza business. Whether you're just starting out or trying to grow your pizzeria, these insights can save you thousands in mistakes, stress, and sleepless nights.

Owner Forum: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pizzashopownersforumIn this bite-sized podcast audio from Bruce at Smart Pizza Marketing, we dive deep into the frustrating feeling of slow progress as a pizzeria or restaurant owner. Whether you're overwhelmed by the day-to-day or wondering if you're getting anywhere at all, this episode is your pep talk and reminder that every little action is building momentum.

In this episode, Bruce breaks down the three key stages of pizzeria growth, from perfecting your product to building unstoppable systems and retaining top talent. Whether you're just starting or trying to get to the next level, this is your roadmap. Learn how tools like Meta glasses and ChatGPT can streamline training, and why retaining great employees is the real growth multiplier. Don't miss this no-fluff guide for serious pizza shop owners.

Feeling overwhelmed with social media for your restaurant or small business? In this quick but powerful episode, Bruce breaks down the biggest reason most pizza shops (and small businesses) struggle with marketing — and what you can do about it. Whether you're just getting started or need to reboot your strategy, this episode is packed with real talk, practical tips, and a clear roadmap to stay consistent, build momentum, and actually grow your business using simple content strategies.

After skipping Pizza Expo since 2018, Bruce is back with a full behind-the-scenes breakdown of what went down at Pizza Expo 2025. From the Slice booth to the gear you actually need to see — and what you can skip — this is the only recap pizza shop owners need. Plus, tips for first-time attendees, session feedback, networking advice, and thoughts on the future of the pizza business.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Why I Went Back to Pizza Expo00:48 – Why I Stopped Going After 201801:42 – Shoutouts: Cheese Hog, Boos Lee, Mike's Hot Honey02:45 – My Real Reason for Attending in 202503:33 – Thank You to Everyone Who Came Up to Me04:28 – What the Slice Booth Did Differently This Year05:12 – My Thoughts on the Expo Floor: Plan or Get Lost06:04 – Smart Attendee Strategies: What Operators Were Doing Right07:00 – First-Timer Mistakes and Missed Opportunities07:42 – Was There Anything New This Year? My Honest Take08:28 – Booth Energy: Why So Many Didn't Belong09:21 – The Sessions Problem: Why I Skipped Them10:12 – YouTube > Classroom: A Better Way to Share Talks10:58 – Comparing Pizza Tomorrow Summit's Format11:48 – Competition Area Shouldn't Be Blocked Off12:28 – Best & Worst Days to Attend the Expo13:27 – Tips for Getting Deals on Thursday14:06 – Should This Be a Two-Day Event?14:37 – If You Hate the Strip, Stay Outside Vegas15:10 – Final Thoughts & Why the Networking Still Matters16:15 – Missed Something Cool? Let Me Know!MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this episode, Bruce breaks down what it really takes to start and run a successful pizzeria. He tackles common questions from aspiring pizza shop owners, like whether it's better to buy an existing spot or start fresh, how to nail down profit margins, and why a solid business plan matters. He also shares tips on perfecting your pizza at home, the risks and rewards of expanding or rebranding, and the best ways to use social media to get more customers through the door.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Sponsorships01:23 Starting a Pizzeria: Buy vs. Build04:40 Understanding Profit Margins and Delivery Options06:22 Creating a Business Plan for a Pizzeria08:11 Perfecting Pizza Recipes at Home10:32 Opening New Locations vs. Rebranding Existing Ones12:11 Preparing for Restaurant Ownership13:58 Social Media Strategies for PizzeriasBrought to you by: https://mikeshothoney.com/https://stanislaus.com/

Matt Plapp, CEO of America's Best Restaurants, shares his journey from growing up around restaurants to creating a marketing firm that helps independent restaurants thrive. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, attention, and a structured marketing strategy to engage customers and build loyalty. Matt discusses the challenges restaurant owners face and how leveraging technology can simplify marketing efforts. He advocates for creating themed marketing days to maintain consistency and engagement with customers. In this conversation, Matt Plapp discusses the intersection of technology and marketing in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of leveraging social media and digital tools to engage customersCheck out Matt: https://mattplapp.com/

Sponsored by: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/boostlyThinking about opening a pizza shop? WATCH THIS FIRST!

Johnny had zero experience making dough, but that didn't stop him from building a massively successful pizzeria in Canada. In this episode, he shares how he went from meal prep to pizza, how he keeps costs low, and why he believes a small shop is the key to big profits. If you're thinking of starting your own pizza shop, this episode is a MUST-WATCH!

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, it's just me, and we're talking all things pizza business. I just got back from Detroit, visited some amazing pizzerias, and I've been reflecting on whether I'd ever open another shop. Let's break down what makes a great, profitable pizzeria in 2025.

For more go to www.smartpizzamarketing.com Summary Lynn and Brandon share their inspiring journey from making pizza at home to launching their own restaurant in Chicago. They discuss the challenges they faced, the importance of community support, and the strategies they employed to build their brand and engage with customers. Their story highlights the resilience and adaptability required in the food industry, as well as the significance of staying true to one's roots and vision. Chapters 00:00 From Home Cooking to Business Venture 05:50 Overcoming Challenges and Securing a Lease 11:58 Building a Community and Brand Identity 20:19 Deep Dish Pizza: A Chicago Tradition 27:24 Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement

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Join our newsletter for pizza operators: Follow on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Smartpizzamarketing Slice Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SlicePlatform Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Andrew from Gianni's Pizza 04:02 Managing Multiple Locations and Family Dynamics 10:07 Adapting Business Hours for Profitability 16:12 The Challenges of Delivery and Third-Party Services 20:30 Creating a Unique Dining Experience 26:02 The Evolution of Gianni's and Lupo Pizzeria 32:14 Marketing Strategies in the Digital Age Buy and Ooni pizza oven  Pizza Merch   

Here's the truth: talent is overrated.It's the small, consistent choices that make your pizzeria a success.Which one of these do you think has the biggest impact in your shop? Let me know. MY OTHER SOCIALS:

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Welcome to the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast, your go-to resource for real talk and actionable advice on running a successful pizzeria. I'm Bruce, your host, and I'm excited to introduce a new, shorter format to deliver quick tips, strategies, and insights directly to you. While my in-depth interviews have moved to the How You Slice It podcast with Slice (check it out and subscribe), this show is all about sharing the lessons I've learned from talking to hundreds of pizza entrepreneurs. From building a pop-up to managing multiple locations, I've seen it all—and I want to help you navigate the journey. In these bite-sized episodes, we'll focus on what's working right now in marketing, operations, and growth. I'll be pulling back the curtain on what I would've wanted to know when I was running my own shop, especially the mindset shifts that can make all the difference. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need a little push, you're not alone. We're all figuring it out, step by step, and I'm here to remind you that progress is about taking consistent, small actions every day. Join our Pizza Shop Owners Forum on Facebook to connect with others in the industry, and let's build a community that supports each other. Got a question? Hit me up on Instagram @SmartPizzaMarketing or email me at bruce@smartpizzamarketing.com. Let's get started and get you pumped to take your shop to the next level. And a big shoutout to our sponsor, Stanislaus Food Products, for supporting this journey. Tune in, take notes, and let's grow together!

In this episode of Smart Pizza Marketing, Bruce chats with Loren Paddleford, Chief Revenue Officer of Slice, about the distinct challenges and opportunities independent pizzerias face in a competitive market. Loren explains how Slice is dedicated to supporting pizzerias with tools like online ordering, in-store POS systems, and tailored marketing services, diverging from the consumer-focused models of UberEats and DoorDash. The episode underscores the importance of community engagement and storytelling, and highlights the educational resources Slice provides to help pizzeria owners thrive. Bruce and Loren also discuss the cultural significance of pizza, the value of direct customer relationships, and their shared vision of empowering local pizzerias to compete with larger chains. Tune in to learn how Slice is fostering a supportive ecosystem for independent pizza shops to succeed and grow.

In this episode, Bruce Irving discusses the evolution of his podcast and the focus on providing actionable insights for pizzeria owners. He emphasizes the importance of negotiation, marketing tactics, and sharing personal experiences from the pizza industry. The podcast will feature shorter episodes aimed at delivering quick, practical tips to help pizzeria owners improve their businesses.

In this episode, Bruce interviews Camilo, the owner of La Rosa Pizzeria. They dive into the challenges of opening and running a pizzeria, especially during the pandemic. Camilo shares his experiences in building two locations from scratch, the realities of restaurant construction, and how delivery has become a significant part of his business. MY OTHER SOCIALS:

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:

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:

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:

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 Work this us: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/pro Buy and Ooni Oven: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/ooni Buy a Baking Steel: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/bakingsteel 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. Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on running a successful pizzeria! Get on Slice: http://slicelife.com/smartpizza Work this us: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/pro Buy and Ooni Oven: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/ooni Buy a Baking Steel: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/bakingsteel Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome 1:10 - Moving from California to Texas 3:30 - Opening a Pizzeria in a New Market 6:00 - Managing Delivery Drivers 9:45 - The Pros and Cons of Third-Party Delivery Services 13:20 - Handling Customer Expectations 17:05 - The Reality of Running a Pizzeria 21:00 - Struggles with POS Systems 26:30 - Balancing Cost and Quality in Pizza 31:00 - Marketing Strategies for Pizzerias 36:15 - The Role of Social Media in Pizza Business 42:00 - The Importance of Email and Text Marketing 48:00 - Advice for New Pizza Owners 54:00 - Future Plans & Final Thoughts MY OTHER SOCIALS:

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: 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Welcoming Ilir Sela 01:03 - Overview of the platform's products 02:36 - Solving the storage and distribution problem for pizza shops 03:55 - Service areas and expansion 06:06 - The challenge of running multiple locations 07:01 - Launching a point-of-sale system specifically for pizza shops 09:47 - Cost and benefits of the point-of-sale system 10:56 - Trends in the pizza industry 15:17 - Differentiating from third-party platforms 16:17 - The importance of service and customer retention 18:07 - Maximizing the value of existing customers 19:56 - Effective email and text marketing strategies 21:22 - Automated marketing tools provided by the platform 25:12 - Collaboration among pizza shops 29:20 - Customer behavior and loyalty 32:25 - Advice on viewing competitors as collaborators 33:17 - The trend towards self-delivery in pizza shops 35:31 - The benefits of self-delivery over third-party delivery 37:08 - Closing remarks and where to find more information MY OTHER SOCIALS:

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:

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:

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:

Pizza Champ STL is a pizza joint in St. Louis that specializes in big 18-inch, 72-hour fermented sourdough pizzas. They share a space with Side Project Brewing, a brewery, in a small 900 square foot building. The seating area is a covered patio, and they also have a drive-through window for pickup orders. The owner, Chris, pivoted to pizza during the COVID-19 pandemic and found success with his unique style of pizza. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Pizza Champ STL 03:01 The Unique Concept and Shared Space 05:51 The COVID-19 Pivot and Success 09:00 The Philosophy Behind Pizza Champ STL 12:08 The Style of Pizza in St. Louis 23:23 The Challenges of Running a Restaurant 25:23 The Benefits of Saying No and Online Ordering 34:18 Exciting Experiments with Dough and New Menu Items 38:37 The Importance of Customer Satisfaction MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Bruce Irving is a guest on Alex's podcast, Pie to Pie, where they discuss marketing strategies for pizzerias. They cover topics such as magazines, YouTube, Pizza Expo, and Dave Portnoy. Bruce emphasizes the importance of consistency in marketing and recommends focusing on one social media platform to start. He also suggests leveraging YouTube for long-term content and using TikTok for live streaming.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 10:40 The Importance of Consistency in Marketing 12:33 Leveraging YouTube for Long-Term Content 15:31 Choosing the Right Social Media Platform 25:38 Prioritizing Business Operations 28:05 Using TikTok for Live Streaming 35:28 Building a Following and Leveraging Social Media 36:24 Dealing with Online Criticism and the Importance of a Strong Following 38:03 Starting a Podcast to Learn from Others in the Industry 41:33 The Value of Sharing Business Failures 43:29 The Realities of Opening a Pizzeria 46:42 The Allure of Entrepreneurship in the Social Media Age 49:05 The Importance of Lower Expectations 50:09 The Need for More Seminars on Failures and Real Experiences 55:39 The Challenges of Growing a Podcast 57:24 The Value of YouTube and Content Creation 01:03:02 The Three Most Important Tools in Running a Successful Pizza Shop 01:09:09 The Greatest Band of All Time MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Mike Friedman, owner of Pizza Delicious in New Orleans, shares the journey of starting a pizzeria and the challenges of building a successful brick-and-mortar business. From pop-up beginnings to the development of a New York-style pizza recipe, Mike's story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the value of community support. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Pizza Delicious: From Pop-Up to Brick-and-Mortar 07:55 Crafting the Perfect New York-Style Pizza Recipe 14:02 Challenges of Building a Brick-and-Mortar Pizzeria 23:01 The Evolution of Pizza-Making Resources 25:36 Exploring the Culture of New York Pizza 30:06 Challenges and Considerations in Running a Pizza Business 36:48 Menu Planning, Pricing, and Adapting to Industry Changes 43:43 The Impact of the Pandemic on the Pizza Business 48:08 Evolving Nature of the Pizza Industry and Staff Management MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this conversation, Bruce interviews Christian from Ooni, a company that produces portable pizza ovens. They discuss how Ooni revolutionized the pizza-making industry by creating affordable and efficient ovens for home use. Christian shares his background and how his passion for making better pizza at home led to the development of Ooni ovens.  Chapters 00:00 The Uni Journey: Revolutionizing the Pizza Industry 02:53 The Rise of Home Pizza-Making Businesses 11:08 Challenges and Opportunities in the Pizza Industry 21:01 Global Presence and Oven Models 25:36 Cooking Tips and Pizza Style Recommendations MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Bruce Irving shares his experience at the National Restaurant Expo in Chicago, discussing the pros and cons, the tech he found, and the pizzerias he visited. He also highlights the challenges faced by independent pizzeria owners at the expo and provides insights into various products and technologies showcased at the event. Chapters 00:00 Exploring the National Restaurant Expo: Pros and Cons 04:31 Tech Discoveries at the National Restaurant Expo 06:25 Challenges Faced by Independent Pizzeria Owners at Industry Events 12:09 Innovative Products and Technologies at the Expo MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Summary In this conversation, Bruce Irving interviews Charlie Anderson, a YouTuber with a focus on making pizza at home. They discuss the challenges and rewards of creating content for YouTube, the impact of YouTube on discoverability, the role of sponsors and advertisers, the process of making pizza videos, and the potential of opening a pizzeria. Charlie shares insights into his journey as a creator and the value of relatable, personable content on YouTube. They also touch on the impact of platforms like Instagram and TikTok on restaurant marketing. Chapters 00:00 The World of YouTube Content Creation 04:32 The Art of Making Pizza Videos for YouTube 11:47 Diving Deep into the Perfect Pizza MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Myke Olsen, owner of Mike's Pizza in Mesa, Arizona, shares his experience running a wood-fired pizzeria inside a bar called Cider Core. He discusses his Neapolitan-inspired pizza style and the symbiotic relationship between his business and the bar. Myke emphasizes the importance of focusing on the financial side of the business and the benefits of delegating tasks. MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Andrew Miller, owner of Flower Child Pizza, Merriman Social, and Third Coast Provisions in Milwaukee, discusses his journey in the restaurant industry and the development of his pizza business. He shares how they expanded their frozen pizza line and the challenges of shipping nationwide. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:03 Crafting a Unique Pizza Style 05:59 Choosing Milwaukee and the Pizza Scene 09:02 Delivery Dilemmas and Third-Party Platforms 11:04 The Future of Restaurant Marketing 16:33 Adapting to Changing Trends 19:10 Reaching New Customers through Video 21:48 The Benefits of Long-Form Content on YouTube 23:09 Creating a Spin-Off Agency for Video Production MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this podcast episode, Bruce Irving interviews Troy from Blue Square Pizza, a pizza dough expert. They discuss Troy's journey in the pizza industry, his passion for dough, and the evolution of his pizza-making process. Troy shares how he creates three different styles of pizza using one dough recipe and the importance of studying bread making in pizza making.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Troy's Pizza Journey 07:31 Creating Three Styles of Pizza with One Dough Recipe 11:40 The Influence of Bread Making in Pizza Making 24:00 Experimenting with Flour Blends for Pizza Dough 25:22 Matching Flour and Oven to Pizza Styles 26:14 The Flavorful Transition: From Commercial Yeast to Sourdough 34:38 Streamlining Operations with Technology: AI Ordering Systems and Inventory Management MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this conversation, Bruce and Shane discuss the evolution of text message marketing for restaurants and the importance of personalized and tailored messaging. They highlight the benefits of using text messages to engage customers and increase purchase frequency.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Location 04:14 The Power of Personalized Messaging 08:20 Boostly: A Plug-and-Play Solution 12:57 Tracking ROI in Text Marketing 21:34 Jumpstarting Text Marketing with Boostly 25:59 The Need for Businesses to Text Customers MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this episode, Bruce Irving interviews Daniel from Joanie's Pizza. They discuss how Joanie's Pizza started and grew, the style of pizza they make, and the challenges of running a pizza business. Daniel shares his passion for making bread and how it translates into his pizza dough.  MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Michael from Rail Trail Flatbread Company shares his journey of starting and growing his restaurant business. He talks about the community aspect of his business and how they strive to make everyone feel welcome. The menu consists of flatbread pizzas with unique toppings, as well as salads, wings, burgers, and a wide selection of craft beers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Rail Trail Flatbread Company 09:46 The Rail Trail Experience: Community, Menu, and Atmosphere 16:25 Staying True to Their Own Style of Flatbread Pizza 38:01 Open Book Management 45:11 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Business Owner MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this episode, Bruce Irving shares three effective strategies to grow lunch sales for restaurants and pizzerias. The first strategy is cold calling local businesses to offer free samples and create awareness. The second strategy is to cater to the needs of busy professionals by providing quick and convenient options. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Growing Lunch Sales 06:23 Strategy 2: Catering to the Needs of Busy Professionals 11:39 Conclusion and Call to Action MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Summary In this podcast episode, Bruce Irving interviews Enzo, the owner of two restaurants in Chicago. They discuss Enzo's marketing strategies, including Instagram reels and TikToks, which have helped attract customers from all over the country. They also talk about Enzo's sports book and how it has impacted his business. Enzo shares his experience of starting in the pizza industry as a teenager and how he transitioned to owning multiple locations. He emphasizes the importance of social media marketing and collaborations with influencers in driving customer engagement and business growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 08:21 Transitioning to New Locations and Partnerships 12:42 The Power of Social Media Marketing 21:23 Using Instagram Reels and TikToks for Marketing 29:23 Collaborating with Influencers for Increased Exposure 34:06 Conclusion and Future Collaboration MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this episode, Bruce Irving discusses the mistakes he has seen people make when opening and operating a pizzeria. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right location, understanding the competition, delivering a quality product, implementing effective marketing and branding strategies, and being financially responsible. These insights are based on his own experiences and conversations with successful pizza operators. Overall, the episode provides valuable advice for anyone considering opening a pizzeria. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:55 Chapter 1: The Importance of Location and Competition 10:14 Chapter 2: Delivering a Quality Product 23:40 Conclusion MY OTHER SOCIALS: