Podcasts about smart pizza marketing

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.

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.

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.

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:

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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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 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:

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:

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:

In this episode, Alex sits down with Bruce Irving of Smart Pizza Marketing and the OG of pizza podcasts. Bruce shares his insights from over a decade of experience interviewing successful pizzeria owners and operators. He and Alex discuss common marketing mistakes pizzerias make, the most important tools for running a successful shop, and the harsh realities of being a business owner that often get glossed over. Whether you're a veteran pizzeria owner or dreaming of opening your first shop, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and a few laughs. Don't sleep on this one!   This Episode's Sponsors→

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:

Jared shares his journey in the pizza business, from starting a delivery service during COVID-19 to operating a brick-and-mortar location in a shared space. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of expanding his business and the importance of finding the right balance between quality and quantity. Jared also highlights the impact of COVID-19 on his operations and the need to adapt to changing customer preferences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:21 Operating a Shared Space 05:31 Starting a Pizza Delivery Service 06:53 Transitioning to a Brick-and-Mortar Location 09:39 Operating a Pizza Truck 14:09 Challenges and Growth Opportunities 19:19 Optimizing Business Hours 22:05 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Operations 24:17 Marketing and Branding Challenges 26:33 Advantages of Operating in a Co-Space 29:18 Considering the Next Steps 32:23 Social Media Presence and Future Expansion 33:21 Location and Contact Information MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this episode, Bruce Irving interviews Andrew from Gianni's Pizza. They discuss how Andrew grew his family's pizzeria business, the challenges of managing multiple locations, and the importance of effective people management. They also talk about the power of social media marketing and how Gianni's Pizza has built a fun and engaging online presence.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:30 Sponsorship Acknowledgment 02:58 Guest Introduction 03:27 Growing the Business and Managing Employees 06:34 Challenges of Managing Multiple Locations 10:27 The Evolution of the Menu 13:16 The Importance of Effective People Management 22:53 The Power of Social Media Marketing 25:18 Unique Marketing Opportunities 28:24 Collaboration with Kevin Smith 32:50 Expanding the Business and Online Ordering 35:15 Managing the Custom App 41:28 Promoting the Business on Social Media 42:57 Conclusion and Call to Action MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Summary In this episode, Bruce Irving interviews the founders of 2-1 Dough Pizza Co. They discuss how they got started in the pizza industry, their journey of learning and experimenting with dough and toppings, and their approach to pricing and building a loyal customer base. They also talk about their plans for the future and the importance of marketing and social media in growing their business. Overall, it's a great conversation for anyone interested in starting a pizzeria or looking for insights on running a successful pizza business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:10 How They Got Started 06:09 Their Pizza Experience 09:28 Expansion and Collaboration 13:32 Pricing and Business Model 23:15 Building a Loyal Customer Base 25:48 Marketing and Social Media 30:00 Employee Management 34:08 Future Plans 42:18 Closing Remarks MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Bruce Irving shares marketing insights and strategies for restaurant owners in this podcast episode. He discusses the importance of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and how they have evolved over time.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship 03:02 Background and Starting SPM 08:12 Marketing Strategies in the Past 11:20 Current Social Media Channels 16:04 Creating Captivating Content 25:02 Prioritizing Social Media 27:48 Consistency and Scheduling 30:11 Conclusion and Call to Action MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this episode, Bruce Irving interviews Al the Pizza Buddha, a pizza consultant who helps pizzerias with their operations and systems. They discuss the challenges of automation in the pizza industry and the importance of documentation and training. Al shares his process for assessing a pizzeria and improving its operations. They also talk about the different costs of opening a pizzeria and the benefits of hiring a pizza consultant. Al provides his contact information for those interested in his services. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:08 New Style of Video 03:04 SPM Magazine Launch 04:02 Restaurant Systems Pro 05:28 Introduction of Al the Pizza Buddha 05:58 Al's Background and Consulting Services 07:25 Consulting Process and On-Site Visits 09:23 Experience with Zoom Pizza 10:22 Automation in the Pizza Industry 11:18 Challenges of Automation 12:37 Importance of Documentation and Systems 13:54 Different Dough Processes 15:20 First Steps in Assessing a Pizzeria 19:57 The Challenges of Managing a Pizzeria 21:42 The Importance of Documentation and Training 23:05 Using Technology to Improve Operations 24:27 Using Spreadsheets and Tablets for Dough Calculations 25:24 The Importance of Consistency and Attention to Detail 26:50 Different Costs of Opening a Pizzeria 28:41 Different Pizza Styles and Recipes 29:33 The Challenges of Offering Different Pizza Styles 30:49 The Cost of Hiring a Pizza Consultant 35:26 Where to Find Al the Pizza Buddha 38:45 Conclusion and Outro MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this episode, Bruce Irving interviews Sean from Madison Avenue Pizza Company. They discuss Sean's journey of starting a pizzeria, the challenges and benefits of running a dine-in restaurant, the importance of a focused menu and fresh ingredients, and the impact of a full bar on the business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:39 Sean's journey of starting a pizzeria 01:09 Marketing tactics and special pizza 04:30 Background of Madison Avenue Pizza 05:28 Transition to a dine-in restaurant 06:24 Benefits and challenges of dine-in vs. delivery 07:17 Managing a growing restaurant 08:46 Importance of a focused menu and fresh ingredients 09:43 The value of making everything in-house 11:04 Sean's experience in the restaurant industry 12:02 Initial sales and financial challenges 14:26 The journey to profitability 19:05 The 32-inch pizza and its marketing value 22:39 The popularity of the 32-inch pizza 23:53 The challenges and benefits of the 32-inch pizza 25:44 The power of social media marketing 26:12 The limitations of point of sale systems 28:08 Custom pizza boxes and marketing value 29:04 The strengths and weaknesses of the Thrive POS system 31:18 The excitement of the upcoming summer season 36:16 Delivering pizza on a boat 39:10 Where to find Madison Avenue Pizza 39:36 Upcoming launch of SPM Magazine 40:05 Conclusion MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this conversation, Cory shares his journey in the pizza business. He started with a physical location, then transitioned to a pop-up catering business. After selling his bakery and starting a cleaning business, Cory returned to his passion for pizza and now operates a mobile pizza trailer. He discusses the types of ovens he uses and the Neapolitan-inspired menu he offers. Cory also shares his strategies for getting customers and booking events. Despite the challenges, his pizza business has experienced success and growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:05 Starting a Pizza Business 03:06 Pizza Oven and Menu 04:42 Getting Into Pizza 06:11 Running a Pizza Shop 07:23 Transitioning to a Cleaning Business 08:44 Returning to Pizza 10:03 Getting Customers and Events 11:08 Success and Growth MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this episode, Bruce Irving interviews Evan, the owner of Pi 95 in Jacksonville, Florida. They discuss Evan's journey from starting as a food truck to opening a brick and mortar location. They also talk about the importance of being part of the community and providing excellent customer service. Evan shares his experience in the culinary industry and the evolution of pizza styles. They also touch on the rise of home pizza making and the accessibility of pizza cooking methods. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:01 Starting Pi 95 as a Food Truck 05:54 Transitioning to a Brick and Mortar Location 06:54 The Cost of Starting a Food Truck 08:18 Selling the Food Truck and Opening a Storefront 10:17 The Importance of Being Part of the Community 12:31 Reflecting on the Journey and Success 15:54 Transitioning from Fine Dining to Pizza 17:20 The Evolution of Pizza Styles 19:45 Learning and Growing in the Culinary Industry 20:43 The Importance of Staging and Learning from Others 23:02 The Accessibility of Pizza Making 25:22 The Pizza Scene in Florida 27:20 The Rise of Home Pizza Making 29:18 Pizza Classes and Teaching Others 31:41 Using Alternative Pizza Cooking Methods 33:37 The Earthstone Oven and Delivery Services 36:31 The Importance of Customer Service 39:14 The Decline of Hospitality in the Industry 41:08 Attracting and Retaining Good Employees 43:25 Building a Family Atmosphere in the Restaurant 44:18 Where to Find Pi 95 and Connect with Evan 44:48 Closing Remarks and Call to Action MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this episode of the Smart Pizza Marketing podcast, host Bruce Irving answers questions from the audience about marketing strategies for pizzerias. He discusses community involvement strategies, the pros and cons of offering specialty pizzas, boosting sales during slow times, dealing with GenX employees, getting customers to try unique pizza, marketing new items, and handling unsatisfied customers. The episode concludes with a reminder to visit the Smart Pizza Marketing website and social media channels for more information and resources. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Q&A Format 06:20 Community Involvement Strategy 08:46 Offering Specialty Pizzas 11:10 Boosting Sales During Slow Times 14:20 Dealing with GenX Employees 18:08 Getting Customers to Try Unique Pizza 19:59 Marketing New Items and Slow Times 23:20 Handling Unsatisfied Customers 26:36 Conclusion MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Sean Marsiglia, co-owner of Three Brothers Pizza in Tampa, shares his journey of starting and growing his pizzeria business. He discusses the challenges of opening multiple locations, including dealing with a fire and insurance issues. Sean also talks about his approach to marketing and increasing business on slow days through discounts and fundraisers.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:35 Starting Three Brothers Pizza in Tampa 03:29 Reopening After a Fire 05:17 Expanding to a Second Location11:11Learning to Make Pizza 13:03 The Importance of Water in Pizza Making 15:13 Strategies for Increasing Business on Slow Days 17:01 Discounting and Profit Margins 19:09 Using Revel as a Point of Sale System 23:48 Optimizing Third-Party Delivery Apps 27:13 Building Brand Loyalty 29:11 Reaching Out to Underperforming Students 29:49 The Bruce Campaign 30:23 Scaling Back and Focusing on Customer Base 31:17 Cost-saving Strategies 32:37 Storage and Inventory Management 33:42 Working in the Store 34:56 Balancing Owner and Pizza Maker Roles 36:21 Molding Work Ethic in Employees 37:00 Parenting and Teaching Life Skills 38:06 Connecting with Three Brothers Pizza 38:52 Managing Social Media Pages 40:18 Turning Negative Experiences into Positive Relationships 43:15 Building Customer Loyalty 44:01 Future Collaboration and Visit MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Fred Langley, the founder of Restaurant Systems Pro, discusses the importance of knowing your numbers and managing costs in the restaurant industry. He explains how his software helps restaurant owners track inventory, manage labor efficiency, and optimize pricing. Fred emphasizes the significance of understanding product usage and the impact it has on profitability. Get started today Smartpizzamarketing.com/rsp 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:19 Overview of Restaurant Systems Pro Software 04:07 Importance of Knowing Your Numbers 05:58 The Impact of Product Usage on Costs 07:13 The Fear of Raising Prices 08:14 Menu Engineering and Pricing Strategies 09:58 Dynamic Pricing and Customer Loyalty 11:55 Managing Customer Expectations 12:49 Getting Started with Restaurant Systems Pro 15:35 The Restaurant Mastery Program 17:32 Creating a Budget and Setting Goals 19:51 Flex Budgeting and Delegating Purchasing 21:43 Cost and Benefits of Restaurant Systems Pro 23:34 Special Offer for Listeners MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this episode, Bruce Irving provides marketing advice to Dimitri, the owner of Buffalo Pizza and Ice Cream in Sacramento, California. They discuss various aspects of marketing, including social media, email campaigns, online ordering platforms, and influencer marketing. Bruce emphasizes the importance of consistent posting on Instagram and TikTok, as well as the need for regular email marketing. He also advises against relying solely on giveaways and highlights the value of organic growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 03:14 Discussion on Marketing Strategy 08:36 Review of Online Ordering Platforms 09:09 Importance of Email Marketing 10:15 Increasing Sales and Revenue Goals 12:28 Website and Social Media Presence 14:12 Effectiveness of Giveaways and Influencer Marketing 16:35 Importance of Consistent Posting on Instagram and TikTok 19:26T he Costanza Method and Building Brand Awareness 23:24 Avoiding Paid Followers and Outsourcing Marketing 29:30 Bruce Irving's Background and Experience 32:14 Pizza Recommendations in California 33:33 Challenges of Operating a Business in California 35:00 Outsourcing Marketing vs. Internal Content Creation 36:56 The Ongoing Battle of Content Creation 37:19 Committing to Marketing Goals 38:19 Conclusion and Closing Remarks MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this conversation, Bruce interviews Shane from Boostly about using text messaging to convert website visitors into customers. They discuss the importance of capturing customer information and the missed opportunity of not utilizing web traffic effectively. Shane explains how Boostly helps restaurant owners set up web forms on their websites to collect customer contact information and enroll them in a text club.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Converting Website Visitors 01:29 Capturing Customer Information 03:07 Using Web Forms and Text Clubs 04:27 Conversion Rates and Benefits 05:19 Starting with Text Messaging 06:15 Conversion Rates for Web Forms 08:06 Creating Profitable Offers 09:06 The Value of Phone Numbers and Emails 09:40 The Power of Text Messaging 10:22 The Limitations of Email Marketing 11:19 Automating Text Messaging 12:08 The Directness of Text Messages 13:29 Onboarding and Launching Boostly 15:44 Simplifying Marketing for Operators 17:41 Pricing and Pay-for-Use Model 19:44 Results-Driven Marketing 20:38 Getting Started with Boostly 21:13 Preference for SMS Communication 22:40 The Impact of Text Marketing 23:18 Opt-In Nature of Text Messages 24:00 Conclusion MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Periannis DeSacus, owner of Famous Pizza in Bethel, Connecticut, shares his journey in the pizza business. He discusses how his family started the business and the challenges they faced in the early years. Periannis explains how his background in accounting and corporate experience helped him improve the business.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:27 Transition to Interview with Perry 05:56 Perry's Background and Family Business 08:18 The Importance of Numbers in the Pizza Business 11:40 Transition to Downsizing and Menu Changes 12:09 Downsizing and Menu Transformation 14:29 Benefits of Downsizing and Menu Simplification 16:26 Customer Expectations and Pricing 19:16 Importance of Visuals in Marketing 22:28 Website and Online Ordering 23:53 Phone Answering Service and Online Ordering 26:15 Email Marketing and Surveys 29:04 Follow-up Emails and Reviews 32:38 Working with Family 35:04 Finding Happiness in the Business 41:39 Conclusion and Contact Information 43:34 Using Social Media Platforms 44:28 Website and Social Media MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Nick Sanford, the owner of Toss and Fire Woodfired Pizza, shares his journey of starting with a trailer and transitioning to multiple food trucks and brick-and-mortar locations. He emphasizes the importance of learning from other food truck operators and seeking advice from those who have already built what you're thinking of building. Nick discusses the costs involved in starting a food truck and the challenges of owning a food truck, including staffing and weather-related issues. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:03 Starting with a Food Truck 10:07 Transitioning to Brick and Mortar 14:35 Advantages and Disadvantages of Food Trucks 19:08 Learning from Others in the Industry 21:16 Building a Strong Brand 23:49 Using Social Media for Marketing 29:10 Utilizing Email and Text Marketing 31:14 Challenges of the Food Truck Business 36:23 Favorite Venues and Future Plans 39:16 Conclusion MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this conversation, Cindy Hayward, owner of a pizzeria, discusses various aspects of running a restaurant business and marketing strategies.  They discuss strategies for increasing engagement with stories, maximizing reach and consistency, utilizing email and text marketing, and the concept of overposting. Bruce also creates an action plan for Cindy to follow and suggests a follow-up in 30 days. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 05:20 Background and Business Overview 09:07 Challenges and Growth Strategies 11:26 Marketing Strategies: Instagram and Social Media 15:19 Email and Text Marketing 20:28 Optimizing Instagram Posts and Reels 24:08 Frequency of Posting on Instagram 26:00 Using TikTok for Marketing 28:31 Website and Social Media Integration 35:35 Summary and Action Plan MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Bruce Irving discusses the launch of SPM Magazine, a new venture that aims to provide valuable content for pizza operators. He explains what sets SPM Magazine apart from other publications and emphasizes the focus on prioritizing content over advertisers. Bruce highlights the advantages of being nimble and the ability to quickly adapt to the changing needs of the industry. SPM Magazine aims to provide valuable content for pizza operators and differentiate itself from other publications. The magazine prioritizes content over advertisers and aims to provide a platform for smaller pizza operators to share their experiences and ideas. Being nimble allows SPM Magazine to quickly adapt to the changing needs of the industry. The magazine will initially be digital with a limited print version, and the goal is to keep it free for readers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to SPM Magazine 03:01 What Makes SPM Magazine Different 06:26 Advantages of Being Nimble 09:08 Print Version and Advertising 11:33 Providing a Voice for Smaller Pizza Operators 13:31 Inclusion and Collaboration in Magazine Creation 14:01 Conclusion and Next Steps MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this conversation, Erica Barrett, the chef and owner of Doughboy Pizza Co, shares her journey of creating a smart and efficient pizza shop. She discusses the innovative solutions she implemented, such as using technology to drive efficiency and reduce labor costs. MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this conversation, Bruce helps Nathan, a food truck owner, with his marketing and online presence. They discuss the benefits and challenges of operating a pizza trailer, optimizing the website and social media channels, and improving consistency in posting. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:49 Finding the Pizza Trailer 01:51 The Pizza Trailer and Its Features 02:26 Pros and Cons of the Pizza Trailer 03:08 Areas Needing Help: Consistency in Posting 04:07 Using Social Media Channels 07:11 Website Review and Optimization 08:23 Implementing Online Ordering 09:36 Using Food Delivery Platforms 10:26 Marketing Strategies for Food Trucks 11:48 Capturing High-Quality Pizza Photos 12:41 Overcoming the Fear of Reposting Content 13:49 Using ChatGPT for Captions 15:18 Optimizing Instagram Bio 16:33 Cross-Posting to Facebook 18:13 Increasing Engagement on Instagram Stories 20:14 Tracking the Impact of Instagram on Sales 21:28 Collecting Customer Information 22:31 Transitioning to a Brick-and-Mortar Location 24:08 Summary and Next Steps MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In today's episode, "Christian," we are joined by Christian Patriarca, the owner of Slice 420. He's back after a spell to share his journey from Florida to Colorado Springs, moved by his daughter's health needs, and how he turned love and necessity into pizza-making triumph. MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this conversation, Bruce interviews Khanh from Zalat Pizza about their new investment opportunity and their decision to start franchising. Khanh explains the crowdfunding campaign they have launched and the SEC regulations they had to comply with. He also discusses the challenges of traditional funding and the importance of maintaining quality and focus on their mission.    MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Bruce sits down with Vito, owner of the nostalgic and community-focused Angel City Pizza in Mar Vista, Venice, LA. They dive into the heartwarming ways Vito's pizzeria gives back to the community, including hosting pizza parties for students, and Vito shares the importance of maintaining a visible presence and engaging with social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook to connect with the younger generation. MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Josh shares his success story and how he leverages his involvement in the community to market his business. He discusses reaching out to people, deciding who to collaborate with, and the importance of being part of the community.   MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In our latest episode, I sit down with a powerhouse in pizza consultancy, Mimmo, whose journey from salad maker to a prominent face at Orlando Foods is nothing short of inspiring. If you're finding yourself at a crossroads in the pizza industry or simply seeking guidance and insights from someone who's made it, this episode is for you!   MY OTHER SOCIALS:

I'm answering your questions on today's podcast. MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Nick One sells pan-fried pizza and has just one employee. Sells out every week. Let's see how.   MY OTHER SOCIALS:

They discuss the behind-the-scenes of running a pizzeria, the challenges of competition, and the power of memes in the pizza community. Alex shares his insights on dough-making, the importance of simplicity in pizza, and the need for effective business strategies. MY OTHER SOCIALS:

In this episode, we dive deep into Juan's journey - from his early start in Colombia 13 years ago to his 11-year venture on Instagram, leading him to amass an impressive follower count. Juan opens up about his evolving content creation process, his unique approach to pizza-making that sometimes stirs controversy, but most importantly, his undeniable passion for crafting pizzas. MY OTHER SOCIALS:

George is a true expert when it comes to reinvesting in his business and prioritizing quality and consistency. He uses technology to enhance the customer experience, including email marketing and hot bags for delivery. George's focus is primarily on delivery, but he also offers takeout and dine-in options. MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Pizza, Permits, and Profit: Navigating the Challenges of a Mobile Food Business.  MY OTHER SOCIALS:

They discuss effective marketing strategies, optimizing communication frequency, integrating social media platforms, and leveraging email marketing to increase customer orders and loyalty. MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Joe's journey with pizza began at a young age when he would visit his family's pizza shop. Despite initially being more interested in playing video games, Joe eventually found himself drawn to the business. From the ages of 14 to 16, he started flipping dough and learning the ins and outs of making pizzas. However, there was a 30-year gap where Joe had no involvement in the pizza world.   MY OTHER SOCIALS:

feedback and suggestions to improve the marketing strategies of a New York pizza business, including website optimization, social media posting, and implementing text messaging and email campaigns. MY OTHER SOCIALS:

Excited to share a new episode of the podcast!

 In today's episode of Unlocking the Magic hosts Bruce and Konstantina dive into the enchanting world of Disney memories and the power they hold in our lives. Join them as they explore the mistakes, flops, and unforgettable moments that have shaped Disney's incredible journey. From the importance of nostalgia to unexpected encounters with beloved characters, discover how these memories can transport us back to a time filled with joy and wonder. Along the way, Bruce and Konstantina share their own personal experiences and heartfelt stories, reminding us of the profound impact that Disney has on our lives. So, whether you're a lifelong Disney fan or simply seeking inspiration, grab a slice of pizza and get ready to unlock the magic with Smart Pizza Marketing! But before we begin, don't forget to join our exclusive Club UTM and explore Unlocking the Magic Travel for an unforgettable Disney adventure. Let's dive in! Join Club UTM :  https://www.clubutm.co This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com   Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​   Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​   Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ Dream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​  

Welcome back to another episode of Smart Pizza Marketing! I'm your host, Bruce, and today we have a fantastic guest joining us, Tyrell. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of pizza shop operations and management. We'll be discussing the questions and challenges that operators face and how to handle them effectively.  For more podcasts episode or marketing help visit https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com   Learn from us:  https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind Work with us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/zip   Get our pdf of 65 content ideas for your restaurant https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/contentideas   Gear Used for this: Cannon g7x: https://amzn.to/2TaMJql Cannon Rebel t6ii:  https://amzn.to/31r2yhg At2020 microphone: https://amzn.to/3jhh1lM Ring Light: https://amzn.to/34eMPUr Scarlett mixer: https://amzn.to/3m1fNNx

On this episode of Smart Pizza Marketing, we're joined by Bruce and guest Bill to talk about the ins and outs of running a successful small business. They delve into the importance of valuing your employees just as much as your products and how creating a positive culture can lead to overall success. They also discuss the benefits of simplifying menus and focusing on a singular goal, as well as the joy of giving back to the community through charitable collaborations. Plus, they share their insights on the ever-changing world of social media marketing and the power of consistency in promoting your business.    For more podcasts episode or marketing help visit https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com   Learn from us:  https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind Work with us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/zip   Get our pdf of 65 content ideas for your restaurant https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/contentideas   Gear Used for this: Cannon g7x: https://amzn.to/2TaMJql Cannon Rebel t6ii:  https://amzn.to/31r2yhg At2020 microphone: https://amzn.to/3jhh1lM Ring Light: https://amzn.to/34eMPUr Scarlett mixer: https://amzn.to/3m1fNNx   Contact Us:  P.O. Box 82  Swampscott MA 01907   Subscribe to the SPM Podcast: Itunes: http://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/Itunes   Subscribe the Local Business Podcast: Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-local.../id1492927865 Follow along on social:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing Bruce Irving: https://www.instagram.com/theBruceIrving Twitter: https://twitter.com/Irvingmedia Website: http://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

Bruce is the host of Smart Pizza Marketing and is an OG in the pizza game. He started his career very early on at an established pizzeria in Boston. Then he jumped around and eventually worked his way up to a managing partner at a different pizzeria. In this episode, we share not only his lessons in the pizza business but his transition from pizza maker to pizza marketer. https://www.instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing/ www.smartpizzamarketing.com Buy an Ooni! (Thank's for supporting the show!) https://ooni.com/?sscid=31k6_y2z7b&utm_medium=shareasale&utm_source=2800064&utm_campaign=1232202 Get your Corto Olive Oil https://corto-olive.com/ Support the podcast and buy a t-shirt! https://www.whatsgooddough.com/shop

This episode features guest Bruce Irving, the marketing visionary behind Smart Pizza Marketing and the host of the Smart Pizza Marketing podcast. Listen as Andy discusses with Bruce how to find your niche in businesses and how you can become the go to expert in that niche. In addition, they discuss why you should use forms of media that your competitors may not yet have embraced. Should every business be on every platform? Bruce says no. Instead find out where your customers are at and learn how to use those platforms to find new customers. Be consistent on delivering content because it is consistency over time that makes social media work. Within this episode, they also discuss why using your phone works when producing content for social media and why you shouldn't overthink it. Instead see what resonates with your customers and do more of it! As a final tip Bruce says, "don't use marketing lingo when selling inside your nice it is a dead giveaway of an outsider". Episode Action Items: You can find more information regarding Bruce Irving and his Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast at https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com ABOUT THE HOST: Andy Splichal, who was recently named to the Best of Los Angeles Awards' 2021 Fascinating 100 List, is the founder and managing partner of True Online Presence, author of the Make Each Click Count book series and founder of Make Each Click Count University. He is a certified online marketing strategist with twenty plus years of experience and counting helping companies increase their online presence and profitable revenues. To find more information on Andy Splichal, visit www.trueonlinepresence.com or read The Full Story on his blog, blog.trueonlinepresence.com. New episodes of the Make Each Click Count Podcast, are released each Friday and can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast and Make Each Click Count Podcast.

The restaurant owners who can change quick and move fast will be successful. And what is success? Bruce Irving of Smart Pizza Marketing says it's going home and being happy. You might have the busiest store around but if you're miserable, that's not success. Bruce talks on this week's podcast episode all about successful restaurant marketing. Want more small business advice? We're talking about restaurant marketing all week on my social channels and my exclusive email list. Here's how to join: Instagram: TikTok: Facebook: Get my helpful emails:

Bruce Irving, the Founder of Smart Pizza Marketing is one of the foremost experts on pizza marketing, working with restaurants across the country to help them find more customers and turn them into repeat customers. Bruce, like me is a former pizza/restaurant guy - out to share his story and provide valuable insight. It was way back in 2015 when I was running my own pizzeria/restaurant when I stumbled upon Bruce and his podcast. I would listen every week when I went for my run, and was fortunate to be a guest on his show in 2016!. If you haven't gave his show a listen - do so immediately after this episode! Connect with us! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Follow the show over on Instagram Join our mailing list Catch all the good stuff over on TikTok! Want to Schedule A One-on-One with Kyle? Whether you're a restaurant owner who wants to take a deeper dive into a particular subject, or may you're thinking of starting your own restaurant, food truck, or ghost kitchen and want some insight or advice - click here to schedule a one-on-one with me. Support Our Sponsors The National Restaurant Owners Podcast is a complete labor of love - which means I would love it if you guys support our sponsors by clicking the link in my bio and using my referral code, so we can keep the lights on over here. Atmosphere TV - Code Kyle BentoBox - Code Fou6 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/restaurantowners/message

Patrick interviews Nicole Bean, President and Co-Owner of the Award Winning Pizaro's Pizza, located in Houston, Texas. A Certified Pizzaiola, Nicole received The Rising Star Award at the Caputo Cup 2018, Atlantic City, NJ and was chosen one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in Pizza 2020 by Smart Pizza Marketing. Nicole is a World Pizza Champion Team Member and has an active role with the... Source

Patrick interviews Nicole Bean, President and Co-Owner of the Award Winning Pizaro’s Pizza, located in Houston, Texas. A Certified Pizzaiola, Nicole received The Rising Star Award at the Caputo Cup 2018, Atlantic City, NJ and was chosen one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in Pizza 2020 by Smart Pizza Marketing. Nicole is a … Continued

Welcome back Bruce Irving, Owner of Smart Pizza Marketing, to his third episode of Give an Ovation: A Podcast For Restaurants! Bruce is a luminary in the industry with over 350 episodes of his podcast, Smart Pizza Marketing, and was instrumental in helping get Give an Ovation off the ground - of our first ten guests, he was two of them!On this episode, he and host Zack Oates discuss:Should everyone start a podcast?Why less is more when with menus and hiringThe guest experienceTikTokMoreThanks Bruce!

In this episode, Bruce Irving from Smart Pizza Marketing joins Tyler to talk about the impact of apps like Clubhouse, TikTok, and Instagram Reels for local businesses. Tyler and Bruce share their thoughts on Clubhouse, talk about content strategy with TikTok, and social media in general, and much more. Plus, Bruce sticks around to answer listener questions with Tyler.  Have a question for the podcast? Ask it here https://casualfridays.com/question or follow Tyler on Instagram and send him a DM.  The Casual Fridays Podcast is sponsored by Tack. Tack streamlines user-generated content management for marketing teams. Get started today at https://foundontack.com The Casual Fridays Podcast is a production of https://casualfridays.com - a leading digital marketing agency working with top hotels & resorts and exciting consumer-facing brands. Download our FREE UGC STRATEGY WORKBOOK here: https://hello.casualfridays.com/ugc-strategy-workbook

Drawn to the dough — in more ways than one — Bruce Irving’s rise in the pizza industry was low and slow. Bruce Irving is a marketing strategist, speaker, and founder of Irving Media Group LLC. The entrepreneur found fame as the voice and host of the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast and the Local Business Podcast. In 2020, people are still looking for ways to get paid to eat pizza. Bruce Irving has found the second best alternative: he’s paid to talk about pizza. Bruce Irving was a guest on the Digital Hospitality podcast episode 43. He and podcast host Shawn Walchef (owner of Cali BBQ in San Diego) talked about learning to master digital marketing, digital media, growing restaurants and small businesses in the COVID era, niche podcasting, and more.   His success didn’t happen overnight as Bruce has been working in the pizza industry for 20 years. “I grew up in the pizza,” Bruce Irving told Shawn Walchef on the Digital Hospitality podcast. “I wasn't a smart kid growing up. School wasn't my thing. I literally just wanted to go to school and get out. So, I was drawn to get a job and make money. I was interested in pizza and making it in the restaurant industry.”   BUSINESSES SHOULD LEAN INTO FUTURE:   As every business owner has had to rethink their operations in the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, Bruce Irving believe it’s important to learn from the tough times and lean into the future. “Think about the future,” Bruce Irving said. “I know restaurants are hurting right now, but why are they hurting? They're hurting because people can't go into them." ”I would never, ever want to create a business where if one thing happened and people couldn't visit me, my whole business would be gone. I would make sure that regardless of what happens, as long as people are alive and they’re eating, I can get them their food. That's the only model that I would serve at and or invest in.” This insight is not just due to COVID-19, it’s due to new habits exhibited by the next generation. “As much as we love hospitality and we want to go in restaurants with people, that's kind of what the older generation of folks do,” notes Bruce Irving about going out to eat in 2020 and beyond. “I don't know if the younger generation is going to be doing that as much. I'm not saying that the younger generation doesn't hang out together, but I don't know if they're going to have the need to go somewhere and hang out together versus going to the beach or going to someone's house or hanging out online together.” Open mindedness to new consumer habits and emerging platforms is at the heart of the Digital Hospitality podcast and also at the forefront of Bruce Irving’s work.   “If you take advantage of Yelp, Facebook, and Google,” Bruce starts, “and respond to those reviews that people are giving you, good or bad, that's going to make you stand out even more. By doing those two little things, you're going to be much better off than 8 out of 10 pizzerias in your area and you'll show up more on Google.” Whether it’s building your business to survive in a new world or performing in the niche podcast game, the recipes may be changing but the key ingredient remains the same. “If you stick with it, it'll work for you,” Bruce Irving acknowledges. “You just have to give it some time.”   WORKING IN THE PIZZA BUSINESS:   Bruce Irving’s career has long revolved around the pizza industry. “My first job in the pizza industry was at Regina Pizzeria, which is a pretty popular pizzeria franchise model here in the Boston area,” remembers Bruce Irving on the Digital Hospitality podcast. “I started working there, worked there for a few years and I learned how to make pizza. I really enjoyed it. Then I moved and I met my future partner and future brother-in-law. We worked together and I grew up in that business. He taught me a lot and he mentored me a lot. We partnered in that business and we opened another location unde...

Bruce Irving: Founder SPM - Digital Marketing For Restaurants | Podcaster | Speaker | Host: The SPM Show You can learn more about Bruce here: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/ This episode is brought to you by Authors Unite. Authors Unite provides you with all the resources you need to become a successful author. You can learn more about Authors Unite here: http://authorsunite.com/. Thank you for listening to The Business Blast Podcast! Tyler --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/authorsunite/support

Quick intro to our show

In this episode we invite Bruce Irving back on the shout to answer some Listener questions. The questions answered: Should you let your Facebook followers know when it is not you who is responding on your business page... if it is not actually you reponding? Should you feel obligated to like and respond to guest comments and reviews? Should you allow reviews on your business page? Should we allow our guest to post on our business page? Do we need to claim our business on EVERY platform? Should we respond to reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google, Facebook?  Bruce Irving is the marketing visionary behind SmartPizzaMarketing.com and host of the weekly Smart Pizza Marketing podcast. On his podcasts, he interviews the leading minds of the pizza restaurant industry. Irving, a top marketing consultant and former pizzeria owner, also hosts PizzaTV's Marketing Insights livestream program, which streams at 8 p.m. (ET) every Tuesday on Facebook. You can listen to his Smart Pizza Marketing podcast at www.smartpizzamarketing.com. In addition, Irving speaks at conferences about how to better use social media in your restaurant or small business

On this episode, Bella spends time with Bruce Irving from SmartPizzaMarketing.com. Bruce Irving is the marketing visionary behind SmartPizzaMarketing.com and host of the weekly Smart Pizza Marketing podcast. On his podcasts, he interviews the leading minds of the pizza restaurant industry. You can listen to his Smart Pizza Marketing podcast at www.smartpizzamarketing.com. In addition, Bruce […]

How do you promote your business locally? Are you using Facebook and Instagram? In this episode, I interview Bruce Irving, the host of the Smart Pizza Marketing podcast, where he helps local pizza restaurants master marketing.  Show notes: https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/251

Action always beats intention, and that rings true for digital marketing. What tactics work at the highest level for local market domination? What strategies are people overlooking? On this episode, Smart Pizza Marketing founder Bruce Irving shares on the tactics average entrepreneurs should put on their radars, and the little hinges that open big doors to big breakthroughs. When you’re a local business, and you’re spending 100% of your marketing budget on old marketing methods, you’re making a mistake. - Bruce Irving Takeaways The money you spend on direct mail is money that can be used to reach those same people many times over, with Facebook advertising. Instagram stories allow you to post content that’s different from what you’d put on your feed. It’s much easier to get someone to go from Facebook to an online order than it is to go from Facebook to a phone call. At the start of the show Bruce shared how he got started helping pizzerias dominate their local markets. He shared how he scales and leverages the location of a business. We also talked about what works at the highest levels for entrepreneurs, and the strategies that people are overlooking when it comes to marketing. “People are so entrenched in their old ways.” Next we discussed why it’s important to diversify your marketing, using Instagram for long-term branding, and the unique benefits offered by Snapchat. Bruce also shared insights on: Tactics average entrepreneurs are missing out on The shortest path to getting Instagram to work for you How to make yourself the only logical choice by having social proof How to leverage the power of FREE Simplifying social media and streamlining the process The importance of tracking your ROI and making every ad dollar accountable for results Many entrepreneurs are missing out on the chance to be the only logical choice for customers. If you remain in stuck in your old ways of marketing, you miss a huge part of the market. Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat offer advantages for your business to reach more people, and build brand stability through diversification. As you deploy your tactics, remember that each platform works differently. Make use of the power of FREE, and consider ways to use giveaways as lead bait. Ultimately, you want to make every dollar spent accountable for the results. Guest Bio Bruce Irving, the Founder of Smart Pizza Marketing is one of the foremost experts on Pizza marketing, working with many Pizza Restaurants to help them find more customers and turn them into repeat customers. Go to smartpizzamarketing.com for more information. Free download Call-to-Action - Click here to download our free Ultimate Testimonial Toolkit, featuring scripts for buyer and seller lead follow up, price reduction and objection handler scripts and much more.

Bruce Irving "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." Smart Pizza Marketing   Join our mastermind group: www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind   Lets Connect Website:  SmartPizzamarketing.com SnapChat: Add me as a friend- SmartPizzaTips Twitter: smartpizzamarketing.com/twitter Facebook: smartpizzamarketing.com/facebook LinkedIn: smartpizzamarketing.com/linkedIn Instagram: instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing/

Pizza Chef Lee Hunzinger I always ask anyone who interacts on social or send me an email who thye would want to hear on the show. I want to bring you the best possible how not only about how to market your rstaurant better but how to make it more enjoyable too. My friends over at Descendents Pizza asked me a while back to talk with Lee. To be honest before that I hadn’t yet heard the name before. I looked Lee up and came acsroos his intagram account and knew from that point he would be great to chat wth on the show. Lee lives pizza and it shows on his account. He has a passion for making the best pizza with the best ingredients and letting his creative side take over with his creations. He wasn’t always allowed to be as creative as he is now and in this interview we go all the way back to when he first started to love pizza. What to listen for: How Lee first got into pizza How he got to Dallas from New York When he really started to let creativity take form in pizza How his Dad being an artist helped Lee with his creativity Why Lee moved to Texas Mentioned In This Episode: Lee On Instagram Zoli"s Pizza Cane Rosso Zoli's s Pizza on Instagram Thanks For Listening Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. I hope that you have found it to be valuable. If you have a question or comment you can email at Bruce@smartpizzamarketing.com  Like us on Facebook too for updates and interesting marketing articles Leave us a quick Review If you did find this information valuable it would be awesome if you could share it using the social media buttons on the side of the post. Also, please leave a quick review on Itunes or Stitcher… would really help grow the show and get more guests on to help you grow your business and marketing. Bruce Irving "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." Smart Pizza Marketing   Join our mastermind group: www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind   Lets Connect SnapChat: Add me as a friend- SmartPizzaTips Twitter: smartpizzamarketing.com/twitter Facebook: smartpizzamarketing.com/facebook LinkedIn: smartpizzamarketing.com/linkedIn Instagram: instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing/

Thanks For Listening Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. I hope that you have found it to be valuable. If you have a question or comment you can email at Bruce@smartpizzamarketing.com  Like us on Facebook too for updates and interesting marketing articles Leave us a quick Review If you did find this information valuable it would be awesome if you could share it using the social media buttons on the side of the post. Also, please leave a quick review on Itunes or Stitcher… would really help grow the show and get more guests on to help you grow your business and marketing. Bruce Irving "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." Smart Pizza Marketing   Join our mastermind group: www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind   Lets Connect SnapChat: Add me as a friend- SmartPizzaTips Twitter: smartpizzamarketing.com/twitter Facebook: smartpizzamarketing.com/facebook LinkedIn: smartpizzamarketing.com/linkedIn Instagram: instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing/

Bruce Irving "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." Smart Pizza Marketing   Join our mastermind group: www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind   Lets Connect SnapChat: Add me as a friend- SmartPizzaTips Twitter: smartpizzamarketing.com/twitter Facebook: smartpizzamarketing.com/facebook LinkedIn: smartpizzamarketing.com/linkedIn Instagram: instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing/

Thanks For Listening Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. I hope that you have found it to be valuable. If you have a question or comment you can email at Bruce@smartpizzamarketing.com  Like us on Facebook too for updates and interesting marketing articles Leave us a quick Review If you did find this information valuable it would be awesome if you could share it using the social media buttons on the side of the post. Also, please leave a quick review on Itunes or Stitcher… would really help grow the show and get more guests on to help you grow your business and marketing. "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." Smart Pizza Marketing   Join our mastermind group: www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind   Lets Connect SnapChat: Add me as a friend- SmartPizzaTips Twitter: smartpizzamarketing.com/twitter Facebook: smartpizzamarketing.com/facebook LinkedIn: smartpizzamarketing.com/linkedIn Instagram: instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing/

Bruce Irving, the Founder of Smart Pizza Marketing is one of the foremost experts on Pizza marketing, working with many Pizza Restaurants to help them find more customers and turn them into repeat customers. In this podcast we discuss how Restaurants are using Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and a range of other tools to build their businesses. We also look at what is required to build your restaurant from 1 location to multiple locations and the mindset that Bruce sees in his successful Pizza Restaurant customers. Bruce is a big believer in Snapchat, so have a listen and see how he is using it and how he sees Restaurants using it as well to build a loyal following on this rapidly developing social medium.  Some people are picking 2017 to be the year that Snapchat goes mainstream, which means that if you are looking for something to clearly set your Marketing apart from the crowd, now is the time you want to be building up your Snapchat skills and followers. We talk email marketing and how important it is for Restaurants.  Bruce and I share a lot of common thoughts on the power of email marketing, being on medium that Restaurants can truly control. We look at how Pizza Restaurants can and should compete against third party online ordering companies like Grub Hub and Menulog. Lastly we talk about Masterminds - getting groups of Restaurant owners together to discuss the issues that everyone has in common to make it easier to run your Restaurant.

Building a Business Through the Community  In today's episode I get to talk with Scott Anthony of Punxsy Pizza. We talk about how Scott went from being a janitor to owning his own pizzeria. We also talk about how Scott is building his business using the relationships that he has built with his local community.  I have followed Scott's work in Pizza Today and online for a while now and it was great to finally talk with him and pick his brain about business and marketing. He gives some great advice and practical tips on how to grow your business.  Click here to download this episode directly In This Episode We Talked About:. How Scott got started in the pizza industry The biggest change he has seen since he started Where he thinks he pizza industry is going What kinds of marketing he uses to grow his business Why building community has been so important to his business Links form the Show: Scott's Website Scott on Twitter Profits in the Pizza Book Ovens Scott uses - Edge Ovens P.O.S System - Revention E-mail Marketing - Moving Targets Thanks For Listening Hope you enjoyed this episode of the Smart Pizza Marketing podcast. If you liked this episode or have a suggestion for a future episode leave a comment below.  If you know anyone in the pizzeria business who would enjoy this episode please use the share buttons below and help us spread the word. Thanks again to Scott Anthony for the great information and to you for listening in. Visit Smartpizzamarketing.com for tips and resources to help grow your business or for help with anything mentioned in this show. Twitter: https://twitter.com/Irvingmedia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Pizza-Marketing Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Smartpizzamarketing   Please leave your rating and review

Introduction to Smart Pizza Marketing Thanks for taking the time to listen to episode #1 of the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast. In future episodes I will be interviewing marketing and business experts and ask them questions to help you grow your business. I will also be interviewing successful pizzeria operators who have gone on the journey already and have been very successful at growing there business and have them tell their story for us to learn form. It takes a lot of work and focus to go from a single location operator to having 2 or more locations and I want to ask them to explain how they did it. What obstacles did they encounter? If they could go back the beginning what would they change or do differently? Also I want to ask them what's working now for them and whats maybe not working so well anymore. We will also be posting weekly blog posts that dive into the tools and tactics you can use in your business. This site was created for you to use it as a resource page to bookmark and refer back to for all your marketing needs and questions. Items mentioned in this Episode Smart Pizza Marketing Facebook Twitter Google + Itunes  Stitcher Radio  Who would you like to hear from? Do you have a specific person or topic that you would lie me to cover in this podcast? Email me and tell me your ideas or topic that you would like us to discuss. Also head over the the staring here page where you can get started with all the information on this site and find out where to start. Thanks again for listening and if you could leave a review in iTunes that would help out the show so much. Visit Smartpizzamarketing.com for tips and resources to help grow your business or for help with anything mentioned in this show.   Twitter: https://twitter.com/Irvingmedia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Pizza-Marketing Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Smartpizzamarketing   Please leave your rating and review