Episodes
In this episode Donna Reeves, the Director of Pizza and Flatbreads for Rich Products, a company that manufactures and supplies pizza dough and other related products to pizza businesses. Highlights: The Pizza Struggle: Pizza businesses are struggling to find labor and keep up with changing consumer trends. Rich’s Offers Solutions: Donna discusses the challenges faced by pizza businesses, particularly the difficulty of finding labor and keeping up with changing consumer trends. She then...
Published 05/05/24
Published 05/05/24
In this episode we met up with Vanessa and Radcliffe of The Cheese Board Collective, and we dive into the history of the Cheese Board Collective, how it functions as a worker-owned business, and the challenges and benefits of this model. Highlights: • The Long History: The Cheese Board Collective started in the 1960s as a cheese shop and became a worker-owned collective in 1971. • From Renting to Ownership: They recently purchased the building they have been in for almost 60 years. •...
Published 04/28/24
In this episode we met up with Charles Cullison, the owner of Charlie’s Pizza. Charlie transitioned from postman to pizzeria business owner, growing his business from a pop-up to a successful restaurant. In this episode we discuss Charlie's personal journey, including his recent weight loss and his dedication to health. He shares his passion for pizza as a key ingredient in his success, alongside his commitment to fostering a positive work environment for his staff. Highlights From...
Published 04/21/24
In this episode, we met up with Salar, owner of MaiPai Tiki Bar. We discuss his business methods- from building out his own restaurant and the journey to finally delegating so he can work on the business. We also talk about the loyal fans of Tiki Bars. Highlights: Uniquely Tiki: The pizzeria is successful because it offers a unique combination of delicious pizza, tiki drinks, and a fun atmosphere. From humble beginnings: Salar started small with pop-up restaurants and a food truck...
Published 04/14/24
In this episode, we met up with Alexandra Castro from Pizza with Ale, an entrepreneur who started from internships to finally opening up her restaurant - But in a weird twist of faith, she gave up on it all. Listen as we discuss her reasons for doing so, and what she’s currently up to. Highlights: Her Journey from Internship to Business Owner: Our guest discusses how she got started, from being an intern, to how she got started in the Pizza Business. Pizza Prodigy on Pause: Ale left the...
Published 04/07/24
In this episode, Christina Martin, owner of Manizza’s Pizza, shares her successful marketing tactics. Highlights: Direct Mail Success: Christina uses targeted direct mail coupons to attract new customers in their neighborhood. Building Relationships: She prioritizes creating a positive customer experience with greetings, complimentary food, and personalized touches. Data-Driven Decisions: Christina tracks key metrics to measure marketing effectiveness, like coupon redemption rates and order...
Published 03/31/24
In this episode, we meet the inspiring owner of 550 Pizzeria, a testament to hard work, passion, and community. Highlights: Pizza Journey: Our guest started as a cashier at Laredo Pizza Factory, impressing everyone with her customer service. Despite not attending culinary school, her dedication and hunger to learn ("Let me show you that I can make it!") led her to become a pizzaiolo (pizza maker) with a valuable mentor by her side. Pizza At Home - Homemade Virality: She began experimenting...
Published 03/27/24
This is a wild story of my first time competing at the Las Vegas Pizza Expo. You're not going to want to miss this one.   Thank you to our show sponsors: [Ooni Pizza Ovens Affiliate⁠] https://ooni.com/?sscid=51k7_g9gpn&utm_medium=shareasale&utm_source=2800064&utm_campaign=1232202 [⁠Corto Olive Affiliate⁠] https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1808352&u=2800064&m=112748&urllink=&afftrack= [Bacio...
Published 03/25/24
Horacio of Tio's Pizza shows us his pop-up setup!Highlights: Horacio breaks down (see what I did there?) his pop-up from must-have materials, tips of the trade and so much more. Tio also tells us how he landed this brewery as a client He shows us how he cooks Detroit-style pizzas in his Ooni ovens and how and why he's always on max flame!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_tios_pizza_/ Thank you to our show sponsors: [Ooni Pizza Ovens...
Published 03/17/24
Today we are talking with Sofia from Latinos en Pizza. She's not just a content creator; she's a visionary building a unique and thriving community. Sofia, through her background and expertise, is on a mission to empower the Latino community in the world of pizza. With the help of members of the community and brand sponsors, the Latinos En Pizza is growing at a rapid rate.   Highlights: We learn about Latinos En Pizza, a group putting Latino pizza makers in the spotlight. Pizza with a...
Published 03/13/24
Join us as John from Speederia reveals the secrets to their authentic New York-style pizza on the West Coast! This episode dives into maintaining consistent quality for both whole pies and slices. Highlights: Get a slice of this- bake times for slices are one minute at 575.  Toss your dough! Helps you see the evenness (or unevenness) of your dough. Forget eyeballing it! John unveils his technique for perfectly measured sauce, cheese, and toppings. Consistent, delicious pizzas, every single...
Published 03/10/24
Today, we've got Christy Alia, the visionary behind Real Clever Food. In light of Women's Pizza Month, we are  shining a spotlight on incredible women in the pizza industry. Also since Christy has had great success with social media, we talk about her best tips for the Algorithm   Highlights:  Christy explains Women's Pizza Month on Instagram to celebrate badass women in pizza worldwide. She's all about giving props to their contributions and talents that often get overlooked. We discuss the...
Published 03/06/24
In this episode, I have the opportunity to witness Alistair Hannmann make 120 dough balls in just 20 minutes.     Highlights: An efficient production process is key to an operation's labor costs. Al demonstrates how 2 people and a couple of robots can bang out so much dough production in so little time. We talk about the price of these machines, maintenance, and more. https://youtu.be/bsnqAK3cJAw Follow Alastair Hannmanhttps://www.instagram.com/althepizzabuddha/ Sign Up For Our Mailing...
Published 03/03/24
Today, we've got Michael Hanna joining us from the flavorful streets of Saint Vito Focacceria, Nashville, Tennessee. In this episode, we're gonna dive deep into the dough, uncover Michael's backstory, and explore what makes their pizzas so darn delicious. Highlights: Recognition of the importance of consistency in offering the same product every time to customers. On the note of consistency, it’s almost never going to be consistent with a high hydration naturally level Pizza that is affected...
Published 02/25/24
This episode includes Ciaran Kelly from Pizza Guys in Belfast, Ireland. He started his entrepreneurial journey at the tender age of 17, Ciaran brings a wealth of wisdom to the table when it comes to running a pizzeria. Highlights: Ciaran Kelly shares the reason behind why he pursued classes in Roman cuisine in Madrid. We uncover the reasons why Pizza Guys doesn’t offer third-party delivery services. Ciaran stresses the importance of maintaining its brand by having its delivery services. He...
Published 02/18/24
  I have the opportunity to interview Alistair Hannmann for the third time on this podcast. In this episode, he will share insights of simplifying processes- whether you’re starting, sustaining, or scaling. We also cover the importance of managing food costs, something that is key for any business.    Highlights: Al shares the importance of maximizing vendor relationships- when you are just starting out, start with a broadliner who will take care of you. He discusses the techniques for...
Published 02/11/24
Join me as a fly on the wall while we listen to a real live consult about a company who is going through some growing pains.   Alastair Hannmann aka Al The Pizza Buddha works with Acre pizza who has grown significantly in the last 3 years. In this consult, he meets with the executive team to discuss his findings during his tour of the restaurants. He talks to the team about solutions related to improper dough management, over preparing toppings yield loss and more. I think you'll enjoy this...
Published 02/09/24
Philip Korshak intended to create a space where employees can afford to live in the community they serve, challenging the "us and them" mentality in society. Unfortunately, with the low price point of bagels and the high cost of labor, it just didn't work out. Join me as we uncover what happened and the lessons learned from this experience. Highlights: Philip Korshak shares his vision of opening a community-focused bagel shop in South Philly at 10th and Morris. He shares insights into his...
Published 02/04/24
To listen to the full episode, click herehttps://www.whatsgooddough.com/the-fast-track-to-becoming-a-pizza-champion-w-niles-peacock/Niles Peacock IGhttps://www.instagram.com/nilespeacockpizza/ Thank you to our show sponsors: Ooni Pizza Ovens Affiliate⁠ https://ooni.com/?sscid=51k7_g9gpn&utm_medium=shareasale&utm_source=2800064&utm_campaign=1232202 ⁠Corto Olive Affiliate⁠ https://corto-olive.com/?sscid=51k7_g9fhj& Bacio...
Published 01/31/24
This episode, it’s about the remarkable story of determination and skill, Niles Peacock, a bartender who transitioned into becoming a champion pizzamaker.  Highlights:  Niles shares how Pizza saved his business during the pandemic. He tells the story of his journey to becoming a pizza champion.  He emphasizes his desire to learn and compete among the best in the industry such as Chef Will Grant and other world pizza champions  Niles Peacock IGhttps://www.instagram.com/nilespeacockpizza/ Thank...
Published 01/28/24
Join me on this immersive experience as we discuss everything from grove to mill. A few pizza friends and I spend the day with Corto Olive Oil. You'll see parallels between making great pizza and making great olive oil. Also, you will see how an amazing company continues to put its customers first in putting out the best product, consistently and efficiently.   Thank you to Corto Olive Oil for sponsoring this show and making this amazing day happen.   Thank you to our show sponsors: Ooni...
Published 01/24/24
Mike Vaona, formerly the head of engineering at Ooni, has left the company to pursue his own business venture. As the inventor of The Bread Mat and other baking needs, Mike shares valuable business lessons about creating the perfect product and his insights into social media.    Highlights: Mike’s favorite life lesson: "Nothing is random.” Mike emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making in running a successful business Mike discusses Rosehill's organic growth in sales without...
Published 01/20/24
Let me know what you think about these. Hoping to make the golden nuggets more available to you. Thank you to our show sponsors: Ooni Pizza Ovens Affiliate⁠ https://ooni.com/?sscid=51k7_g9gpn&utm_medium=shareasale&utm_source=2800064&utm_campaign=1232202 ⁠Corto Olive Affiliate⁠ https://corto-olive.com/?sscid=51k7_g9fhj& Bacio...
Published 01/19/24
This is my end of the year recap of highlights. It was a truly blessed year. Sit down with me as I reflect on the positive and talk about the planned changes for 2024. Happy New Year Pizza Pal!   Podcast Survey- Please fill it out to help the show! https://forms.gle/Vz6t9ztFgno4ZkMBA   Thank you to our show sponsors: Ooni Pizza Ovens Affiliate⁠ https://ooni.com/?sscid=51k7_g9gpn&utm_medium=shareasale&utm_source=2800064&utm_campaign=1232202 ⁠Corto Olive...
Published 01/18/24