PIE 2 PIE - A Pizza Maker’s Podcast
Pie 2 Pie is a podcast serving up candid conversations with pizza shop owners giving listeners an insider perspective on the real-life highs & lows of entrepreneurship and running a pizzeria.
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Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
This Episode’s Sponsors→
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🍕 Be in Business for yourself, not by yourself w/ SLICE : https://bit.ly/SLICENOW
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🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe
🍕 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/
My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexkoons
On this episode we are joined by Alexis and Gerad, of Rose Pizzeria in Berkeley, CA.
Chapters:
0:00:00 Intro - New York Times Pizza Feature: Overnight Fame at Rose Pizzeria
00:02:30 Berkeley Restaurant Menu Strategy: Finding the Perfect Balance
00:06:42 Restaurant Couples: Managing Marriage and Business Partnership
00:10:59 Small Restaurant Management: Running a Lean Operation
00:18:59 Pizza Restaurant Policies: Setting Boundaries for Quality
00:27:26 The Impact of National Press Coverage
00:35:31 Crisis Management: Handling Unexpected Challenges
00:45:54 Restaurant Growth: Building Sustainable Business
00:52:38 Restaurant Expansion Strategy: Adding a Coffee Shop Concept
01:01:10 Pizza Making Philosophy: Techniques and Restaurant Values
01:25:43 Pizza Industry Trends: OVER/UNDER
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🌶️ Join The Pepper Flake Revolution: https://bit.ly/flatironpepper
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
Get a NEW GOZNEY: https://us.gozney.com/?dt_id=1529737
Here's some FREE stuff →
🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe
🍕 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/
My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexkoons
On this episode we are joined by Neal DeNardi, co-owner of Long Bridge Pizza in San Francisco, CA.
Chapters:
00:00 - Sharing Pizza Knowledge & Industry Experience
02:17 - Starting with Service: Learning Hospitality from Tribute Pizza
12:50 - From Zero to Numbers: Getting Serious After 9 Years
23:44 - Pizza Education: Scott Wiener Tours to Pizza Hacker
35:51 - Opening Long Bridge: Two 26-Year-Olds with No Plan
38:03 - San Francisco Pizza Evolution: Wood-Fired to Electric Ovens
49:22 - Restaurant Labor Reality: Why 40 Hours Isn't Enough
55:31 - Post-COVID Restaurant Industry: Changed Consumer Habits
01:01:03 - Delivery Evolution: From In-House to Third Party Apps
01:08:43 - Building Brand Awareness: Social Media Strategy
01:13:22 - Community Over Competition: Building Pizza Culture
01:33:13 - OVER/UNDER: Pizza Industry Hot Takes
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🌶️ Join The Pepper Flake Revolution: https://bit.ly/flatironpepper
🗳️ Better Guest Feedback w/ Ovation: https://bit.ly/ovationpizza
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
Get a NEW GOZNEY: https://us.gozney.com/?dt_id=1529737
Here's some FREE stuff →
🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe
🍕 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/
My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexkoons
On this episode, Derek Lau, owner of State Flour Pizza in Berkeley, California joins us.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Opening a Pizzeria: The Real First Year Struggles
00:14:24 - Restaurant Career Path: From Culinary School to Pizza Making
00:19:08 - New York Pizza Inspiration: Research and Development
00:22:25 - Restaurant Staff Management: Building a Strong Team Culture
00:27:56 - Choose a Restaurant Location: Neighborhood Analysis
00:32:15 - Transitioning from Chef to Owner
00:36:32 - Pizza Restaurant Pricing Strategy: Balancing Quality and Affordability
00:40:22 - Restaurant Profit Margins: Breaking Even in Year Three
00:45:05 - Pizza Menu Development: Specialty Items and Weekly Specials
00:50:15 - Restaurant Supply Chain: Managing Vendors and Costs
00:56:45 - OVER/UNDER: Pizza hot takes
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🌶️ Join The Pepper Flake Revolution: https://bit.ly/flatironpepper
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
Get a NEW GOZNEY: https://us.gozney.com/?dt_id=1529737
Here's some FREE stuff →
🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe
🍕 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/
My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexkoons
On this episode, we talk to Mike Chen of FlatIron Pepper Co.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - From Finance to Flavor: The Origin Story of Flat Iron Pepper Co.
00:11:22 - Inside New Mexico's Chili Capital: Sourcing Premium Peppers
00:20:01 - Safety First: The Hazards of Commercial Pepper Production
00:22:52 - Bootstrapping Success: Growing Without Outside Capital
00:24:45 - Early Days: From Commercial Kitchen to Manufacturing
00:31:28 - Product Strategy: Why Flat Iron Focuses on Premium Restaurants
00:37:10 - Social Media Marketing vs Traditional Distribution
00:46:55 - Building an Authentic Brand in the Digital Age
00:57:59 - Premium Positioning: Why Flat Iron Turns Down Major Chains
01:04:44 - Rapid Fire: Over/Under on Industry Trends
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🌶️ Join The Pepper Flake Revolution: https://bit.ly/flatironpepper
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
Get a NEW GOZNEY: https://us.gozney.com/?dt_id=1529737
Here's some FREE stuff →
🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe
🍕 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/
My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexkoons
On this episode, we talk to Josh Pritchett of Fat Nattys Sourdough Pizza
Chapters:
02:00 What is a Fat Natty?
04:00 Los Angeles Pizza Brand Marketing: Building the Fat Natty Identity
06:00 Dave Matthews Band Concert Stories and Chicago Pizza Background
08:00 Pizza Business Operations: From Corporate Career to Pizza Making
11:42 Corporate Layoff to Pizza Success Story: The Pivotal Santa Monica Pier Event
16:00 Music Career and Marketing Degree: Journey Before Pizza 19:00 Sales Career Challenges and Corporate Burnout
23:00 Career Transition: Finding Happiness in Pizza Making
28:00 Pizza Catering Business Model: Events, Pricing, and Growth Strategy
35:00 Natural Pizza Making Process and Quality Control
39:00 Pizza Business Marketing: Instagram Strategy and Word of Mouth Growth
44:00 Pizza Pricing Strategy for Events and Catering
49:00 Family Support in Pizza Business: Work-Life Balance
54:00 Pizza Making Philosophy: Confidence vs Arrogance
59:00 Future of Fat Natty: Business Growth and Vision
01:04:00 Pizza Quality Discussion: Natural Ingredients and Process
01:10:00 Over/Under Pizza Industry Trends and Final Thoughts
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🌶️ Join The Pepper Flake Revolution: https://bit.ly/flatironpepper
🗳️ Better Guest Feedback w/ Ovation: https://bit.ly/ovationpizza
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
Get a NEW GOZNEY: https://us.gozney.com/?dt_id=1529737
Here's some FREE stuff →
🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe
🍕 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/
My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexkoons
On this episode we talk to Justin De Leon of Apollonia’s Pizzeria in Los Angeles.
Chapters
00:00:00 - LA Pizza Evolution: From Underdog to Excellence
00:05:02 - The Early Years: 80-Hour Weeks and Learning Curves
00:08:44 - Photography and Pizza: A Visual Approach to Quality
00:11:24 - The Square Pizza Revolution
00:24:43 - Quality Over Expansion: The Small Shop Philosophy
00:30:36 - Cash, Credit, and Customer Service Innovation
00:44:14 - Learning the Craft: Classes, Community, and Growth
00:52:32 - Surviving and Thriving in Modern LA
00:58:06 - Over/Under: Industry Insights and Opinions
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🌶️ Join The Pepper Flake Revolution: https://bit.ly/flatironpepper
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
Get a NEW GOZNEY: https://us.gozney.com/?dt_id=1529737
Here's some FREE stuff →
🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe
🍕 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/
My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexkoons
On this episode of PIE 2 PIE we are joined by Alan Rudoy and Travis Matoesian of El Gato Nego Pizza and Bahr Cafe in DTLA.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Origins & Meeting00:02:22 Early Experiences & Travel00:04:02 El Gato Negro Pizza Journey00:05:31 Bahr Cafe Plans00:08:55 Kitchen & Operations Setup00:27:49 Menu Deep Dive00:43:32 Business Strategy00:54:02 Partnership Dynamic00:55:36 Rapid Fire Over/Under Segment
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 10, 2025
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🌶️ Join The Pepper Flake Revolution: https://bit.ly/flatironpepper
🗳️ Better Guest Feedback w/ Ovation: https://bit.ly/ovationpizza
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
Get a NEW GOZNEY: https://us.gozney.com/?dt_id=1529737
Here's some FREE stuff →
🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe
🍕 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/
My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexkoons
On this episode Anthony Falco, the international pizza consultant joins us.
Key Ingredients
The rise and influence of Roberta's in Brooklyn
History and Evolution of pizza styles globally
What it means to be an international pizza consultant
The importance of good ingredients and proper technique
Family life and work balance
Real talk about Pizza Expo and the business side of the pizza industry
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Pop-up Memories and Book Release
00:03:06 - The Roberta's Legacy
00:05:31 - Why Roberta's Changed Pizza Culture
00:08:18 - Why No Personal Pizzeria Yet?
00:15:17 - Pizza Styles and History Discussion
00:23:23 - Electric vs. Wood-Fired Ovens Debate
00:30:41 - The Art of Consistency
00:35:44 - Path to International Consulting
00:41:42 - Perfect Pizza Proportions
00:56:19 - Becoming a Pizza Consultant
01:01:07 - Family Life and Travel Balance
01:11:57 - Pizza Expo Stories
01:17:46 - Writing the Pizza Book
01:24:44 - The Restaurant Industry Reality
01:34:06 - Rapid Fire: Overrated/Underrated
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Friday Jan 03, 2025
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🌶️ Join The Pepper Flake Revolution: https://bit.ly/flatironpepper
🗳️ Better Guest Feedback w/ Ovation: https://bit.ly/ovationpizza
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
Get a NEW GOZNEY: https://us.gozney.com/?dt_id=1529737
Here's some FREE stuff →
🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe
🍕 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/
My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexkoons
Frank Pinello is the ultimate archetype of a badass pizza guy. He’s got the accent, the heritage, the skills, and a natural coolness that only a few people are born with. I remember watching The Pizza Show religiously when it first aired. Frank’s authentic curiosity—despite being a CIA graduate and a successful pizzeria owner—made him stand out. Exploring different styles, and connecting with pizza shop owners because his genuine interest always came through. On this trip, his pie was one of my favorite slices, and sitting outside Best Pizza on those lawn chairs felt almost spiritual. But it’s not just about Frank. He’s helped me become a fan of everyone in the pizza world. Big or small, every one of us has a story worth sharing, and that’s what excites me most about doing these pods. I hope you enjoy spending a little time with Frank and I in the back of the best pizza shop in America: Best Pizza.Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
13:18 - Keep It Simple: The Menu Philosophy
22:56 - Going Solo: Partnerships & Growth
34:15 - Making Perfect Pizza: Craft & Technique
43:29 - NYC Pizza Evolution: Past to Present
54:30 - Better Kitchen Culture: Breaking Traditions
58:28 - The Pizza Show: VICE Legacy
1:07:22 - Time Management: Running Multiple Shops
1:12:51 - Over/Under: Industry Hot Takes
1:15:40 - What's Next: New Shows & Projects
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Friday Dec 27, 2024
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
Get a NEW GOZNEY: https://us.gozney.com/?dt_id=1529737
Here's some FREE stuff →
🚀HOW TO STEAL A RECIPE https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe
🍕 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/
My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexkoons
Join your host of PIE 2 PIE, Alex Koons as he slices through the biggest moments of 2024. In this year-end special, we're wrapping up 89 episodes of unfiltered pizza talk, candid conversations, industry insights, and unforgettable moments from badass pizza makers across the globe.
Chapters:
00:00:03 - Introduction & Studio Update
00:01:15 - Best Sausage in The World: Maestro Sausage
00:01:52 - 2024 Overview & Global Reach
00:03:00 - Hidden Gems
00:09:01 - Memorable Moments
00:23:56 - Inspiring Stories
00:27:46 - Hottest Takes
00:35:21 - Best Non-Pizza Episodes
00:36:41 - Crossover Episodes Highlight
00:38:49 - Top Episodes Countdown
00:43:27 - Year-End Thank You & Future Plans