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
3 days ago
3 days ago
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🌶️ Join The Pepper Flake Revolution: https://bit.ly/flatironpepper
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
🍕 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, a chat with Eric Ehler, owner of Outta Sight Pizza in San Francisco, CA.
Chapters:
00:00 - San Francisco Pizza Scene: Defending the City's Legacy and Future
08:40 - Hype vs. Quality: Building a Successful Pizza Business
16:25 - The 20-Inch Philosophy: Going Big in the Pizza Game
25:30 - Personal Journey: From Iowa Tragedy to SF Pizza Success
33:00 - Urban Reality: Addressing San Francisco Misconceptions
42:00 - Balancing Passion: Skateboarding, Risk and Pizza Life
51:00 - Building the Business: Shop Design, Costs and Community Support
58:00 - Beyond Pizza: Sandwiches, Bread Program and Diversification
01:05:00 - Industry Opinions: The Overrated vs. Underrated Game
01:14:00 - Pizza Future: Technology, Tradition and Moving Forward
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🌶️ Join The Pepper Flake Revolution: https://bit.ly/flatironpepper
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
🍕 Be in Business for yourself, not by yourself w/ SLICE : https://bit.ly/SLICENOW
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 special After Dark edition of PIE 2 PIE I share a bottle of wine with Craig Murli, owner of June’s Pizza in Oakland, CA
Chapters:
00:00 Intentional Restaurant Design & Branding
06:15 Managing Customer Expectations & Mental Health
14:00 Team Management & Communication
19:45 Restaurant Ownership Philosophy
27:05 The Junes Origin Story
33:20 Food Philosophy & Creative Choices
39:40 How to grow your restaurant & Personal Growth
47:00 The Financial Reality of Restaurants
56:40 Leadership Evolution & Team Building
1:04:00 Work-Life Balance & Family
1:09:45 Personal Growth & Mental Health
1:22:00 Money, Values & Fair Pay
1:32:30 Dealing with Change & Pivoting
1:42:00 Worry, Anxiety & Perspective
1:52:15 Online Criticism & Authenticity
2:04:00 Future Thinking & "We'll Figure It Out"
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🌶️ Join The Pepper Flake Revolution: https://bit.ly/flatironpepper
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
🍕 Be in Business for yourself, not by yourself w/ SLICE : https://bit.ly/SLICENOW
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 Ben Roberts of Pizza Supreme Being located in Sacramento, CA
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro with PSB's Pizza Journey
04:53 - "The Whole Company Started as a Bit"
07:08 - Spirit Halloween or Rainforest Cafe?
08:22 - What Makes a Shitty Bromate
10:10 - From Mobile Trailer to Brick-and-Mortar
13:53 - The Original Pizza Supreme Being Vision
16:16 - Sourdough Secrets and Feeding the Starter
18:27 - Making Your Own Bread: The Sandwich Secret
21:41 - Staying Straight Edge in the Restaurant Industry
26:44 - Pandemic Challenges and the Jabberwocky
28:13 - Running the Claw Machine and Daily Operations
30:31 - The Roof Work Crisis: Learning to Delegate
36:14 - "Is It Sick Being a Cool Guy?"
38:29 - Pizza Nostalgia: Alien Head Stickers and Round Table
42:35 - The Kings Cowbell and Playoff Promise
46:51 - Twisted Tea: The Top Shelf Beverage
49:20 - Baja Blast Soft Serve and Brand Personality
51:11 - The Disneyland Proposal Fight Story
54:21 - The Pizza Expo 2025 Fight Promotion
57:15 - Vandalism vs. Art: The LA Building Debate
01:03:03 - In-N-Out Inspiration and Menu Philosophy
01:06:18 - The Great Pizza Screen Debate
01:12:46 - Parenthood Changes Everything
01:17:43 - Growing Up with Five Siblings
01:19:02 - Overrated/Underrated Game Begins
01:21:53 - "I'm from Detroit. Don't Ever Say That Again."
01:23:07 - Ranch Dressing: The Universal Condiment
01:29:26 - Life Lessons from The Bluey Cricket Episode
01:36:24 - Yelp is OVERRATED
01:38:54 - Pizza Expo is Underrated
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
For more info on the fire recovery in Altadena visit: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/altadena/
This week, we’re taking a break from the Bay Area pods to sit down with Zak from Prime Pizza LA and Jamie from Pizza of Venice to discuss the impact of the Eaton fires— Jamie lost his pizzeria and Zak lost his home to the fire.While the flames may be out, the recovery process has only just begun. It’s important to remember that long after the news coverage fades and social media moves on, the cleanup and the healing continues.Disasters like these don’t come with a playbook, and as business owners, we’re often figuring things out as we go. This conversation gets heavy at times, but there were also plenty of laughs—because sometimes, that’s the only way to get through it.A huge thank you to Jamie and Zak for sharing their experience. The love and support in this industry are real, and when times get tough, we come together. Here’s hoping LA can cut through the red tape and help the Palisades and Altadena rebuild, stronger than before.
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
This Episode’s Sponsors→
🌶️ Join The Pepper Flake Revolution: https://bit.ly/flatironpepper
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
🍕 Be in Business for yourself, not by yourself w/ SLICE : https://bit.ly/SLICENOW
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 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