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.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
  • iHeartRadio
  • PlayerFM
  • Podchaser
  • BoomPlay

Episodes

Friday Jul 12, 2024

In this episode, Alex sits down with Domenick Calise of Bucky's Pizza from New Jersey. Domenick shares his journey from corporate America to pizza entrepreneurship, discussing his pop-up experiences, plans for a brick-and-mortar location, and the intricacies of his pizza-making process.
The conversation covers everything from dough fermentation to flour choices, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of running a pizza business.
 
This Episode’s Sponsors→
📨 MailWise Solutions: https://bit.ly/mailwise-solutions
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
 
Get Yourself a New Gozney Oven: 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/
 
Check out the Pizza Essentials on my Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexkoons 
 

Friday Jul 05, 2024

In this special episode of PIE 2 PIE, host Alex Koons sits down with the two managers of Hot Tongue Pizza, Michael Hiller and Andrew Alvarez. Alex, Michael and Andrew dive deep into their experiences working together for over a decade across multiple restaurants.
 
They discuss the challenges of being in management, from walking the line between friendship and leadership to learning to delegate effectively. Michael and Andrew share valuable insights on creating a positive work culture, handling difficult customers, and adapting to changes in the restaurant.
 
Alex reflects on the importance of trust, respect and open communication in their working relationship. This intimate and revealing conversation highlights the behind-the-scenes dynamics that have enabled Hot Tongue Pizza's success and Alex's own growth as a leader. A must-listen for anyone in the restaurant industry or interested in the power of strong leadership and teamwork.
 
- Effective management involves striking a balance between being hands-on and allowing staff autonomy. Learning to delegate tasks, listen to feedback, and let employees make mistakes are crucial for growth and building trust.
 
- Creating a positive restaurant culture requires a combination of open communication, respect for staff as individuals, and making work fun. Sarcasm and joking should be balanced with clearly communicating expectations and feedback.The customer is not always right.
 
- While hospitality is about serving people, managers need to know when to draw the line and stand up for their team in the face of rude or abusive customer behavior. Enabling this behavior ultimately hurts staff morale.
 
This Episode’s Sponsors→
📨 MailWise Solutions: https://bit.ly/mailwise-solutions
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
 
Get Yourself a New Gozney Oven: 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/
 

Friday Jun 28, 2024

In this episode of Pie 2 Pie, host Alex welcomes Cody Splane, aka @splangerdanger a talented pizza chef, Ooni ambassador, and rising star in the world of pizza content creation. Cody shares his unique journey in the pizza world from doing pop-up events to becoming a social media influencer with a fully-equipped studio kitchen.
 
Alex and Cody dive into the impact of backyard pizza ovens on the industry, Cody's experience competing in pizza competitions, and the art of pizza photography. Cody opens up about his background in cooking, his relationship with Ooni, and his thoughts on the future of pizza-making.
 
The conversation explores the evolving pizza community, the challenges of content creation, and the balance between pursuing pizza passion and maintaining a day job. They also touch on Cody's dream of opening a takeout window slice shop and his philosophy on pizza-making.
 
Peppered with insights on dough-making, cheese choices, and olive oil preferences, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the modern pizza landscape from the perspective of a home chef turned influencer. It’s Slice, Camera Action, baby!
 
This Episode’s Sponsors→
📨 MailWise Solutions: https://bit.ly/mailwise-solutions
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
 
Get Yourself a New Gozney Oven: 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/
 

Friday Jun 21, 2024

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→
📨 MailWise Solutions: https://bit.ly/mailwise-solutions
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
🌱 BeHive Pepperoni: https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni 
 
Get Yourself a New Gozney Oven: 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/
 

Friday Jun 14, 2024

In this episode, Alex sits down with Griffin Baker Pizza Maker, master of social media marketing, who has built a strong following online and has taken things offline in the LA pizza scene to work at two of the most renowned pizzerias in Los Angeles – Ozzy's Apizza and Secret Pizza LA.
 
Griffin shares his journey from crafting pizzas on his patio using a baking steel to today. He delves into how his background in pharmaceutical marketing has influenced his approach to building a strong and engaged following on Instagram.
 
Throughout the episode, Griffin's humble, hardworking, and genuine nature is so apparent as he talks through navigating the challenges and triumphs of entering the pizza industry while weighing his options for what the future holds. https://www.instagram.com/griffinbakerpizzamaker/
 
This Episode’s Sponsors→
📨 MailWise Solutions: https://bit.ly/mailwise-solutions
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
🌱 BeHive Pepperoni: https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni 
 
 
Get Yourself a New Gozney Oven: 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/
 

Friday Jun 07, 2024

In this episode of PIE 2 PIE, we sit down with Joey Scolaro, the passionate owner of Lucinos Pizza in Las Vegas. Joey dishes out his inspiring journey from growing up in his dad's pizzerias in Philly to opening their own Eagles inspired slice haven together in Vegas.
 
We dive into the challenges of getting started, from sketchy landlords to unexpected obstacles, and how Joey's grit and family support helped Lucinos rise above. Joey shares how he's built a loyal following through wild creations like the Philly Burrito and clever collaborations with other local businesses.
 
While Lucinos faced a setback with a recent fire, Joey's positive attitude shines through as he prepares to rebuild bigger and better. Topped with shout-outs to pizza legends like Tony Boloney and reflections on the power of social media marketing, this episode is piping hot and not to be missed. Tune in for a big slice of wisdom, laughs and hunger-inducing food talk. It's a story of passion, perseverance and really, really good pizza. https://www.instagram.com/lucinospizzalv/
 
 
This Episode’s Sponsors→
📨 MailWise Solutions: https://bit.ly/mailwise-solutions
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
🌱 BeHive Pepperoni: https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni
 
Get Yourself a New Gozney Oven: 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/
 
 

Tuesday Jun 04, 2024

In this enlightening episode, Alex Koons sits down with pizza consultant, Alastair Hannmann, known aka The Pizza Buddha. Alastair shares his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in Guam to becoming a renowned pizza consultant and sought-after prophet in the pizza world. He discusses the triumphs and tribulations of his career, including his time as a pizzeria owner in Hawaii, his transformative experience at Zoom Pizza in the bay area, and his invaluable mentorship under the legendary Tony Gemignani.
 
Alastair's infectious energy, raw honesty, and doughy revelations make this an episode that every pizzeria owner and pizza enthusiast needs to hear.
 
The Pizza Buddha dispenses wisdom on the crucial roles of data, processes, and the human element in running a profitable pizzeria. He dives deep into the importance of automation, equipment, and shares his unique insights on the future of the restaurant industry. https://www.instagram.com/althepizzabuddha/
 
 
This Episode’s Sponsors→
📨 MailWise Solutions: https://bit.ly/mailwise-solutions
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
🌱 BeHive Pepperoni: https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni
 
Get Yourself a New Gozney Oven: 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/ 
 
 

Friday May 31, 2024

On this episode, James Orlando from Fatto a Mano joins Alex Koons at the Pizza Expo in Las Vegas for a hilarious and wide-ranging conversation. Along with Chelsea and Samantha, James shares the fascinating story of starting his wood-fired pizza business in Oahu, Hawaii.
 
He recounts the ups and downs, from destroying his first pizza oven to getting recognized by Food & Wine magazine as having the best pizza in the state. James opens up about his journey getting sober and how it transformed his life and business.
 
The group swaps stories from their time working together in chaotic restaurant kitchens and reflects on what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. James explains his vision for expanding to a slice shop and pasta bar, and the crew geeks out about everything from flour hydration to their favorite musicians.
 
 
This Episode’s Sponsors→
📨 MailWise Solutions: https://bit.ly/mailwise-solutions
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
🌱 BeHive Pepperoni: https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni
 
Get Yourself a New Gozney Oven: 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/

Tuesday May 28, 2024

In this episode, we sit down with Janet Zapata, the owner of 550 Pizzeria in Laredo, Texas. Janet shares her inspiring journey from working as a cashier to becoming a successful pizzeria owner. She discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of being an entrepreneur, and how she overcame a difficult partnership to start her own business.
 
Janet also shares insights on building a positive work culture, leveraging social media for brand awareness, and the power of manifestation in achieving one's dreams. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with valuable lessons and heartfelt moments!
 
This Episode’s Sponsors→
📨 MailWise Solutions: https://bit.ly/mailwise-solutions
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
🌱 BeHive Pepperoni: https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni
Get Yourself a New Gozney Oven: 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/
 
 

Friday May 24, 2024

In this episode, Alex sits down with Mikey Bausch, a man of many talents in the pizza industry. As the owner of Andolini's Pizza in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mike shares his journey from shoestringing his first restaurant to now managing multiple successful concepts. He discusses the importance of delegation, creating systems for growth, maintaining a strong company culture across a large team, the value of community involvement, and the joy of pursuing your dreams. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and pizza enthusiasts alike.Mike also dives into his experience as an author, consultant, and the president of the World Pizza Champions. They discuss his latest book, Unsliced: How to Stay Whole in the Pizzeria Industry, which he has turned into an online course/consulting experience for pizzeria owners.
 
We discuss time management, team building, and the power of passion in the industry. From breaking world records to digitizing his training program, Mikey's innovative approach to business is truly inspiring. https://getunsliced.com/
 
 
This Episode’s Sponsors→
📨 MailWise Solutions: https://bit.ly/mailwise-solutions
🎶 Maestro Sausage: https://bit.ly/maestro-sausage
🌱 BeHive Pepperoni: https://bit.ly/BE-HivePepperoni
 
 
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/
 

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