PIE 2 PIE - A Pizza Maker’s Podcast

Here Comes My Hero w/ Patrick Elston of Gus Franco’s Pizza

In this episode of Pie 2 Pie, meet Patrick Elston from Gus Franco's Pizza! Patrick shares his journey from pizza hobbyist to pizzeria owner. Inspired by his wife, Patrick went from perfecting pizzas at home on weekends to opening his own pizza shop named after his two kids.
Patrick gives us an inside look at transforming an old dentist's office into the Gus Franco's brick-and-mortar location, doing much of the build-out himself with the help of friends and family. He offers tips for aspiring pizza makers, emphasizing passion and perseverance. We discuss Patrick's unique business model focused on customer happiness over profits and shares his philosophy of pursuing family time and balance over expansion.
Overall, get an insider's view of the passion, community, and values behind Gus Franco's Pizza. Patrick provides sage advice for potential pizza entrepreneurs looking to spread joy. Hope you enjoy!
 
https://www.instagram.com/gusfrancospizza/ https://linktr.ee/gusfrancospizza
 
Subscribe to PIE 2 PIE Pizza Podcast on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/hottonguetv
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pie-2-pie-a-pizza-makers-podcast/id1668271578
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xX5rl9YlQpA8InjFpfAoc?si=e9e39fd9afd8495c 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pie.2.pie/
 

A True Pie-oneer w/ Mike Hauke of Tony Boloney’s

In this episode of Pie 2 Pie, learn how Mike Hauke of Tony Boloney's built his empire from the crust up. 🍕🎧 Mike joins us to discuss his journey from selling frozen food out of a house in Atlantic City to building the acclaimed Tony Boloney’s pizza empire. 🔥🍕
Mike started Tony Boloney’s in an empty block of AC with plans to sell food and goods to construction workers. But when those plans folded, he pivoted to slinging his amazing pizza creations! 🚧🍕
Through grit and learning to make most everything in-house including producing and wholesaling his own mozzarella and olive oil, Mike has built Tony Boloney’s into a NJ pizza icon with multiple locations and multiple side hustles. 🧑‍🍳🛢
On this ep, Mike reveals:
• His struggles getting pizza suppliers to share their secrets 🤐
• The wild story behind creations like his smokin’ jerk chicken pizza and the Sicilian Swine Fighter 🍗
• How he manages + self-finances multiple shops 💰
• His amazing run-in with Gang Starr’s Guru...in Italy!
Mike’s journey shows that passion + hustle can take you from a small biz to a thriving brand. 📈
So get ready for a masterclass in creativity and entrepreneurship from this pizza prodigy, a true pie-oneer!
https://www.instagram.com/tonyboloneys/
https://linktr.ee/tonyboloneys
 

A Slice of Life: 40 Years in Pizza w/ Jimmy McHugh

Get ready to bake up some knowledge with our deep dish interview with Jim McHugh of McHugh’s Pizza on his 40 years of pizza shop stories. 🍕 Jim started slinging slices as a teenager when his mom got a job across from his high school.
In this episode, we get into how Jimmy has kept his employees around (some for over 20 years) with only a 1% turnover rate. Jim also dishes out his experience on staying cash only to dodge credit card fees, dealing with hangry customers, how they crank out 40% of their annual sales in the summer alone, and his wise words of wisdom on going slow and steady with expansion.
You won't want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at all things pizza business in Brigantine Beach, New Jersey! So preheat your oven and tune in now to get your weekly fix of PIE 2 PIE. 🍕🎧
Subscribe to PIE 2 PIE on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/hottonguetv
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pie-2-pie-a-pizza-makers-podcast/id1668271578
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xX5rl9YlQpA8InjFpfAoc?si=e9e39fd9afd8495c
 

Pizzarre Marketing: A Round Table Discussion About How To Market Your Pizza & More

In this round table discussion, pizza restaurant owners Alex Koons of Hot Tongue Pizza, Janet Kang of Pizza Baby LA, Paul Cody of Pie Trap Pizza, and Nick Camacho of Lucky Nick’s gather to talk about marketing strategies for their various pizza businesses. They share tips on collaborations, social media, paid advertising, and attracting customers. They also discuss the challenges of pricing and customer perceptions around artisanal pizza vs chain pizza.
 
Alex Koons hosts an insightful roundtable discussion with fellow pizza entrepreneurs each coming from different business models. A ghost kitchen, a pop-up, and brick-and-mortar shops are all represented in the discussion.
 
Enjoy this candid conversation about the realities of running a pizza business. Pizzarre marketing: a round table discussion about marketing your pizza & much more!
 
Subscribe to PIE 2 PIE on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/hottonguetv
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pie-2-pie-a-pizza-makers-podcast/id1668271578
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xX5rl9YlQpA8InjFpfAoc?si=e9e39fd9afd8495c
 
 
🚀 STEAL THIS RECIPE: https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe
🌱 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/
 

From Finance to Fresh Baked w/ Jeff Barris of Hail Mary Pizza

In this episode of PIE 2 PIE Jeff Barris tells the tale of how he went from number crunching to kneading dough, and how he made the leap from finance to food when he acquired renowned LA pizzeria Hail Mary Pizza.
Hear Jeff's journey from corporate suits to aprons, how he strategically searched for the perfect restaurant to purchase, the pros and cons of taking over an existing brand, what he's changed and what's stayed the same at Hail Mary, managing costs and sales during the recession, his vision for slow growth while staying true to Hail Mary's roots, advice for aspiring restaurant owners, and more pizza passion from new shop owner Jeff Barris.
Whether you're looking to get into the pizza business or just want a slice of the action, this episode is loaded with tasty insights on running a successful pizzeria.
https://hailmarypizzala.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hailmarypizza/
 
Subscribe to PIE 2 PIE on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/hottonguetv
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pie-2-pie-a-pizza-makers-podcast/id1668271578
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xX5rl9YlQpA8InjFpfAoc?si=e9e39fd9afd8495c
 

Building a Prime Dynasty w/ Zak Fishman of Prime Pizza LA

In this episode of PIE 2 PIE, Alex Koons sits down with Zach Fishman, co-owner of the acclaimed Prime Pizza restaurants in Los Angeles. Zach shares the origin story of Prime Pizza, from falling in love with NY pizza as a kid to opening their flagship Fairfax location in 2014. He provides an inside look at Prime's expansion to 7 shops, discussing everything from maintaining quality standards to hiring and training staff for new store openings.
Zach also reveals his insights on LA's evolving pizza scene, managing multiple locations, product development, and more. This is a must-listen for any pizza lover or restaurateur looking to up their pizza game.
 
https://www.instagram.com/primepizzala/
https://www.tiktok.com/@primepizzala
https://primepizza.la/
 
 
Subscribe to PIE 2 PIE on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/hottonguetv

That Monkey on Your Back w/ Ben Osher of Gorilla Pies

Welcome back to another episode of Pie 2 Pie! Today, we're diving into the world of Gorilla Pies with Ben Osher located in the beautiful Valley Village, Los Angeles.
Gorilla Pies isn't your average pizzeria, they've made waves on "best of" lists and even graced the evening news. Rumor has it, Ben might have had a secret life as a Russian spy, given his stint as the executive chef of Nobu in Moscow.
But our conversation isn't just about espionage; it's a journey. In just two years, Ben went from home kitchen pizzas to owning a brick-and-mortar pizzeria.
We'll uncover the magic behind this transformation in our chat. Join us as we hang out at Gorilla Pies and dive into a great conversation with Ben Osher.
https://www.instagram.com/gorillapies/
https://gorillapies.com/
 
**Subscribe to PIE 2 PIE on:**
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/hottonguetv
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pie-2-pie-a-pizza-makers-podcast/id1668271578
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xX5rl9YlQpA8InjFpfAoc?si=e9e39fd9afd8495c
 

A Tale of Two Doughs w/ Chadwick Corcoran of Two Doughs Pizza

In this episode of PIE 2 PIE, meet the incredible Chadwick Corcoran of Two Doughs in Agoura Hills.
From dialing in their sourdough process with the precision of a scientist, to marketing tactics to grow your brand & catering biz, to finding forgiveness after getting their pizza oven trailer stolen.
Chadwick is among the most knowledgeable bakers I’ve had the pleasure of talking to and just an all around good guy.
I hope you enjoy this episode of Pie 2 Pie!
https://twodoughs.com/
https://www.instagram.com/twodoughs/
 
 
Subscribe to PIE 2 PIE on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/hottonguetv
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pie-2-pie-a-pizza-makers-podcast/id1668271578
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xX5rl9YlQpA8InjFpfAoc?si=e9e39fd9afd8495c
 

Grate Expectations: From Incognito to Catering Dynasty w/ Jason Winters of Speak Cheezy

In this episode, we had the incredible privilege of sitting down with Jason Winters of Speak Cheezy in Long Beach, CA. Join us as we delve into the inspiring transformation of Speak Cheezy from an incognito venture to a thriving catering dynasty. We unravel the story of  how Jason went from having the dream of selling pizzas out of a van to catering events as big as Coachella and opening up his brick and mortar. From birthday parties to delivering to Joe Rogan’s DMT dealer, ”You never know where you’re going to go with pizza” Jason says. Tune in and join us as we celebrate the cheesy goodness of Speak Cheezy. Enjoy!   
https://www.speak-cheezy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/speak_cheezy/
 

Ten Pounds of Sh*t in a 5 Pound Bag w/ Odie O’Connor of Boxcar Pizza

In this last episode of Pie 2 Pie Season 2, we had a special conversation with Odie O'Connor, former owner of Baby Blue and current owner of Boxcar Pizza. Joining us all the way from Portland Oregon. We discussed his transition from Neapolitan pizza to his all Detroit-style square pizzas at Boxcar. Odie's pizza is all plant-based, showcasing his mastery of the dark arts of vegan cuisine. Odie is an amazing person, so dedicated to his craft. Get ready for an entertaining conversation and enjoy the podcast!
https://www.instagram.com/boxcarpizza/
https://order.toasttab.com/online/boxcarpizza
 
 
🚀 How to Steal A RECIPE: https://www.subscribepage.com/howtostealarecipe
🌱 Thinking of Opening a Pizza Shop? Start here: https://howtoopenapizzashop.com/
 
 
HOT TONGUE PIZZA: https://www.hottonguepizza.com/