For more go to www.smartpizzamarketing.com

Summary

Lynn and Brandon share their inspiring journey from making pizza at home to launching their own restaurant in Chicago. They discuss the challenges they faced, the importance of community support, and the strategies they employed to build their brand and engage with customers. Their story highlights the resilience and adaptability required in the food industry, as well as the significance of staying true to one's roots and vision.

Chapters

00:00 From Home Cooking to Business Venture

05:50 Overcoming Challenges and Securing a Lease

11:58 Building a Community and Brand Identity

20:19 Deep Dish Pizza: A Chicago Tradition

27:24 Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement

YouTube Description for the Episode:

🎙️ Live from the Pizza Tomorrow Summit! 🍕
In this episode, Bruce chats with Enrico from Uncle Rico's Pizza in Fort Myers, Florida! Recorded live at the Pizza Tomorrow Summit in Orlando, we dive into the vibrant pizza scene, Enrico's journey in the business, and his first-ever competition.

🎯 Topics Covered:

💡 Whether you're a pizza aficionado or a business owner, this episode has something for everyone.
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncle_ricos_pizza239/

Website: https://www.unclericospizza239.com/

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more amazing pizza content, interviews, and business insights! Check out our channel for more behind-the-scenes footage and join the pizza conversation!

📧 Questions or want to be featured? Reach out to Bruce at Bruce@SmartPizzaMarketing.com or DM on Instagram: Smart Pizza Marketing.

📢 Subscribe to "How You Slice It" Podcast on Spotify and Apple iTunes!
We’re here to help you build a better pizza business and a better life.

🍕 Let’s keep the pizza love alive! See you in the comments.

Join our newsletter for pizza operators:

Follow on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Smartpizzamarketing

Slice Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SlicePlatform

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Andrew from Gianni's Pizza

04:02 Managing Multiple Locations and Family Dynamics

10:07 Adapting Business Hours for Profitability

16:12 The Challenges of Delivery and Third-Party Services

20:30 Creating a Unique Dining Experience

26:02 The Evolution of Gianni's and Lupo Pizzeria

32:14 Marketing Strategies in the Digital Age

Buy and Ooni pizza oven

Pizza Merch

🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing

📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing

👨‍💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing

🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing

Here’s the truth: talent is overrated.It’s the small, consistent choices that make your pizzeria a success.Which one of these do you think has the biggest impact in your shop? Let me know.

MY OTHER SOCIALS:

🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -

🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing

📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing

👨‍💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing

🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing

MY OTHER SOCIALS:

🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -

🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing

📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing

👨‍💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing

🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing

Welcome to the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast, your go-to resource for real talk and actionable advice on running a successful pizzeria. I’m Bruce, your host, and I’m excited to introduce a new, shorter format to deliver quick tips, strategies, and insights directly to you.

While my in-depth interviews have moved to the How You Slice It podcast with Slice (check it out and subscribe), this show is all about sharing the lessons I’ve learned from talking to hundreds of pizza entrepreneurs. From building a pop-up to managing multiple locations, I’ve seen it all—and I want to help you navigate the journey.

In these bite-sized episodes, we’ll focus on what’s working right now in marketing, operations, and growth. I’ll be pulling back the curtain on what I would’ve wanted to know when I was running my own shop, especially the mindset shifts that can make all the difference.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need a little push, you’re not alone. We’re all figuring it out, step by step, and I’m here to remind you that progress is about taking consistent, small actions every day. Join our Pizza Shop Owners Forum on Facebook to connect with others in the industry, and let’s build a community that supports each other.

Got a question? Hit me up on Instagram @SmartPizzaMarketing or email me at bruce@smartpizzamarketing.com. Let’s get started and get you pumped to take your shop to the next level. And a big shoutout to our sponsor, Stanislaus Food Products, for supporting this journey.

Tune in, take notes, and let’s grow together!

In this episode of Smart Pizza Marketing, Bruce chats with Loren Paddleford, Chief Revenue Officer of Slice, about the distinct challenges and opportunities independent pizzerias face in a competitive market.

Loren explains how Slice is dedicated to supporting pizzerias with tools like online ordering, in-store POS systems, and tailored marketing services, diverging from the consumer-focused models of UberEats and DoorDash. The episode underscores the importance of community engagement and storytelling, and highlights the educational resources Slice provides to help pizzeria owners thrive.

Bruce and Loren also discuss the cultural significance of pizza, the value of direct customer relationships, and their shared vision of empowering local pizzerias to compete with larger chains. Tune in to learn how Slice is fostering a supportive ecosystem for independent pizza shops to succeed and grow.