Here’s What’s Coming in 2026 (and Why I’m Fired Up About It)

by

All right, here we go.

I’ve been thinking a lot about 2026 — what kind of content I want to make, how I want to show up for you, and how we can all keep getting better at this whole “running a pizza shop” thing.

There’s a lot in the works. I’m traveling more. I’m recording more. I’m bringing back some old stuff that worked. And we’re doubling down on YouTube because… well, it works.

Let me break it all down.

One City Per Month – Let’s Go

First off — I’m hitting the road. Every single month in 2026, I’m going to a new city to visit pizza shops. Real ones. Not studio visits. Not Zoom calls. We’re talking inside the shop, while it’s open, ovens firing, orders coming in.

January: Los Angeles
February: South Florida (Miami, Boca, Fort Lauderdale).
March: Vegas + Philly.
April: New Jersey + probably New York and Connecticut.
And of course, Boston and New England since I’m local.

If you’re in one of these spots, hit me up. Maybe we can swing by.

Why In-Person Videos Hit Different

I love podcasting. And virtual interviews are great — convenient, low-stress, easy to schedule.

But there’s just something different about being inside your shop. Seeing where the oven is. Watching the flow. Feeling the energy. It tells a way better story.

Sure, it’s a little chaotic — and I get in the way — but it’s real. And I want to show that.

More YouTube, More Often

I’m keeping the Pizzeria Insider series going strong on the Slice channel — that’s where we go into shops and do those deeper profiles. But I’m also going to be putting more content on the Smart Pizza Marketing YouTube channel.

It’ll be more casual, more frequent, and more useful:

  • Behind-the-scenes of shop visits
  • What I’d change if I owned the place
  • Marketing advice on the fly
  • Just me showing you how I work and think through stuff

This podcast feed? You’ll still get these updates too. But YouTube is where I’m focusing most of my energy in 2026.

Bringing Back Marketing Calls (Wanna Be on One?)

Remember those marketing calls I used to do on the podcast? Where someone would call in, ask questions, and I’d help them figure it out right there on the show?

Yeah, I’m bringing those back.

I’ve already recorded a couple and they came out great. If you want to be on one, email me: bruce@smartpizzamarketing.com. We’ll go over your marketing, your Instagram, your emails — whatever you want.

It’s free. The only thing I ask is that we record it and put it on the podcast so other folks can learn from it too.

You Don’t Need More Info — You Need Accountability

Here’s the thing. Most of you know what you need to do.

You know you should be posting. You know you should be sending emails. You know you should be running promos.

But you get busy. And that turns into days, then weeks. And before you know it, a month’s gone by and you haven’t done a thing.

What most pizza shops really need is someone to hold them accountable. Just like you hold your team accountable.

That’s why I’m thinking about bringing the mastermind group back. Not for more tips — but for the structure, the check-ins, and the people in your corner reminding you to get stuff done.

If you’d be into that, DM me.

Should We Visit Non-Pizza Shops Too?

Another idea I’ve been tossing around: going into other types of businesses. Sandwich shops, bagel places, coffee spots — fast casual places that run similar models but aren’t pizza.

Why?

Because sometimes the best ideas don’t come from pizza shops. They come from outside — and we can steal them. Layout ideas, promos, equipment, marketing tactics… it all applies.

What do you think? Would you watch that? Let me know.

Outside the U.S.? Let’s Talk.

Slice only covers U.S. shops, but Smart Pizza Marketing doesn’t have those restrictions. And I know we’ve got listeners all over the world.

Canada is high on my list — Toronto, Montreal. I also want to do something in London. Maybe Italy. Maybe Australia. I’m not sure it’ll happen in 2026, but I’m starting to plan.

Got suggestions? Hit me up on Instagram: @smartpizzamarketing

YouTube Growth Proves the Strategy Works

A quick note on YouTube. Because I’ve been shouting about this for years, and a lot of you still aren’t listening.

Slice’s YouTube had 700 subs in late 2024. We just passed 23,000.
Smart Pizza Marketing went from around 3,000 to almost 30,000 in the same time.

It works. YouTube is where discovery happens now. If you’re not making content there, you’re invisible to a huge group of potential customers.

Sponsors Who Make This Possible

A big thank you to the folks who supported the podcast in 2025:

All great companies, all great partners.

Final Thought

I’m here to bring you content that helps.

I want you to grow your shop, stay consistent with your marketing, and get inspired by what others are doing. That’s what 2026 is all about.

If you want to get involved — whether it’s a marketing call, a visit to your shop, a mastermind group, or just an idea for a video — DM me on Instagram: @smartpizzamarketing.

Let’s crush 2026 together.