Behind the Scenes of Pizza Delicious with Mike
Hello folks, welcome back to the Smart Pizza Marketing podcast. My name is Bruce, your host, and today we have an incredible episode lined up for you. Our guest is Mike from Pizza Delicious in New Orleans. Now, let me tell you, New Orleans is a city I absolutely love, but maybe not so much in the summertime. We’re going to dive into that with Mike, but first, let’s get to the heart of today’s episode.
From Pop-Up to Pizzeria
Mike and his partner Greg started Pizza Delicious as a pop-up back in 2010. Their journey from a pop-up to a full-fledged pizzeria is nothing short of inspiring. They wanted to bring the New York-style pizza they grew up with to New Orleans, and they’ve successfully done just that. We talked about their transition from pop-up to brick-and-mortar, the challenges they faced, and the unique aspects of running a pizzeria today.
The New York Influence
Mike and Greg are both from the New York area, and they brought their love for New York-style pizza with them. They spent a lot of time perfecting their dough and recipes to recreate the flavors of their childhood. It wasn’t easy, especially since they started with zero pizza experience. But through trial and error, and a lot of passion, they managed to create a product that resonates with both locals and visitors.
For 38 years, our family has designed and manufactured the Cheese Hog cheese grater and shredder machine. We take pride in saying our machines are made in the USA with American-made materials and workmanship. Machines built to last by a brand that is built to last.
The Challenges of Running a Pizzeria
Running a pizzeria isn’t just about making great pizza. Mike opened up about the challenges they face, from managing food costs to dealing with staffing and ensuring consistent quality. One of the major hurdles was adapting to a brick-and-mortar setup, which came with its own set of challenges, including significant financial investments and the stress of maintaining daily operations.
Marketing and Community Engagement
We also discussed the importance of marketing and community engagement. Pizza Delicious started at a time when social media was just beginning to take off. They utilized platforms like Facebook to build a loyal customer base. Today, they continue to engage with their community through social media, special events, and by maintaining a strong presence in their neighborhood.
Consistency and Quality
One of the key takeaways from my conversation with Mike was the emphasis on consistency and quality. Pizza Delicious keeps their menu focused and manageable, which allows them to maintain high standards. They offer a variety of pizzas, including vegan options, and rotate specials regularly to keep things interesting for their customers.
Final Thoughts
This episode is packed with insights for anyone in the restaurant industry, especially those running or planning to run a pizzeria. Mike’s honesty and openness about the ups and downs of their journey provide valuable lessons on resilience, community engagement, and the importance of staying true to your vision.
Thank you, Mike, for joining me on the podcast. And thank you, listeners, for tuning in. If you’re in New Orleans, make sure to stop by Pizza Delicious. You can find them online at PizzaDelicious.com and on Instagram at @PizzaDelicious.
For more episodes, resources, and our upcoming SPM magazine, head over to SmartPizzaMarketing.com. Whether you’re opening your own place soon or you already have your place open and you’re looking to grow and expand, we’ve got you covered.
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Resources
- Wook.AI : WookAI Supplier Management System has got you covered! Our user-friendly system provides an easy way to audit your contract terms, which can lead to significant savings from recovered profits. Don’t miss this opportunity to optimize your restaurant’s financial health. Try WookAI Supplier Management System today!
- SPM Community: Whether you’re a seasoned pizza operator or just starting, the SPM Community is your go-to hub for all things pizza.
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Founded in 2010 by Mike Kurtz, the brand was born from a desire to create and share the highest quality honey infused with chili peppers. Mike began drizzling his signature hot honey on pizzas at the Brooklyn pizzeria where he worked, and customers started to ask if they could buy bottles to take home.