Podcast · Business

Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast

by Smart Pizza Marketing · English · Business

We teach restaurants and pizzerias how to use social media to grow their business. With our Podcast-Social Media Courses- Mastermind-Live Shows and much more. Visit www.Smartpizzamarketing.com to see how we can help you. Interviews with pizza entrepreneurs and marketing experts.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 38 min
Latest: 1 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

1 Sep 2026 · 38 min

616: From Marketing to Pizza: How Sauced Built a Local Following

We visited Sauced to see how they’ve built a pizza shop that feels different. From changing the menu and adding smashburgers to creating a space people actually want to come back to, this is a real look at what it takes to build a restaurant from the ground up. We talk about the early mistakes, working with family, marketing the business, creating experiences for customers, and what they would do differently if they had to start over. This isn’t just about pizza. It’s about figuring things out as you go, listening to good advice, and building something people in your town want to support.…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

5 Aug 2026 · 43 min
616: He Started a Pizza Shop With No Experience. Now He Has 45 Employees.
Dan opened Violent Stone in St. Petersburg without a background in pizza or restaurants. What started as a small idea is now a busy Philly-inspired pizza and cheesesteak shop with 45 employees, a packed kitchen, and another location on the way. We walk through the whole operation, talk dough, the layout, labor, margins, why they got rid of servers after 30 days, and what it really takes to grow without killing the business.
29 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
615: He Opened a Pizza Shop With Zero Experience. Now They Do 200+ Pizzas a Night
SPM PRO: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/pro/ What does it take to build a pizza shop that does 200+ pizzas on a busy night when you've never worked in a restaurant? In this episode, we visit Pie Trap in Covina, California, where owner John started with zero restaurant experience and built a high-volume pizza business from the ground up. No family pizza shop. No industry background. Just a clear vision, a 20-inch pizza, and years of learning through trial and error. We break down the kitchen layout, dough process, menu strategy, and the systems that keep a small space producing at a high…
14 Jul 2026 · 36 min
614: Inside One of San Francisco's Best Square Pizza Shops - Square Pie Guys
This week we're visiting Square Pie Guys in San Francisco. We walk through the restaurant, talk about how the business grew from pop-ups to three locations, why consistency matters more than a huge menu, and the systems that make expansion possible. We also get into: Growing from one shop to multiple locationsTraining and delegationBuilding a recognizable brandKitchen layout and workflowMenu strategySocial media and marketingWhy most customers still order pepperoni If you're thinking about opening a pizza shop or scaling the one you already have, there's a lot to learn from this one.
7 Jul 2026 · 46 min
613: How to Get Customers Off DoorDash and Ordering Direct From Your Pizza Shop
What happens when you buy a struggling pizza shop in a great location? In this episode of How You Slice It , I sit down with Gus from Township Line Pizza outside Philadelphia. We talk about how he turned the business around by focusing on consistency, making better food, using local influencers the right way, and getting customers to order direct instead of relying on third-party delivery apps. Cheese Hog: https://cheesehogmachine.com/ TownshipLine Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/townshipline_pizza/
12 Jun 2026 · 46 min
612: He Was Doing $55K a Month... and Still Losing Money
SPM PRO: Most pizza shop owners think more sales will solve their problems. But after spending time inside this Miami pizza shop, it became clear that sales weren't the issue. In this episode, we break down what was really holding this business back, why relying too heavily on third-party apps can hurt your growth, and what I'd do differently if I were in his shoes. We also talk about: Why he actually has two separate businesses Using DoorDash and Uber Eats the right way Turning third-party customers into direct customers Building an email and text list that drives repeat business Why…
29 May 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
611: Why Growing Too Fast Almost Broke This Pizza Business and What He Learned From It
What does it really take to build a successful pizza business that lasts nearly two decades? In this episode, we tour one of Dallas' most unique pizza operations and sit down with owner Sammy to discuss the realities of restaurant ownership, leadership, growth, failure, culture, technology, and building a high-volume operation from scratch. Sammy shares how he opened his first location at 24 years old, navigated partnerships, survived economic downturns and COVID, learned from a failed expansion, and ultimately refocused on what matters most: people, systems, consistency, and culture.
22 May 2026 · 45 min
610: Why Danny Boys Pizza Finally Cracked the Code on Running a Profitable Pizzeria
In this episode, we sit down with a passionate pizza shop owner who opens up about the brutal realities of the restaurant business, surviving COVID, scaling operations, managing employees, and finally building a restaurant that actually works. From losing money on delivery apps to learning how to structure teams, pricing, quality control, and leadership, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons every restaurant owner and small business entrepreneur needs to hear.
5 May 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
609: Inside a 600-Pie-a-Day Pizza Shop: Systems, Standards, and Brutal Attention to Detail
Apply for SPM PRO: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/spmpro/ What does it really take to run a high-volume pizza shop and scale it without losing your soul or your ownership? In this episode, we go behind the scenes of a thriving pizzeria where details matter, culture drives everything, and growth is intentional. From daily walkthroughs and quality control to building emotional connections through something as simple as a “grandma wall,” this conversation dives deep into what separates average operators from elite ones. You’ll learn how to maintain standards at scale, build a brand people…
21 Apr 2026 · 58 min
608: This Vegas Pizza Shop Quietly Built a $2M Business in a Neighborhood Plaza
In this episode, the owners of Rebellion Pizza break down how they built a thriving neighborhood pizza business in Las Vegas by focusing on quality, consistency, culture, and community. They share the realities of operating in a tiny footprint, surviving insane early growth, creating systems, hiring strong people, and expanding the right way.
14 Apr 2026 · 24 min
607: Pizza Expo Worth It? Answering Your Questions
Apply to join SPM PRO: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/spmpro/
17 Mar 2026 · 1 hr
606: $19 Minimum Wage Is Crushing Restaurants. Here’s How This Pizza Owner Is Still Profitable
Join SPM PRO: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/spmpro/ In this episode, Bruce sits down with Matt, a pizza shop owner who built a thriving business in the Seattle area and scaled it to over $1.3M in annual sales. They dive into real marketing strategies, leadership lessons, hiring challenges, and how COVID forced a complete shift in product, operations, and community positioning. Matt shares how he went from working in the kitchen every day to building systems, delegating responsibilities, and running a true business instead of owning a job. They also break down the realities of rising wages,…
4 Mar 2026 · 50 min
605: Why Great Pizza Isn’t Enough: The Marketing Struggles of a Pizza Shop Owner
Smartpizzamarketing.com/spmpro A pizza shop owner shares what it’s really like trying to grow a pizzeria today. We talk about buying a pizza shop two weeks before COVID, rebuilding a damaged brand, and why marketing is harder than making great pizza. We also dive into social media, posting pizza content, email marketing, and the simple strategies pizza shop owners can use to get more customers.
24 Feb 2026 · 14 min
604: Stop Making Skits and Start Selling Pizza: The Content Strategy That Actually Works
In this solo episode, Bruce breaks down the biggest marketing mistakes he’s seeing after dozens of onboarding calls with pizza operators across the country. If you’re struggling to grow, get traction, or compete with DoorDash and Uber Eats, this episode is your wake-up call. You are not just in the pizza business. You are in the attention business.
16 Feb 2026 · 9 min
I Visited 75 Pizzerias in 12 Months and Discovered a Massive Problem
After visiting 75 pizza shops in person over the last 12 months, I noticed something surprising. It did not matter if the owner had one location or fifteen. They all felt like they were making decisions alone. In this episode, I talk about why running a pizza business can feel isolating, why even family partners often do not understand the pressure, and why I decided to bring back SPM Pro Mastermind as a serious, vetted community for growth-minded pizza operators. This is not a free Facebook group. This is not a course. This is not full of vendors trying to sell you something. It is a room…
3 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
603: Helping The Humble Oven Scale: Marketing & Strategy Advice for a Pizzeria
In this episode, we sit down with Mason, owner of a unique pasta-forward pizzeria operating out of a compact 450 sq ft space inside a public market. Mason shares how his team combines Neapolitan-style pizza with house-made pasta, all while maintaining QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) speed and consistency. He also opens up about a major business rebrand and partnership fallout in the early stages. If you're a restaurant owner, chef, or just someone thinking about launching a food concept—this one’s for you. Cheese Hog : https://cheesehogmachine.com/
30 Jan 2026 · 14 min
Why This LA Slice Shop Only Sells Squares in 1,000 SQ Foot Shop. (Video)
Step inside Old Gold, a square-slice Sicilian-style pizza shop quietly taking over Hollywood Blvd — without PR, hype, or a massive footprint. In just 1,000 square feet, they’ve built a cult following with crispy-edged slices, a throwback vibe, and smart business moves.In this episode, we talk with the owner about how Old Gold went from pandemic bread pop-ups to a neighborhood fixture, why not going “artisanal” was a deliberate move, and what it takes to thrive in LA with zero restaurant group backing. Go follow on youtube for more videos: https://www.youtube.com/@SlicePlatformOld Gold:…
27 Jan 2026 · 16 min
602: If You're Banking on Portnoy, You're Already in Trouble
In this solo episode of the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast , Bruce shares two powerful topics every pizzeria owner needs to hear: the hidden dangers of chasing social media fame (looking at you, Portnoy) and when it’s actually time to shut down your restaurant. Plus, he recaps his experience at the LA Pizza Alliance—where dozens of shops united for a cause. Raw, real, and deeply practical for any pizza business owner.
20 Jan 2026 · 40 min
601: He Built a Thriving Pizza Pop-Up for $2K — Here's How You Can Too
Thinking of starting a pizza pop-up? Jeremy from Gabacool Provisions breaks down how he built a successful California-based pop-up pizza business with just over $2,000. We cover everything from startup costs, health permits, equipment, daily operations, and even surviving California's strict food laws. Whether you're a pizza fan, aspiring pop-up operator, or just curious what it's like behind the tent walls — this episode is loaded with valuable insights and real talk.
13 Jan 2026 · 18 min
600: 7 Pizza Shops That Changed How I Think About the Business
🎉 Welcome to the 600th episode of the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast! In this special edition, Bruce takes you behind the scenes of the most memorable pizzerias he visited in 2025. These aren’t just great pizza spots — they’re masterclasses in community, craft, and unique operations. Whether you're a pizza lover or business owner, you're going to walk away inspired.
6 Jan 2026 · 58 min
599: Bruce Told Geoff the Truth About His Pizza Shop Plan — And He’s Still All In
Geoff is leaving the tech world behind to open a wood-fired pizza shop in Ellicott City, Maryland — and he’s putting everything on the line to make it work. In this brutally honest consultation, Bruce (Smart Pizza Marketing) challenges his assumptions, reviews his business plan, and digs deep into whether this dream is built to last. From rent, to oven choice, to carryout strategy — nothing is off limits. Thinking of opening your own pizzeria? This episode is a masterclass in what to do and what to avoid. 👉 Want to get a free consultation with Bruce? Visit…
30 Dec 2025 · 19 min
598: What’s Coming in 2026: Pizza Tours, Free Marketing Help & Why YouTube Is King
In this episode, Bruce reveals the exciting plans for 2026, including his monthly travel schedule to pizzerias across the U.S., the return of marketing call episodes, and a major push on YouTube. He also discusses why most pizza shop owners struggle with marketing — and what to do about it. If you're a pizzeria owner looking for inspiration, strategy, and accountability, this is your episode.
15 Dec 2025 · 12 min
The Pizza Shop Blueprint: How to Make Money and Have a Life
Work with us: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/consulting/Thinking about opening a pizza shop in 2026? Bruce has been in the business for 25+ years, visited over 100 pizza shops in 2025, and interviewed 700+ people in the pizza world. In this video, he shares the exact blueprint he’d follow if he were opening a new shop today. From choosing your pizza style to avoiding delivery and building in public, this is your no-BS guide to running a profitable pizza shop without burning out.
9 Dec 2025 · 9 min
589: The #1 Reason Your Staff Doesn’t Listen (And How to Fix It Immediately)
Are you constantly repeating yourself to your team? Frustrated that no one seems to retain what you teach? In this episode, Bruce from Smart Pizza Marketing breaks down the real reason why employees don’t follow through—and the mindset shift that will change everything for your pizza shop (or any business). Inspired by a conversation with Andy from Andy’s Pizza, this short but powerful episode is packed with insights on leadership, training, and how to truly build a team that delivers. 💥 Sponsored by Cheese Hog – the best cheese shredding machine in the game. Learn more at cheesehogmachine.com
3 Dec 2025 · 23 min
588: Pizza Shop Search Update, Lessons from Andy’s Pizza & Why I Launched PizzaShopListings.com
In this solo episode, I share what I’ve learned after visiting over 10 pizza shops, why I walked away from two potential deals, how Andy’s Pizza is scaling without investors, and why I created PizzaShopListings.com — a new resource to buy and sell pizza shops. Plus, what I’m planning for 2026 and why simplicity is key in my next pizza business. https://www.PizzaShopListings.com https://www.youtube.com/@SlicePlatform
14 Nov 2025 · 14 min
588: How to Check the Health of Your Pizza Shop in 10 Minutes
Most pizza shops don’t fail because the pizza’s bad — they fail because the owner has no idea what’s really going on. In this episode, I’ll show you how to check the health of your pizza shop in under 10 minutes using just four numbers: sales, food cost, labor, and repeat customers. No fancy software. No spreadsheets. Just a simple weekly habit that’ll keep your shop profitable and your stress low.
17 Oct 2025 · 14 min
587: How to Grow by 50 Orders a Day: Menu, In-Store, and TikTok Strategy Explained
In this episode of the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast, Bruce tackles 10 powerful questions from listeners that every pizzeria owner should hear. From low-budget marketing advice to the launch of a new Pizza Shop Marketplace , Bruce shares practical, no-BS insights to help you grow your business. Whether you're trying to add 50 daily orders, stop relying on brokers, or finally make TikTok work for your shop, this episode has it all.
10 Oct 2025 · 22 min
586: Answering Your Pizza Shop Questions
The Pizza Weekly: https://www.instagram.com/thepizzaweekly/
24 Sep 2025 · 15 min
586: The Chaos Killing Your Sales: What I Saw Inside This Pizzeria
In this solo episode, Bruce from Smart Pizza Marketing shares what he learned during a recent visit to a struggling Florida pizzeria. From lacking basic checklists to chaotic kitchens, Bruce uncovers the root problems and offers actionable strategies every pizza shop owner should hear before trying to grow. He also talks about exciting tools like Boostly, Stanislaus Tomatoes, and Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses for training. If you're a pizza operator trying to stabilize or scale, this is a must-listen.
29 Aug 2025 · 39 min
585: How to Actually Grow Your Pizza Shop Using Text Marketing, SEO, and AI
Boostly: https://www.boostly.com/ In this episode, I’m hanging with Shane from Boostly. We’re talkin’ real strategies for text marketing, SEO, and AI that actually help you get more customers in the door — without spending all day glued to your phone or computer. This isn’t some sponsor fluff. Yeah, Boostly sponsors the show, but I only work with companies I’d use myself. This episode is packed with solid info that’ll help you grow your shop, track your results, and stop wasting time on marketing that doesn’t move the needle.

About Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast

Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast is a English business podcast from Smart Pizza Marketing. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Smart Pizza Marketing
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 38 min
Latest episode: 1 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id979705167
Rights: Smart Pizza Marketing

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