Every day, pizzeria operators grind to produce great pizza and customer-service experiences for their patrons. This podcast features free-flowing conversations ...
Episode 25: Brian Lewis and Eunice Carter of Bocado Pizza
Brian Lewis and Eunice Carter join the show to share the origin story of Bocado Pizza and how (and why) the brand launched a line of better-for-you frozen pizza (2:42). Lewis talks about his culinary background, his famous Bocado Burger and how the food scene in Atlanta has changed over the years. Carter shares some details about who Bocado is targeting with its frozen pizza. Later, in a new Style Guide segment, Brian Hernandez joins the show to talk about Windsor-style pizza (35:28).
Story about Windsor-style pizza: https://www.pmq.com/did-canadians-invent-a-superior-pepperoni-pizza/
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56:24
Episode 24: AJ "Auggie" Russo of Tiny Pizza Kitchen
A.J. “Auggie” Russo of Tiny Pizza Kitchen joins the show to discuss his early roots in the pizza business and how the pandemic pushed him back into the industry (2:41). Russo also discusses his Fennel Bourbon Candied Hot Peppers and the bump in popularity they received from talk show host Stephen Colbert. Colbert and his wife, Evie, featured Russo’s recipe for the hot peppers in their cookbook, “Does This Taste Funny?” Later in the show, Brian Hernandez shares a look back at the U.S. Pizza Team’s successful 2024 campaign and previews what folks can look forward to from the USPT in 2025 (1:04:46).
Russo's Fennel Bourbon Candied Hot Peppers: https://www.tinypizzakitchen.com/buy-chilies/p/country-feast-set-3nybt-hlg28
PMQ feature story on Russo: https://www.pmq.com/how-a-man-who-has-never-been-good-at-anything-became-great-at-making-pizza/
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1:23:30
Episode 23: Troy Tracy of Emmy Squared Pizza
Troy Tracy, CEO of Emmy Squared Pizza, joins the show to talk about his vision for the brand (2:21). Tracy also discusses his background in the restaurant industry and what it was like to do field research for the Detroit-style pizza chain. Later in the show, Brian Hernandez joins for a special Style Guide segment discussing New England Greek Pizza. Prior to that, Charlie gives some context to the New England Greek Pizza discussion (21:26).
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47:32
Episode 22: Eidref Laxa of the 'What's Good Dough?' Podcast
Eidref Laxa, founder of the What's Good Dough? podcast, joins the show to talk about a recent life decision he made: To quit his job of 9 years and go all in on pizza (2:41). Laxa also shares what made him want to get into pizza in the first place and why he launched a podcast about his pizza journey. Later in the show, Brian Hernandez shares information related to the U.S. Pizza Team and breaks down results from the third annual Galbani Professionale Cup Pizza Cup & Acrobatic Trials (46:59).
Most recent What's Good Dough? episode: http://bit.ly/41pyB0M
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1:18:17
Episode 21: Josh Sickels of Rockaway Pizzeria
Josh Sickels, owner and operator of Rockaway Pizzeria, joins the show to discuss a recent pizza-eating road trip he took through Eastern Pennysylvania, New Jersey, New York City and New Haven, Connecticut (3:01). The trip took place after Rockaway Pizzeria received an 8.2 "One Bite" Review from Dave Portnoy. Rockaway was mobbed by crowds, even more so than usual, for weeks afterwards. Sickels also discusses his decision to move the pizzeria from White Oak, PA, to the Regent Square neighborhood of Pittsburgh, and how he views the past, present and future of the world of pizza.
Every day, pizzeria operators grind to produce great pizza and customer-service experiences for their patrons. This podcast features free-flowing conversations with those operators regarding the trials and tribulations they face both inside and outside of work. The show also features pizza news and deep dives into things like unique pizza styles.