Mike Burns, CEO of &pizza, comes on the show to talk about exciting new franchising news for the 45-location brand (2:56). Burns lays out the brand’s growth strategy and why he says the brand can reach 300 locations by 2030. Burns also discusses his background in basketball coaching and how he climbed the ladder at Bojangles. Later in the show, Brian Hernandez returns to give a U.S. Pizza Team update—including a preview of the upcoming Galbani Cup at the Pizza Tomorrow Summit in Orlando, Nov. 11-13 (39:47).
Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup Registration: https://uspizzateam.com/gppc25/
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1:00:04
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1:00:04
Episode 43: Salvatore Reina of Francesca Pizza & Pasta
Salvatore Reina of Francesca Pizza & Pasta returns to discuss how a Long Island childhood and a formative first pizzeria job shaped his path, from opening in Elmwood Park and Glen Rock, New Jersey, to mentoring partner Adam Vuksanic and growing a tight-knit team (3:17). He breaks down their booming school-lunch program—now serving nearly 400 meals a day across 17 schools—and the scrappy marketing play of selling ad space on pizza boxes. Along the way: lessons on balance, culture and saying “yes” first and figuring it out later.
Previous episodes with Sal: https://www.pmq.com/podcast/episode-30-salvatore-reina/
https://www.pmq.com/podcast/episode-18-salvatore-reina/
School lunch program story:
https://www.pmq.com/francesca-school-lunch/
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58:24
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58:24
Episode 42: Vitangelo Recchia of Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Restaurant
Vitangelo “Vito” Recchia, owner and operator of Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Restaurant in Port Charlotte, Florida, joins the show (2:36). Recchia discusses how a man who grew up in a pizza shop—but didn't make a pizza until age 30—became a highly acclaimed chef who was named "Best American Pizza Maker" at the 2023 and 2024 World Pizza Championships. Recchia recalls growing up in his family’s Pennsylvania pizza shop, training in Italy at a Michelin-starred restaurant and how competitions in Parma have helped him refine his craft. Later in the conversation, Recchia explains what it takes to educate a retirement-heavy Florida market on quality, why he still embraces Italian-American classics and the lessons he carries forward as both chef and entrepreneur.
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1:15:28
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1:15:28
Episode 41: Jim Henry and Jim Mirabelli of Virtual Pizza Academy
Jim Mirabelli, founder of NEPA Pizza Review, and Jim Henry—better known online as “Jimmy Hank” or “The Frico King”—join the show to talk about their unlikely journeys into the pizza world and how they teamed up to create the Virtual Pizza Academy (2:29). They discuss their partnership, their complementary teaching styles, what sets their online classes apart and why authenticity resonates so strongly with their audience—and how they bring it to the table.
Jim Mirabelli cover story: https://www.pmq.com/jim-mirabelli/
Peel, episode 9, featuring Jim Mirabelli: https://soundcloud.com/pmqpizzapodcast/episode-9-jim-mirabelli-of-nepa-pizza-review
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49:51
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49:51
Episode 40: Joe Ledwidge of Ranger Joe's Pizza
Joe Ledwidge, owner and operator of Ranger Joe’s Pizza in Kalispell, Montana, talks about a childhood at his parents pizzeria in Florida and his second act as a shop owner himself (2:33). Ledwidge shares the story behind the potent brand that is Ranger Joe’s and how it led to a beloved—and growing—local brand with franchising potential. He also talks about opening the brand’s second shop in Columbia Falls, MT.
Ranger Joe’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rangerjoespizza/
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.
Ireland