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Welcome to the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast, your go-to resource for real talk and actionable advice on running a successful pizzeria. I’m Bruce, your host, and I’m excited to introduce a new, shorter format to deliver quick tips, strategies, and insights directly to you.
While my in-depth interviews have moved to the How You Slice It podcast with Slice (check it out and subscribe), this show is all about sharing the lessons I’ve learned from talking to hundreds of pizza entrepreneurs. From building a pop-up to managing multiple locations, I’ve seen it all—and I want to help you navigate the journey.
In these bite-sized episodes, we’ll focus on what’s working right now in marketing, operations, and growth. I’ll be pulling back the curtain on what I would’ve wanted to know when I was running my own shop, especially the mindset shifts that can make all the difference.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need a little push, you’re not alone. We’re all figuring it out, step by step, and I’m here to remind you that progress is about taking consistent, small actions every day. Join our Pizza Shop Owners Forum on Facebook to connect with others in the industry, and let’s build a community that supports each other.
Got a question? Hit me up on Instagram @SmartPizzaMarketing or email me at [email protected]. Let’s get started and get you pumped to take your shop to the next level. And a big shoutout to our sponsor, Stanislaus Food Products, for supporting this journey.
Tune in, take notes, and let’s grow together!
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In this episode of Smart Pizza Marketing, Bruce chats with Loren Paddleford, Chief Revenue Officer of Slice, about the distinct challenges and opportunities independent pizzerias face in a competitive market.
Loren explains how Slice is dedicated to supporting pizzerias with tools like online ordering, in-store POS systems, and tailored marketing services, diverging from the consumer-focused models of UberEats and DoorDash. The episode underscores the importance of community engagement and storytelling, and highlights the educational resources Slice provides to help pizzeria owners thrive.
Bruce and Loren also discuss the cultural significance of pizza, the value of direct customer relationships, and their shared vision of empowering local pizzerias to compete with larger chains. Tune in to learn how Slice is fostering a supportive ecosystem for independent pizza shops to succeed and grow.
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In this episode, Bruce Irving discusses the evolution of his podcast and the focus on providing actionable insights for pizzeria owners. He emphasizes the importance of negotiation, marketing tactics, and sharing personal experiences from the pizza industry. The podcast will feature shorter episodes aimed at delivering quick, practical tips to help pizzeria owners improve their businesses.
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In this episode, Bruce interviews Camilo, the owner of La Rosa Pizzeria. They dive into the challenges of opening and running a pizzeria, especially during the pandemic. Camilo shares his experiences in building two locations from scratch, the realities of restaurant construction, and how delivery has become a significant part of his business.
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
Learn from us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind
Work with us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/work
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In this episode, we catch up with Bill Hoon, who shares his incredible journey of growing his pizza business from a single night operation in a local bar to opening two successful brick-and-mortar locations in Northeast Ohio. Bill dives into the challenges he faced during the build-out process, the lessons learned along the way, and how he implemented efficient systems to scale his business.
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
2:18 - From Bar to Brick-and-Mortar
4:16 - The Build-Out Process
5:30 - Opening the Second Location
7:38 - Choosing the Right Equipment
10:07 - Quality vs. Quantity
11:02 - Implementing Systems and Training
14:01 - Addressing Employee Challenges
15:45 - Handling Customer Feedback and Complaints
18:32 - Lessons Learned from the First Location
20:53 - The Importance of Marketing and Community Engagement
24:57 - Developing Effective Employee Review Processes
28:58 - Managing Growth and Maintaining Standards
31:43 - How to Reach Out to Bill for Advice and Questions
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Summary
In this episode, Bruce Irving interviews the team behind Amadoris Pizzeria, a Detroit style pizza restaurant in Miami, Florida. They discuss the journey of starting the pizzeria during the pandemic, the unique appeal of Detroit style pizza, and the challenges faced in the pizza business, particularly regarding cheese prices and seasonal fluctuations. The conversation also covers marketing strategies, the role of social media and influencers, customer engagement through text and email marketing, and future expansion plans for the business.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Amadoris Pizzeria
02:26 The Journey of Starting a Pizzeria
05:50 The Unique Appeal of Detroit Style Pizza
09:11 Challenges in the Pizza Business
12:33 Social Media and Marketing Strategies
15:32 The Role of Influencers in Business Growth
20:01 Navigating Seasonal Challenges
23:58 The Importance of Text and Email Marketing
26:27 Customer Engagement and Loyalty Programs
30:07 Handling Customer Feedback and Reviews
35:47 Future Plans and Expansion Goals
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
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In this podcast episode, Bruce Irving interviews Carlos from Vice City Pizza in Miami. They discuss how Vice City Pizza got started, the mistakes they made along the way, and the unique style of pizza they offer. Carlos shares his background in fine dining and how the pandemic influenced his decision to open a pizzeria.
Chapters
00:00 Starting a Pizza Business Out of Your House
04:09 The Importance of Recipe Improvement
08:54 The Influence of the Pandemic on the Pizza Industry
10:21 Exploring Different Pizza Styles
17:54 The Growing Pizza Scene in Florida
22:26 Vice City Pizza: A Twist on Traditional Pizza
23:24 Quality Ingredients and Unique Flavors
24:19 Adapting to the Changing Dining Landscape
25:27 Expanding the Vice City Pizza Empire
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
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Jamie McMahon, owner of Hickory Station Pizzeria, shares his experience in the pizza business and how he has adapted to modern marketing strategies. He discusses the shift from traditional marketing methods to text marketing and the success he has seen in increasing sales.
Get on Slice: http://slicelife.com/smartpizzaWork this us: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/proBuy and Ooni Oven: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/ooniBuy a Baking Steel: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/bakingsteel
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:11 Implementing Modern Marketing Strategies
05:22 The Nightmare of Sending 12,000 Text Invitations
06:09 The Success of Text Marketing
09:19 The Value of Text Messages and Email Marketing
11:55 Utilizing Customer Data for Effective Email Marketing
14:26 The Importance of In-House Delivery Drivers
15:26 The Shift Towards In-House Delivery
15:38 The Benefits of In-House Delivery Drivers
17:20 Managing Delivery Drivers and Finding Balance
18:09 The Power of Text Marketing
19:26 The Impact of Online Ordering
21:10 The Value of a Rewards Program
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In this episode, I chat with Darius Aram from Slice Street Pizza about the real challenges of running a pizzeria. We cover everything from managing delivery drivers to handling customer expectations and using third-party services. If you're a pizza operator looking for practical advice, this conversation is packed with insights to help your business thrive.Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on running a successful pizzeria!Get on Slice: http://slicelife.com/smartpizzaWork this us: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/proBuy and Ooni Oven: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/ooniBuy a Baking Steel: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/bakingsteelChapters: 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome1:10 - Moving from California to Texas3:30 - Opening a Pizzeria in a New Market6:00 - Managing Delivery Drivers9:45 - The Pros and Cons of Third-Party Delivery Services13:20 - Handling Customer Expectations17:05 - The Reality of Running a Pizzeria21:00 - Struggles with POS Systems26:30 - Balancing Cost and Quality in Pizza31:00 - Marketing Strategies for Pizzerias36:15 - The Role of Social Media in Pizza Business42:00 - The Importance of Email and Text Marketing48:00 - Advice for New Pizza Owners54:00 - Future Plans & Final ThoughtsMY OTHER SOCIALS:🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people - 🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
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In this episode, Bruce welcomes back Ilir Sela, CEO of a leading platform dedicated to helping independent pizza shops thrive. Discover how Ilir and his team are revolutionizing the industry with innovative solutions for online ordering, point-of-sale systems, and discounted supplies. Get exclusive insights into the challenges and successes of modern pizza operations and learn how these game-changing strategies can transform your business. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of pizza with one of the industry's top visionaries.
Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:30 - Welcoming Ilir Sela01:03 - Overview of the platform's products02:36 - Solving the storage and distribution problem for pizza shops03:55 - Service areas and expansion06:06 - The challenge of running multiple locations07:01 - Launching a point-of-sale system specifically for pizza shops09:47 - Cost and benefits of the point-of-sale system10:56 - Trends in the pizza industry15:17 - Differentiating from third-party platforms16:17 - The importance of service and customer retention18:07 - Maximizing the value of existing customers19:56 - Effective email and text marketing strategies21:22 - Automated marketing tools provided by the platform25:12 - Collaboration among pizza shops29:20 - Customer behavior and loyalty32:25 - Advice on viewing competitors as collaborators33:17 - The trend towards self-delivery in pizza shops35:31 - The benefits of self-delivery over third-party delivery37:08 - Closing remarks and where to find more information
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
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In this episode of the podcast, Bruce sits down with Andres Maldonado Fuertes, the innovative mind behind Nona Street Pizza. They delve into the journey of launching a unique pizza concept in Orlando, from building a custom food truck to creating a menu that blends Neapolitan and New York styles with inventive twists. Andres shares the challenges and triumphs of starting the business, the importance of social media in their success, and their exciting plans for the future. Tune in to hear how Nona Street Pizza is setting itself apart in the crowded food scene.
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
Chapters for YouTube0:00 - Introduction0:53 - Meet Andres Maldonado Fuertes1:18 - The Concept Behind Nona Street Pizza3:30 - Unique Pizza Offerings and Fried Calzones5:45 - Building the Custom Food Truck9:00 - The Pizza Ovens and Cooking Process12:00 - Developing the Perfect Pizza Dough14:45 - Creative Pizza Toppings and Ingredients16:15 - The Role of Social Media in Success19:45 - The Importance of Influencers and Local Foodies23:00 - Challenges and Learnings from the First Year25:00 - Expanding to a Second Location27:30 - Long-Term Vision and Continuous Improvement30:00 - Favorite Pizza Places in Orlando32:10 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find Nona Street Pizza
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Layla Ruffino, owner of Blue Highway Pizza in Florida, shares her experience running two successful pizzerias. The original location, in a small town, has been thriving for 20 years, while the newer location in a growing area has seen rapid growth. Leila emphasizes the importance of taking care of her team, offering generous benefits and creating a positive work environment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:07 Building a Successful Pizzeria in a Small Town
04:43 The Challenges of Operating in a Small Town
07:01 Taking Care of the Team
13:27 Menu and Offerings
15:31 Homemade Recipes and Quality Ingredients
17:03 Exploring Different Types of Ovens
22:05 Pros and Cons of the Toast Point of Sale System
27:23 Expanding with a Vintage Pizza Truck
31:14 The Importance of Networking
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
Learn from us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind
Work with us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/work
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Giovanni Chez, part owner and general manager of King Umberto's pizzeria, joins the podcast to discuss his experience in the pizza industry. He talks about the history of the restaurant, their expansion during COVID, and their plans for revamping their indoor dining room and expanding their bakery production.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:24 Expansion and Revamping
03:10 Perfecting Recipes and Pizza Styles
04:36 Sharing Knowledge and Helping Others
07:17 Marketing and Product Diversification
10:31 The Decision to Not Offer Delivery
18:56 Influence of Scar's Pizza and Nostalgia
23:00 Learning from Other Pizza Makers
26:53 Passion and Motivation
29:36 Property Ownership and Stability
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Chris Black shares his journey of starting Red Rocket Pizza Company during COVID-19. He transitioned from being a nightclub DJ to a pizza maker and began by making pizzas in his garage. He eventually upgraded to a larger brick oven and started inviting friends and acquaintances to try his pizzas.
Chapters
00:00 Starting a Pizza Business During COVID-19
02:13 Pop-Up Events and Donations
08:22 Focus on Brewery Partnerships
10:43 The Challenges of Being a One-Man Operation
13:12 Navigating the Complexities of Licensing
20:43 Sustainability and Scaling Back
23:00 Finding Investors and Determining Business Value
28:11 Creating a Unique Customer Experience with a Custom-Built Pizza Trailer
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
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Pizza Champ STL is a pizza joint in St. Louis that specializes in big 18-inch, 72-hour fermented sourdough pizzas. They share a space with Side Project Brewing, a brewery, in a small 900 square foot building. The seating area is a covered patio, and they also have a drive-through window for pickup orders. The owner, Chris, pivoted to pizza during the COVID-19 pandemic and found success with his unique style of pizza.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Pizza Champ STL
03:01 The Unique Concept and Shared Space
05:51 The COVID-19 Pivot and Success
09:00 The Philosophy Behind Pizza Champ STL
12:08 The Style of Pizza in St. Louis
23:23 The Challenges of Running a Restaurant
25:23 The Benefits of Saying No and Online Ordering
34:18 Exciting Experiments with Dough and New Menu Items
38:37 The Importance of Customer Satisfaction
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
Learn from us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind
Work with us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/work
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Bruce Irving is a guest on Alex's podcast, Pie to Pie, where they discuss marketing strategies for pizzerias. They cover topics such as magazines, YouTube, Pizza Expo, and Dave Portnoy. Bruce emphasizes the importance of consistency in marketing and recommends focusing on one social media platform to start. He also suggests leveraging YouTube for long-term content and using TikTok for live streaming.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
10:40 The Importance of Consistency in Marketing
12:33 Leveraging YouTube for Long-Term Content
15:31 Choosing the Right Social Media Platform
25:38 Prioritizing Business Operations
28:05 Using TikTok for Live Streaming
35:28 Building a Following and Leveraging Social Media
36:24 Dealing with Online Criticism and the Importance of a Strong Following
38:03 Starting a Podcast to Learn from Others in the Industry
41:33 The Value of Sharing Business Failures
43:29 The Realities of Opening a Pizzeria
46:42 The Allure of Entrepreneurship in the Social Media Age
49:05 The Importance of Lower Expectations
50:09 The Need for More Seminars on Failures and Real Experiences
55:39 The Challenges of Growing a Podcast
57:24 The Value of YouTube and Content Creation
01:03:02 The Three Most Important Tools in Running a Successful Pizza Shop
01:09:09 The Greatest Band of All Time
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
Learn from us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind
Work with us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/work
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Mike Friedman, owner of Pizza Delicious in New Orleans, shares the journey of starting a pizzeria and the challenges of building a successful brick-and-mortar business. From pop-up beginnings to the development of a New York-style pizza recipe, Mike's story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the value of community support.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Pizza Delicious: From Pop-Up to Brick-and-Mortar
07:55 Crafting the Perfect New York-Style Pizza Recipe
14:02 Challenges of Building a Brick-and-Mortar Pizzeria
23:01 The Evolution of Pizza-Making Resources
25:36 Exploring the Culture of New York Pizza
30:06 Challenges and Considerations in Running a Pizza Business
36:48 Menu Planning, Pricing, and Adapting to Industry Changes
43:43 The Impact of the Pandemic on the Pizza Business
48:08 Evolving Nature of the Pizza Industry and Staff Management
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
Learn from us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind
Work with us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/work
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In this conversation, Bruce interviews Christian from Ooni, a company that produces portable pizza ovens. They discuss how Ooni revolutionized the pizza-making industry by creating affordable and efficient ovens for home use. Christian shares his background and how his passion for making better pizza at home led to the development of Ooni ovens.
Chapters
00:00 The Uni Journey: Revolutionizing the Pizza Industry
02:53 The Rise of Home Pizza-Making Businesses
11:08 Challenges and Opportunities in the Pizza Industry
21:01 Global Presence and Oven Models
25:36 Cooking Tips and Pizza Style Recommendations
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
Learn from us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind
Work with us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/work
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Bruce Irving shares his experience at the National Restaurant Expo in Chicago, discussing the pros and cons, the tech he found, and the pizzerias he visited. He also highlights the challenges faced by independent pizzeria owners at the expo and provides insights into various products and technologies showcased at the event.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring the National Restaurant Expo: Pros and Cons
04:31 Tech Discoveries at the National Restaurant Expo
06:25 Challenges Faced by Independent Pizzeria Owners at Industry Events
12:09 Innovative Products and Technologies at the Expo
MY OTHER SOCIALS:
🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -
🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com
🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod
📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing
📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing
👨💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing
🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing
Learn from us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/mastermind
Work with us: https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/work
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