Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast

Thinking of starting a pizza pop-up? Jeremy from Gabagool 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.

🎉 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.

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 https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com/marketingcall

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.

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.

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

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.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@SlicePlatform

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.

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.

The Pizza Weekly: https://www.instagram.com/thepizzaweekly/

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.

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.

Are you overwhelmed running your pizzeria with a bloated menu and inconsistent results? In this episode of Smart Pizza Marketing, Bruce breaks down how simplicity and focus can lead to massive success. Learn from Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves, a pizza shop model that sells out daily, and actionable tips to streamline your business and enjoy it again.Shoutouts to our sponsors:🧀 Cheese Hog Machine🍯 Mike’s Hot Honey

In this solo episode, Bruce from Smart Pizza Marketing shares an unfiltered take on dealing with online trolls, bad reviews, and the emotional toll of building a business in public. From one-star Yelp reviews to nasty YouTube comments, Bruce breaks down why most haters haven't built anything themselves—and how pizza shop owners (and all business owners) can use that knowledge to stay motivated. Plus, hear why text message marketing might be your business's best-kept secret.🚨 Sponsored by Boostly – Real text message marketing for real business results.👉 Visit Boostly.com and tell them Smart Pizza Marketing sent you.

Sponsor: Cheese Hog Machine In this solo episode, Bruce breaks down powerful insights from a recent visit to Blue Square Pizza and reflects on social media strategy, profitability, and what it really takes to run a successful pizza shop in 2025. Whether you're a current shop owner or dreaming of opening one, this episode delivers the no-fluff reality of building a lean, profitable business.

Discover what’s working (and what’s not) in restaurant marketing for 2025 with Bruce Irving of Smart Pizza Marketing. In this exclusive interview with Donald Burns, Bruce reveals the state of marketing today, underrated tactics that still work, myths around platforms like Instagram, and why culture, not checklists, is the hidden edge in restaurants.Whether you’re opening your first shop or scaling locations, this episode is a must-watch for restaurant owners who want real-world strategies and behind-the-scenes insight into what makes top-performing pizzerias tick.Restaurant Success Summit: https://www.donaldburns.net/🔗 Follow Bruce at Smart Pizza Marketing and check out Donald’s Restaurant Success Summit (details below).🧠 Packed with insights on:• TikTok strategy• Content creation on a budget• Retention metrics• Culture-building• Restaurant systems vs. people problems• When to simplify your menu (and why)

Today's Sponsor: America's Best RestaurantsIn this solo episode, Bruce shares hard-earned lessons from over two decades in the pizza business. After stepping away from ownership to grow Smart Pizza Marketing, he’s now considering jumping back into the game—and he's bringing you along for the ride. Learn the top 10 rules he'd follow if opening a new shop today, plus insider tips on marketing, leadership, and pricing. Whether you're running a shop now or thinking about opening one, this is mandatory listening.🔗 Mentioned:Matt Plapp - America's Best RestaurantsSmart Pizza Marketing on LinkedInSlice Platform YouTube Channel

Join Bruce on this solo episode of the Smart Pizza Marketing podcast where he dives deep into the realities of owning and running a pizza shop. From his personal regrets to powerful lessons learned from hundreds of interviews and site visits, this episode is a must-listen for any pizza shop owner serious about growth and sustainability. Thinking about opening a shop? Bruce is, too—and he might just document the entire process for you.

In this episode of the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast, Bruce sits down with Sam and JD from Town Hall Pizza. Hear the remarkable story of how two former pastors with no restaurant experience took over a 50-year-old pizzeria, transformed it with modern systems, and built a thriving business without delivery. Discover their text marketing blunder that led to record-breaking sales, how they built a loyal vegan following, and the surprising realities of owning a legacy restaurant.Check out Boostly: https://www.boostly.com/

Just back from the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Bruce shares every must-know insight for pizza shop owners. From game-changing ovens to underrated tools and marketing mistakes, this Q&A-style episode is packed with value. If you missed the show, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Hear what’s trending, what’s worth investing in, and how to make expos like this truly worth your time. Brought to you by Fiero Group and hosted on the Smart Pizza Marketing channel.👉 Subscribe for more insights: Smart Pizza Marketing🎙 Check out the How You Slice It” PodcastChapters:00:00 – Welcome Back & Fiero Group Shoutout01:04 – 17 Cities, Conveyor Ovens, and Why They Matter02:50 – Where to Find More Content: YouTube & Podcasts03:18 – Live from the Restaurant Expo in Chicago04:40 – Size of the Show: Overwhelming but Worth It06:22 – Navigating the Expo Like a Pro08:28 – Why Pizza Shops Finally Belong at the Big Table10:01 – Emerging Pizza Trends: Automation, AI, & Tech11:35 – What Are Operators Wasting Money On?13:01 – Social Media Myths & Storytelling Truths15:00 – Slice's Underrated Phone Ordering Service18:32 – Networking Like a Human at a Massive Expo20:30 – Food Trends: Vegan Meats, Sourdough, & Smart Menus25:00 – The Worst Phone Greeting in the Pizza Biz26:30 – Stop Trying to Be Funny on Social Media28:00 – Platforms That Actually Work: TikTok & YouTube30:39 – Why YouTube Content Lasts Forever32:10 – Geo-Targeting with TikTok: Real Results33:52 – Best Expo Tip: Go with a Plan36:58 – Bonus Finds: Bluetooth Scale, Table Stabilizer38:24 – Thanks, Show Wrap-Up, and What’s Next