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 Restaurants
In 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:
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” Podcast
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome Back & Fiero Group Shoutout
01:04 – 17 Cities, Conveyor Ovens, and Why They Matter
02:50 – Where to Find More Content: YouTube & Podcasts
03:18 – Live from the Restaurant Expo in Chicago
04:40 – Size of the Show: Overwhelming but Worth It
06:22 – Navigating the Expo Like a Pro
08:28 – Why Pizza Shops Finally Belong at the Big Table
10:01 – Emerging Pizza Trends: Automation, AI, & Tech
11:35 – What Are Operators Wasting Money On?
13:01 – Social Media Myths & Storytelling Truths
15:00 – Slice's Underrated Phone Ordering Service
18:32 – Networking Like a Human at a Massive Expo
20:30 – Food Trends: Vegan Meats, Sourdough, & Smart Menus
25:00 – The Worst Phone Greeting in the Pizza Biz
26:30 – Stop Trying to Be Funny on Social Media
28:00 – Platforms That Actually Work: TikTok & YouTube
30:39 – Why YouTube Content Lasts Forever
32:10 – Geo-Targeting with TikTok: Real Results
33:52 – Best Expo Tip: Go with a Plan
36:58 – Bonus Finds: Bluetooth Scale, Table Stabilizer
38:24 – Thanks, Show Wrap-Up, and What’s Next
Most pizzerias don't fail because of bad pizza or a bad location — they fail because of what happens (or doesn’t happen) behind the scenes. In this no-fluff video, Bruce shares the real reasons pizza shops struggle, and what successful operators are doing differently.
Whether you're just getting started or feel stuck in the daily grind, this video will show you exactly how to build systems, lead better, and grow with clarity. Plus, Bruce gives a preview of what you’ll gain at the National Restaurant Show.
👥 For pizza shop owners, operators, and anyone dreaming of running their own spot — this is a must-watch.
🎟️ Join Bruce at the National Restaurant Show
🗓️ May 17–20 in Chicago
🎟️ Use code Bruce25 at NationalRestaurantShow.com for $25 off
👇 Comment “HELP” if you're struggling and want personalized support.
🔗 SmartPizzaMarketing.com
Bruce hits the streets of Dallas to uncover how real pizzeria owners are surviving (and thriving) in 2025. From $10K store launches to no-walk-in operations and humbling failures, this episode is PACKED with real advice and behind-the-scenes strategy. Thinking of opening your own pizza shop? Start here.
Use code Bruce25 for $25 off the National Restaurant Show: nationalrestaurantshow.com
Chapters:00:00 - Intro & Purpose of the Trip
00:38 - National Restaurant Show Preview (May 17–20)
02:16 - Overview of Dallas Pizza Tour
03:00 - Type 1 vs Type 2 Fun: The Pizza Shop Owner Mindset
04:29 - Why Bruce Is Thinking About Opening Again
05:07 - Going Tactical: Real Data from Real Shops
06:05 - ZaLat Pizza: 29 Locations, $10K Buildouts
08:14 - Jay’s Empire: Cane Rosso & Wood-Fired Insights
10:32 - Pizzeria Karina: Bread-Maker to Pizza Pro
12:52 - GapCo: Lessons from Expansion & Retraction
15:36 - Normalize One-Shop Success
17:17 - Upcoming Trips & Final Thoughts
In this episode, Bruce shares a raw and honest reflection on 10 years of podcasting and what he’s learned from talking to pizza shop owners all over the country.
Whether you're new to the business or have 20 years under your belt, this is the mindset advice you need to hear. Plus, a preview of the National Restaurant Association Show and some behind-the-scenes updates on Smart Pizza Marketing and Pizza Insider.
👇 Chapters below — make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more pizza biz insights!
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & National Restaurant Show Invitation
Details on why you should join Bruce in Chicago this May.
00:41 – What You’ll Get from Attending the Show
Latest tech, gear, networking, and trends for pizzeria operators.
01:25 – 10 Years of Podcasting: How It Started
Bruce opens up about his early doubts and what kept him going.
02:33 – No One Has It All Figured Out
A powerful realization about every pizza operator—no matter the level.
03:14 – What Success Really Means in the Pizza Business
It’s not followers or praise. It’s something much simpler.
04:00 – Dealing with Chaos in the Shop
A reminder that breakdowns, no-shows, and complaints are part of the game.
04:45 – Taking Time to Appreciate How Far You’ve Come
Bruce’s personal struggle with appreciating his own progress.
05:25 – Your Monday Motivation
A pep talk for operators feeling overwhelmed or underappreciated.
06:19 – How Bruce Wants to Help You
From podcasts to videos—here’s where to find support and advice.
07:07 – Behind the Scenes: Pizza Insider with Vincent Rotolo
What it was like filming in Vegas and why this episode stood out.
08:08 – New Content Ideas: Visiting Pizzerias IRL
Bruce shares a new content idea and asks for your feedback.
09:23 – Wrap-Up & How You Can Help Shape Future Episodes
Let Bruce know if these episodes help you—DMs are open on Instagram!
New In this solo episode, Bruce shares raw insights on working with influencers in the pizza business world. He reflects on a shocking conversation about influencer rates ($4,500?!) and breaks down a smarter, performance-based model for partnerships. Plus, get updates on upcoming content from the Pizza Expo and find out why Bruce is seriously considering opening another pizza shop.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro + Pizza Expo Plans
00:29 – Sponsor Shoutout: Cheese Hog Machine
01:28 – Why Shredded Cheese > Pre-Shredded Cheese
02:12 – Hosting the "How You Slice It" Podcast
02:35 – The Influencer Dilemma: Are They Worth It?
03:34 – The $4,500 Influencer Offer
04:20 – The Real ROI of Influencer Marketing
05:11 – A Smarter Influencer Deal Structure
06:12 – The Hidden Labor of Content Creation
07:22 – Performance-Based Influencer Contracts
08:10 – Views Don’t Equal Customers
08:54 – Final Thoughts + Should I Open a Pizza Shop?episode
This episode is packed with insights from Lisa at the National Restaurant Show and Tom, the culinary director at Papa John’s. We break down how large restaurant chains like Papa John’s create family-friendly menus, innovate new products, and maintain consistency across thousands of locations. Plus, we talk about what you need to know before attending the National Restaurant Show this May in Chicago.
Use promo code BRUCE25 for $25 off your ticket (expires May 9). Details and links are below!
👇 Chapters 👇
00:00 – Intro: Meet Lisa and Tom
00:25 – What Is the National Restaurant Show?
01:03 – Why Menu Consistency Is So Hard (and How Big Chains Do It)
02:15 – Tom's Secrets to Appealing to Multi-Generational Families
05:48 – How Papa John’s Innovates Products
09:32 – The Challenge of Scaling Menu Ideas Across Locations
13:40 – How Independent Restaurants Can Improve Consistency
18:02 – Planning Your Visit to the National Restaurant Show
22:20 – Tools and Apps That Help You Navigate the Show
27:45 – Final Tips for Restaurant Owners Attending the Show
32:05 – Wrap-Up & Promo Code Info
🎟️ Get Tickets: National Restaurant Show
💸 $25 Off Code: BRUCE25 (Expires May 9 – Operators Only)
📱 Connect on Instagram: @smartpizzamarketing
📅 Dates: May 17–20, 2025
📍 Location: Chicago, IL
Join Bruce from Smart Pizza Marketing in this raw, one-on-one episode where he shares the 9 biggest lessons he learned the hard way over 20 years in the pizza business. Whether you're just starting out or trying to grow your pizzeria, these insights can save you thousands in mistakes, stress, and sleepless nights.
💡 This isn’t theory—this is real advice from someone who’s lived it.
🔔 Subscribe for more real talk on Youtube.
📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing/
🍕 Sponsored by Mike’s Hot Honey: https://www.mikeshothoney.com
📍Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction & Why This Episode Matters
01:08 - Shoutout to Mike’s Hot Honey & Branding Lessons
01:37 - The Mission Behind Smart Pizza Marketing
02:18 - Lesson #1: Keep the Menu Simple
03:17 - Lesson #2: Track Every Dollar Like a Maniac
04:43 - Lesson #3: Preventative Maintenance is Non-Negotiable
05:30 - Lesson #4: Pay to Keep Great People
06:23 - Lesson #5: Dominate TikTok & YouTube
07:20 - Lesson #6: Never Stop Improving Your Dough
08:14 - Lesson #7: Remember Why You Started
09:14 - Lesson #8: Everything Feels Unscalable at First
10:08 - Lesson #9: Network Like Your Life Depends On It
12:39 - Why Ed Started the Podcast & Final Thoughts
Owner Forum: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pizzashopownersforum
In this bite-sized podcast audio from Bruce at Smart Pizza Marketing, we dive deep into the frustrating feeling of slow progress as a pizzeria or restaurant owner. Whether you're overwhelmed by the day-to-day or wondering if you're getting anywhere at all, this episode is your pep talk and reminder that every little action is building momentum.
🚀 Bruce also talks about the upcoming National Restaurant Show in Chicago, how to get a discount, and why it's a must-attend for serious operators. Use code BRUCE25 for $25 off.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro + Quick Note About the Audio Clip
00:33 – Why You Should Be at the National Restaurant Show (Promo Code Inside)
02:34 – Back to Business: Feeling Like Things Are Moving Too Slow
03:37 – Every Action Builds Momentum, Even If It Feels Slow
04:31 – Focus on the Positives, Not Just the Problems
05:36 – You Have 51 Weeks Left—Stop Trying to Fix It All at Once
06:08 – You’re Not Alone: We’re All Figuring This Out
06:37 – Join the Pizza Owner Community (Link in Description)
07:14 – Wrap Up + Stay Tuned for More
In this episode, Bruce breaks down the three key stages of pizzeria growth, from perfecting your product to building unstoppable systems and retaining top talent. Whether you're just starting or trying to get to the next level, this is your roadmap. Learn how tools like Meta glasses and ChatGPT can streamline training, and why retaining great employees is the real growth multiplier. Don't miss this no-fluff guide for serious pizza shop owners.
🔗 Sponsored by: Fiero Group — creators of the revolutionary brick-slat conveyor oven!
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & The Fiero Group’s Game-Changing Conveyor Oven00:45 – Why Perfecting Your Pizza Must Come First01:37 – The Importance of Systems: How to Scale Beyond Yourself02:16 – Documenting Everything: From Phones to Pizza Prep03:02 – Learning Styles: Video, Audio, Reading — Covering All Bases03:40 – Training with Meta Glasses + Locked YouTube Channels04:21 – Why Great People Are the Ultimate Growth Hack05:20 – The Best Pizzerias Aren’t Just Profitable — They’re Happy05:41 – Final Thoughts + Share Your Feedback