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/

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/

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.

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

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/

What does it take to run a pizzeria in one of the most competitive food cities in the world—and keep it thriving for more than two decades? In this episode, East Village Pizza co-owner Frank Kabatas discusses the realities of operating a popular shop in New York City, from middle-of-the-night equipment breakdowns to the unspoken rule that your doors must (almost) always be open (3:23). Frank shares the story behind his viral menu creations (including a gold-flaked pie), how he built a social media following of 1.7 million and the moment a “One Bite” review changed his business forever. Along the way, he offers hard-earned advice for pizzeria operators, including why he believes owners should run their own social media and why continuous improvement—not claiming to be “the best”—is the secret to longevity. Story about Kabatas’s background: https://www.pmq.com/how-a-turkish-immigrant-turned-a-neighborhood-shop-into-an-nyc-powerhouse/ Pizza Power Forum: www.pizzapowerforum.com

Erica D’Arcangelo, author of A Story About Pizza, joins the show to share how reconnecting with her family's Pennsylvania pizzeria reignited her passion for marketing (3:11). She tells the story of her grandfather’s journey from Italian immigrant and coal miner to founder of D'Arc's Pizza in Windber, PA, and how her father carried on the family’s proud pizza tradition. Erica shares how posting simple pizza-cutting videos led to millions of views, quadrupled business and inspired a children’s book, a podcast and a growing pizza media platform. She also discusses the marketing tools every pizzeria should use, why storytelling builds loyalty and her dream of going full-time in the pizza world. Later, Brian Hernandez joins the show to talk about Old Forge-style pizza and Pennsylvania’s deep bench of niche regional styles (40:56). A Story About Pizza website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/ Pizza Story Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza

Tony Gemignani, founder of Tony’s Pizza Napoletana and Slice House, joins the show to share how he navigated the leap from independent operator to national franchisor (2:37). He discusses the challenges of maintaining consistency across locations, building infrastructure and maintaining quality while scaling fast. Gemignani also reflects on lessons from failure, the power of relationships with suppliers and why patience—and the right partners—are essential to sustainable growth. Brian Hernandez later joins the show to give an update on the U.S. Pizza Team and its numerous upcoming competitions. Pizza Power Forum: www.pizzapowerforum.com California Pizza Challenge: www.uspizzateam.com/cpc25

Nicole Bean, co-owner of Pizaro’s Pizza in Houston, joins the show to talk about her journey from corporate retail to pizza-making leadership (2:18). Bean discusses what it’s like to compete in international pizza competitions, how and why she introduced Detroit-style pizza to Houston in 2016 and what operators should know about running a gluten-free program. She also shares the evolution of her role at Pizaro’s and her goals for the future of the brand—and why they include deliberate growth.

Mike Kurtz, founder of Mike’s Hot Honey, joins the show to discuss how his industry-changing product came to be (2:31). Kurtz shares the challenges he faced as his product began to take off—and how a chance conversation with a professor at UMass-Amherst helped him unlock the secret to producing hot honey at scale. Kurtz also discusses why he still carries the same drive and collaborative mindset with him 15 years after he began bottling Mike’s Hot Honey.

Matt Plapp, CEO of America’s Best Restaurants and DRYVER—as well as a regular guest contributor to PMQ—joins the show to discuss the biggest mistakes pizzeria operators are making when it comes to marketing (2:21). Plapp also shares how an early understanding of the internet—and its potential as a marketing tool—helped build his career. Plapp also dives into why you will always see him wearing orange and how that helps solidify his own personal brand. Pizza power forum registration: PizzaPowerForum.com America’s Best Restaurants: americasbestrestaurants.com

Tyrell Reed, franchisee at Westshore Pizza outside of Tampa, Florida, joins the show to discuss his pizza origin story and what made him want to start his own podcast (2:37). Reed shares his first humbling experience as a franchisee and what he had to do differently the second time around in order to be successful. He also talks about work-life balance as a shop owner, husband and father and shares why his favorite athlete of all time is Kobe Bryant. Later in the show, Brian Hernandez is back for a Style Guide discussion regarding Altoona-style pizza (36:55). Tyrell Reed’s Pizza King podcast: https://pizzakingpodcast.com/ More on Altoona-style pizza: https://pmq.com/altoona-style-pizza/

Leah Scurto joins the show to discuss her upbringing in Northern California and how she broke into pizza (3:00). Scurto also discusses how nervous she was cooking for a certain celebrity, what it was like to launch her own restaurant and what her long-term goals are for the future. Later in the show, Brian Hernandez gives a U.S. Pizza Team update, recapping the team’s performance in Las Vegas and Parma, Italy (50:55).

Rich Payne of Dough and Behold joins the show to talk about attending Pizza Expo with two other British pop-up pizza makers (2:29). Payne describes what his first-ever trip to the U.S. was like, and how he got into pizza in the first place. He also discusses his approach to using Instagram, and why he’s gone all in on “sarnies.” PMQ story about Payne: https://www.pmq.com/feng-chen-and-richard-payne-pop-up-pizzaioli/

Salvatore Reina of Francesca Pizza and Pasta joins the show to discuss how his shops attack marketing (2:52). Reina explains why he has rarely spent money on advertising and where he would rather invest his money. He also discusses how his mindset has changed in the 17 years he has been running a pizza place—and why your numbers are of utmost importance. Episode 18 of Peel (Sal’s first podcast appearance): https://www.pmq.com/podcast/episode-18-salvatore-reina-of-francesca-pizza-and-pasta/ Pizza Power Forum: pizzapowerforum.com

Michael Fox joins the show to talk about the origins of Pizza Club, the virtual community of pizza professionals, home pizza makers and pizza enthusiasts (3:39). Michael discusses some of the things he’s learned during his five years inside of the industry, how Pizza Club has inspired him and others, and what he does at his day job as founder and executive producer at The Beach, a New York City-based video production agency. Links: Pizza Club - https://ineed.pizza/ Pizza Club YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ineedpizzaclub

Kim Juda, VP of operations for Crust Pizza Co., joins the show to talk about her background and how she is helping Crust scale its footprint (3:05). Juda talks about some things she learned during her time with Quiznos, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and a few other brands, and gives a picture of how and where Crust Pizza Co. is growing its print. Later in the show, Satyne Doner, associate editor of the WiRL podcast, comes on to preview her interview with MJ Riva, CEO of Pizza Factory (26:08). Doner and Riva then discuss how Riva became the CEO of one of the largest pizza brands in the country. Links: WiRL podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/women-in-restaurant-leadership/id1753959644 PMQ feature story on Crust Pizza Co.: https://www.pmq.com/this-fast-growing-pizza-chain-is-bringing-back-the-90s-dine-in-experience/ Pizza Power Forum registration: https://pizzapowerforum.com/

Stephanie Swane, publisher of Modernist Cuisine, as well as Laura Meyer, owner and operator of Pizzeria Da Laura in Berkeley, California, join the show (3:53). Stephanie and Laura discuss how they became acquainted, their new joint venture, Fork to Future, and what they have planned for Women’s Pizza Month. Laura also talks about founding Pizzeria Da Laura and competing on the international stage, while Stephanie shares how she became so deeply embedded in the pizza community, as well as her new IG Live spin-off series, Any Way You Slice It. Later in the show, Brian Hernandez joins for a Style Guide segment diving into Quad-City-style pizza (47:32). Laura Meyer on Instagram: @eccomicupi Stephanie Swane on Instagram: @sswane Any Way You Slice It IG: @anyway.u.sliceit Further Quad-Cities Reading: https://www.pmq.com/quad-cities-style-pizza/

Colin M. Caplan, owner of Taste of New Haven, the New Haven-based tour company, joins the show to chat about his background and love for all things apizza (2:32). Colin also shares his feelings about Pepe’s and Sally’s expanding outside of New Haven, as well as some of his experiences eating pizza outside of Connecticut. There is also some discussion of Colin spearheading the effort to name New Haven the pizza capital of the world.

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/