Pizza King Podcast: Empowering Pizzeria Leadership

Tyrell Reed | Pizzeria Leadership & Team Building Coach
  • 4.7 (14)
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The Pizza King Podcast is where pizzeria owners and operators go to sharpen their skills, build better teams, and grow more profitable businesses. Hosted by Tyrell Reed—franchise leader, coach, and author of Next Level Leadership—each episode delivers practical insights, real-life stories, and expert advice to help you win in the pizza business. Whether you're opening your first shop or scaling your tenth, this show is your guide to pizza business excellence. 

  1. Social Media Is Not a Marketing Plan for Your Pizzeria

    23H AGO

    Social Media Is Not a Marketing Plan for Your Pizzeria

    In this solo episode, I break down a simple truth a lot of operators miss. Social media is not your marketing plan. It is a platform. The real plan is how you drive traffic, get people to try your shop, capture them into your loyalty system, and bring them back again and again. I also share where we are in week 13 at the store, why now is the right time for us to market harder, and what we are actually focused on. That includes growing our rewards list, using email and text the right way, tightening up our offer strategy, and stopping the habit of handing our best deals to third-party apps. If you run a pizzeria and want a more practical marketing strategy, this episode will help you think clearer about what actually moves the business forward. Join Pizza Pro Circle for more practical tools and operator conversations.  Check the links in the description for the podcast, community, and offers Join the SPM Pro Owner GroupSPM Pro is a curated group of independent pizzeria owners. Monthly call and private group access.Streamline Your Inventory Process!📝 Track stock levels: No more guesswork! Discover the future of restaurant management: WookAIGet 3 Months Free With ThrivePOSPizza Driven Point of Sale. Schedule your free demo today! Tell em' the Pizza King sent you.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Join our free community on Skool  https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers Email: info@tyrellreed.com Upcoming events and appearances:  Pizza Expo Las Vegas On the show floor recording podcast episodes

    8 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Pizza Expo Recap, Relationships, Tech, and Community

    In this episode of the Pizza King Podcast, I’m recapping my trip to Pizza Expo in Las Vegas and sharing what really stood out to me.  Yes, there was plenty of new equipment, pizza tech, AI, and tools worth checking out. I talk about what caught my attention with Thrive POS, Wook AI, Pizza Cloud, and more. But the biggest takeaway had nothing to do with booths or product demos.  The real value of Pizza Expo was the people. The conversations. The handshakes. The relationships. That’s what sticks with you. That’s what pushes this industry forward.  I also share why the competition floor means so much to me, what it’s like getting around people who take the craft seriously, and why events like this can raise your standard as an operator and leader.  If you own, operate, or manage a pizzeria, this episode will remind you that growth is not only about tools and tactics. It is also about community, connection, and getting around the right people.  Get 3 Months Free With ThrivePOSPizza Driven Point of Sale. Schedule your free demo today! Tell em' the Pizza King sent you.Join the SPM Pro Owner GroupSPM Pro is a curated group of independent pizzeria owners. Monthly call and private group access.Streamline Your Inventory Process!📝 Track stock levels: No more guesswork! Discover the future of restaurant management: WookAIDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Join our free community on Skool  https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers Email: info@tyrellreed.com Upcoming events and appearances:  Pizza Expo Las Vegas On the show floor recording podcast episodes

    17 min

  3. MAR 26 ·  BONUS

    Why Relationships Still Matter in the Pizza Business

    I just got back from Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, and before I do a full recap on next week’s feature episode, I wanted to share one quick takeaway that stood out to me right away. Relationships still matter. In this short Takeout Tip episode, I talk about what I saw and felt on the show floor. The pizza business is still built on people. Real relationships, generosity, and showing up for others still open doors. I share a few thoughts on the people who helped make this trip possible, from Westshore Franchising covering the travel to Perfect Crust making room for us to record and connect at their booth. Moments like that remind me that some of the best opportunities in this business come from serving people well and building real trust over time. If you own a pizzeria, lead a team, or want to grow in this business, I think this episode will remind you that leadership, networking, and long-term growth all start with how you treat people. Support the show Join our free community on Skool  https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers Email: info@tyrellreed.com Upcoming events and appearances:  Pizza Expo Las Vegas On the show floor recording podcast episodes

    6 min
  4. From Food Truck to Pizza Shop, Leadership and Operations Lessons from Patriot Wood Fired Pizza

    MAR 24

    From Food Truck to Pizza Shop, Leadership and Operations Lessons from Patriot Wood Fired Pizza

    In this episode of the Pizza King Podcast, I sit down with Jake Johnson of Patriot Wood Fired Pizza in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Jake shares how he went from working in kitchens to launching a wood fired pizza food truck, building a loyal following, and turning that momentum into a successful brick and mortar pizzeria. We talk about what it really takes to start and grow an independent pizza business, from learning one of the toughest pizza styles to master, to building a brand in a small town, to creating systems that help you survive the pressure of daily operations. Jake also breaks down the realities of food trucks, staffing challenges, pricing handcrafted pizza, managing a wood fired oven, and building customer loyalty through great food and real community connection. This conversation is packed with practical lessons for pizzeria owners, pizza operators, and anyone thinking about opening a pizza shop or food truck. If you care about pizza business growth, restaurant leadership, menu creativity, and building a local brand that people believe in, this episode will give you a lot to think about. Join the SPM Pro Owner GroupSPM Pro is a curated group of independent pizzeria owners. Monthly call and private group access.Starting a Podcast? Try Riverside freeGet 3 Months Free With ThrivePOSPizza Driven Point of Sale. Schedule your free demo today! Tell em' the Pizza King sent you.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Join our free community on Skool  https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers Email: info@tyrellreed.com Upcoming events and appearances:  Pizza Expo Las Vegas On the show floor recording podcast episodes

    48 min
  5. Pizza Shop Growth Is Up, But Are Your Operations Getting Better?

    MAR 20

    Pizza Shop Growth Is Up, But Are Your Operations Getting Better?

    In this episode, I break down what I’m seeing inside the store right now as we move from growth mode into adjustment mode. Sales are up, momentum is real, and we’ve made solid progress from Period 1 to Period 3. But better sales do not always mean a healthier business. That is the real conversation here.  I talk through the questions I’m asking as an operator right now. Where is the growth really coming from? Which days are carrying the week? How much of that top-line growth is tied to third-party delivery, and what does that mean for margins, profitability, and long-term sustainability? I also share why my next move is not chasing random sales, but making smarter adjustments that build a stronger pizza business.  We get into first-party online ordering, loyalty and rewards, email and text marketing, bounce-back offers, ticket average, strategic bundles, weekday sales strategy, and why catering may be one of the biggest growth opportunities for pizzeria owners who want stronger sales and better margins. This episode is a real look at pizzeria operations, restaurant growth strategy, direct ordering, customer retention, and how to use your numbers to make better decisions every week.  I also share what I’m posting inside Pizza Pro Circle, where I’m giving weekly scorecards, real store updates, lessons from the numbers, and honest behind-the-scenes insight into what we’re testing, what’s working, and what still needs to improve. If you are a pizzeria owner, operator, or manager trying to grow sales, improve profit, and build a stronger operation, this one will hit home. Follow for more real-world insights on pizza leadership, pizzeria operations, and restaurant growth. Join Pizza Pro Circle:  https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about Check out my PMQ articles:  https://www.pmq.com/category/contributors/tyrell-reed/ Tools I recommend:  SPM Pro: https://spm.circle.so/checkout/spm-pro-group?affiliate_code=9ea4d9 WookAI: https://lddy.no/1oadh Thrive POS: https://www.thrivepos.com/pizzaking Support the show Join our free community on Skool  https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers Email: info@tyrellreed.com Upcoming events and appearances:  Pizza Expo Las Vegas On the show floor recording podcast episodes

    13 min

  6. MAR 17

    How Mike Pitera Built a Pizzeria Around 7 Styles of Pizza - Pizza a Modo Mio

    In this episode of the Pizza King Podcast, Tyrell Reed sits down with Mike Pitera of Pizza a Modo Mio in Charleston, South Carolina for a real conversation about what it takes to grow a modern pizzeria. Mike breaks down how he went from washing dishes in New York pizzerias, to corporate sales leadership, to building a pizza business that now offers seven styles of pizza across multiple locations.  They talk about simplifying operations, training a team to handle multiple pizza styles, using one master dough to create consistency, and balancing craftsmanship with smart business systems. Mike also shares how his food truck days helped him test markets, build local demand, and create the momentum that led to brick-and-mortar growth.  This episode is packed with value for pizzeria owners, operators, and managers who want to grow without losing control of quality. You’ll hear lessons on leadership, team morale, menu strategy, catering, customer experience, and why the best operators never stop learning. Connect with Mike Pitera Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pizzamodomio/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.pitera/ Follow Pizza A Modo Mio Website: https://modomiopizza.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pizzamodomio/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pizzamodomiosc/  Get 3 Months Free With ThrivePOSPizza Driven Point of Sale. Schedule your free demo today! Tell em' the Pizza King sent you.Join the SPM Pro Owner GroupSPM Pro is a curated group of independent pizzeria owners. Monthly call and private group access.Streamline Your Inventory Process!📝 Track stock levels: No more guesswork! Discover the future of restaurant management: WookAIDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Join our free community on Skool  https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers Email: info@tyrellreed.com Upcoming events and appearances:  Pizza Expo Las Vegas On the show floor recording podcast episodes

    1h 2m

  7. MAR 13 ·  BONUS

    The Difference Between Ownership and Influence

    In this Takeout Tip episode, Tyrell Reed breaks down a hard truth that every pizzeria owner, partner, and investor needs to hear. Respect from your team does not come from ownership. It comes from leadership. If you think putting money into the business should automatically earn loyalty, trust, or influence, this episode will challenge that fast. Tyrell shares why staff respond to consistency, humility, support, and real value, not titles, ego, or ownership percentages. This is a strong message for pizza shop owners, restaurant operators, and leaders who want to build trust, lead better, and create a stronger team culture inside their store.  Streamline Your Inventory Process!📝 Track stock levels: No more guesswork! Discover the future of restaurant management: WookAIJoin the SPM Pro Owner GroupSPM Pro is a curated group of independent pizzeria owners. Monthly call and private group access.Get 3 Months Free With ThrivePOSPizza Driven Point of Sale. Schedule your free demo today! Tell em' the Pizza King sent you.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Join our free community on Skool  https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers Email: info@tyrellreed.com Upcoming events and appearances:  Pizza Expo Las Vegas On the show floor recording podcast episodes

    11 min

  8. MAR 11

    What Happens When You Make Pizza Because You Love It

    In this episode of the Pizza King Podcast, Tyrell Reed sits down with Adam Marks, known online as I Am Pizza Adam, for a conversation about pizza from a different angle. Adam is not building a pizzeria, chasing a pop-up model, or trying to turn pizza into a full-time business. He is a true pizza enthusiast, someone who makes pizza because he loves the craft, loves the process, and loves sharing the experience with others.  That is what makes this episode valuable for pizzeria owners and operators. When someone makes pizza for the love of it, you get a clear view of passion, curiosity, and creativity without the pressure of labor, overhead, and margins. Tyrell and Adam talk about backyard pizza making, learning through trial and error, using simple ingredients and accessible tools, and why authenticity still connects with people. It is also a good reminder that great pizza starts with care, attention, and pride in the process.    Follow Adam Marks, I Am Pizza Adam:  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/iampizzaadam/  TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@iampizzaadam YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@iampizzaadam Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.marks.1654/   Join the SPM Pro Owner GroupSPM Pro is a curated group of independent pizzeria owners. Monthly call and private group access.Starting a Podcast? Try Riverside freeStreamline Your Inventory Process!📝 Track stock levels: No more guesswork! Discover the future of restaurant management: WookAIGet 3 Months Free With ThrivePOSPizza Driven Point of Sale. Schedule your free demo today! Tell em' the Pizza King sent you.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Join our free community on Skool  https://www.skool.com/tyrells-group-9324/about Free Tools and Courses for Pizzeria Owners &  Managers Email: info@tyrellreed.com Upcoming events and appearances:  Pizza Expo Las Vegas On the show floor recording podcast episodes

    55 min
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4.7
out of 5
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About

The Pizza King Podcast is where pizzeria owners and operators go to sharpen their skills, build better teams, and grow more profitable businesses. Hosted by Tyrell Reed—franchise leader, coach, and author of Next Level Leadership—each episode delivers practical insights, real-life stories, and expert advice to help you win in the pizza business. Whether you're opening your first shop or scaling your tenth, this show is your guide to pizza business excellence. 

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