Episode 53: Discover how Amici's co-founder Peter Cooperstein built a lasting pizza brand through restaurant leadership, innovation, food quality, and customer loyalty. In this episode of the Restaurant Dealmaker Show, host Steve Zimmerman sits down with Peter Cooperstein, co-founder of Amici's East Coast Pizzeria, to explore the entrepreneurial journey behind one of the San Francisco Bay Area's longstanding pizza brands. From his early career in the computer industry to launching Amici's in 1987 with business partner Mike Forder, Peter shares the lessons learned from building and operating a multi-location restaurant business. He discusses the importance of finding the right business partner, developing a strong company culture, maintaining food quality, and making strategic decisions during challenging times. From how Amici's has adapted to the rise of third-party delivery platforms, virtual restaurant brands, online ordering, and changing consumer dining habits. Peter explains why smaller restaurant footprints, customer relationships, and operational flexibility are increasingly important in today's restaurant environment. TOPICS DISCUSSED Peter shares his unconventional path into hospitality, including his upbringing in Boston, his experience in IBM sales and computer leasing, and his eventual decision to pursue an opportunity in East Coast-style pizza in the Bay Area. Learn how Peter and Mike Forder joined forces to launch Amici's in 1987, combining complementary business and restaurant operations expertise to build a lasting partnership. Peter discusses the hands-on management philosophy that has helped Amici's retain employees for decades, including a director of operations who began as a delivery driver. The discussion covers Amici's early use of computerized point-of-sale systems, online ordering, delivery technology, customer feedback tools, and experiments with restaurant robots. Peter explains the strategy behind virtual concepts such as Freddie Parker's Pasta and Salad Shop, Wings and Things by Amici's, and 8 Mile Pie, which help the business reach customers across different online ordering categories. Explore Amici's approach to cloud kitchens and smaller locations designed primarily for takeout and delivery, including its Mountain View restaurant. Peter explains how customer reviews and direct feedback help management identify operational issues, recognize strong employees, and maintain customer loyalty across locations. Discover why Amici's continues to use its original pizza recipes and preferred ingredients while introducing new menu items, including Detroit-style pizza and wings. ABOUT PETER COOPERSTEIN Peter Cooperstein is the co-founder of Amici's East Coast Pizzeria, a San Francisco Bay Area restaurant brand established in 1987. A graduate of Cornell University with an economics degree and MIT with an MBA, Peter began his professional career in the technology industry before pursuing entrepreneurship in the restaurant business. Together with co-founder Mike Forder, Peter built Amici's around authentic East Coast-style pizza, consistent food quality, customer service, and a collaborative company culture. His experience includes multi-unit restaurant operations, business development, technology adoption, delivery strategy, and restaurant brand management. ABOUT THE RESTAURANT DEALMAKER SHOW The Restaurant Dealmaker Show, hosted by Steve Zimmerman of Restaurant Realty Company, features conversations with restaurant owners, entrepreneurs, and food and beverage industry professionals. Through firsthand experiences and industry insights, the show explores restaurant ownership, operations, growth, business strategy, and the challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality industry. CONNECT Peter Cooperstein Co-Founder, Amici's East Coast Pizzeria Email: peter@amicis.com Steve Zimmerman Restaurant Realty Company Email: steve@restaurantrealty.com LIVE EVERYWHERE YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS Watch the show on Facebook & YouTube. Podcasts are now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and wherever you get your podcasts! Join the 1.2 Million+ views of our 52 Episodes.. Join restaurant industry veteran Steve Zimmerman, Principal Broker and Founder of Restaurant Realty in a 1-on-1 fireside chat with restaurant owners, managers, investors and high profile industry clientele sharing their restaurant deal making experiences, success stories, challenges, and more. Launched in January 2022, the Restaurant Dealmaker Show has yielded 1.2M+ views of its 51 episodes via YouTube, Facebook and podcasts. Learn more at RestaurantDealmaker.com INTERESTED in a being a guest? Reach out to Producer Jeremy Broekman at Jeremy@RestaurantRealty.com or call 818-212-9201. 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