Pizza Story Podcast

Erica D'Arcangelo
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Food
  • Updated Weekly

Join host & best-selling author Erica D'Arcangelo as she steps behind the counter and into the lives of world-class pizzaiolos, master chefs, celebrities, influencers, and passionate artisans from around the world. These heroes, alongside pizza icons from across the globe, are keeping rich cultural traditions vibrant and thriving. This podcast encompasses everything that makes you fall in love with food, family, Italian culture, and deep-rooted history. Best of all, you will get exclusive insider access to the greatest pies on Earth and learn exactly where to find them.

  1. 1d ago

    Saving 70 Acres, Farm Pizza & Nourishing AC: The Story of Reed’s Farm & Cookie Till | Ep 86

    This week I’m sitting down under the porch at Reed’s Farm with the visionary Cookie Till. She’s the co-founder of A Meaningful Purpose at Reed’s Organic Farm and the heart behind South Jersey icons like Steve & Cookie’s, Ventnor 7311, and Florida Cuts 🙌🏽. Cookie takes us back to her roots, growing up in Atlantic City and working her first boardwalk job at age 14. We dive into how her background in nutrition eventually brought her back to hospitality, and the exact moment she realized her calling was bigger than running a single successful restaurant. It was to nourish a community 🫶🏼.  You’ll hear the story of how she saved the historic 70+ acre Reed’s Farm from housing developers to create a sanctuary of agroforestry, complete with a food forest, alley cropping, therapy animals (including Violet the mini donkey 🫏!), and wood-fired farm pizza 🍕. We also talk about our obsession with sourdough, local heritage grains, and bringing back the legendary Florida Cuts with a fresh focus on wild-fermented breads, ugly tomato salad turkey sandwiches, and burrata 🍅🌿. Beyond the food, Cookie breaks down how Reed’s Farm is changing lives through workforce development for adults with special needs, launching "Farmers Row" to build a regional food system, and cooking fresh farm soup every Monday for senior communities across Atlantic City. This episode is a masterclass in community, passion, and what happens when you choose to build a bigger table ❤️. 🎙 Episode Highlights ✅ 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 86! Meeting Cookie Till ✅ 00:52 – Boardwalk Roots & Returning to Hospitality ✅ 03:20 – The Awakening: Food Insecurity & Edible Gardens ✅ 05:09 – Saving Reed’s Farm & Building a Food Forest ✅ 08:23 – Ventner 7311 & Reimagining Florida Cold Cuts ✅ 11:58 – The Art of Real Sourdough & Heritage Grains ✅ 17:32 – Ugly Tomatoes, Clam Pies & Sandwich Innovation ✅ 19:43 – Wood-Fired Farm Pizza at Reed's Farm ✅ 24:31 – Special Needs Workforce Programs & Monday Soup Project ✅ 28:50 – Building "Farmers Row" & Transforming Regional Food Systems ✅ 34:23 – Nature School & Hands-On Food Education ✅ 36:33 – Supporting a Working Farm & Closing Thoughts 🔗 CONNECT & SUPPORT 🌾 Learn More About Reed's Farm: https://www.reedsorganicfarm.org/  📸 Follow Reed's Farm on Instagram: @reedsfarm  🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast Step behind the counter and into the craft with the people who turned a passion for pizza and food into a lifestyle. From local artisans and celebrities to legendary pizzerias keeping Italian culture alive, we're sharing the untold stories, deep-rooted traditions, and authentic history behind the best pies in the world, one slice at a time. Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/  Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza  A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993  Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/  Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/  #pizza #reedsfarm #farmtotable #organicfood

    Saving 70 Acres, Farm Pizza & Nourishing AC: The Story of Reed’s Farm & Cookie Till | Ep 86

  2. Sep 30

    An American Dream: The Story of Puglia Pizza Philly, Roman Slices & Italian Soul | Ep 85

    Welcome back to The Pizza Story Podcast! In this episode, I’m sitting down with Chef Cosimo, the mastermind behind Puglia Pizza on South Street in Philadelphia 💚🤍. Chef Cosimo’s story is the true embodiment of the American Dream mixed with deep-rooted Italian heart 🇮🇹. Thirty-three years ago, he arrived in the Philly area from Puglia, Italy, speaking no English and starting at the absolute bottom as "the best dishwasher on Horsham Road." Through decades of relentless work, he went on to open 13 successful restaurants, pizzerias, and cafes across Philadelphia, from Rittenhouse Square to South Philly 🙌🏽. After retiring to Italy for six years to raise his young family, Cosimo realized he missed the fire, the community, and the food. Returning to Philly, he took over a shop on 911 South Street to launch Puglia Pizza, a hybrid Roman-style pizzeria and traditional Italian market (complete with imported glass-jar Nutella, Bronte pistachios, Kimbo coffee, and house-grown tomatoes and basil on the sidewalk 🍅🌿!). In this passionate conversation, Chef Cosimo opens up about why he rejects the commercial "science" of 72-hour doughs and world champion titles in favor of pure, natural ingredients, no bleached/bromated flours, and the simple, loving methods passed down by his grandmother. We talk about why Philly and New York style pizza reign supreme, his stand against paying food bloggers for fake reviews, and how a random customer interaction led him to build an entire gluten-free market line. Grab a slice, turn up the volume, and join us around the table for an unforgettable story of grit, family heritage, and true Italian hospitality! 🎙 Episode Highlights ✅ 00:40 – From Puglia Dishwasher to Philly Restaurant Owner: The 33-Year Journey & Opening 13 Spots✅ 01:36 – Retiring to Italy vs. The Hunger to Cook: Why Cosimo Returned to Open Puglia Pizza ✅ 02:53 – Roman-Style Slices & Why Philly/New York Pizza Beats Most Pies in Italy✅ 04:48 – "Pizza Is Food for the Poor, Not a Science Experiment": Rejecting 72-Hour Doughs & Chemical Flours✅ 07:26 – Taste Memories & Palate: Why True Italian Cooking Comes from Love, Not AI or Books✅ 08:30 – Keeping It Real: The Problem with Paid Food Bloggers vs. Real Customer Reviews✅ 12:13 – Walking the Market: Imported Nutella, Bronte Pistachios, Gelato, and Sidewalk-Grown Basil✅ 22:07 – From Garlic & Olive Oil Spaghetti to Potato-Rosemary Roman Slices & Vegan Puttanesca✅ 24:30 – Accidental Gluten-Free Haven: How One Customer Changed the Puglia Pizza Menu✅ 28:23 – A Message to Pizza Makers: Stop Using Bromated Flours & Put Health First✅ 30:44 – Hardships, Gratitude, and Delivering Pizza in a Smart Car: The Passion Behind the Craft 🍕 Connect with Chef Cosimo & Puglia Pizza: Address: 911 South St, Philadelphia, PAInstagram: @pugliapizzaphillyWebsite: Order directly at pugliapizza.com Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a review on YouTube! What's your take on Chef Cosimo's view on Italian vs. New York style pizza? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 👇 🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast Step behind the counter and into the craft with the people who turned a passion for pizza into a lifestyle. Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/  Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza  A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993  Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/  Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/  #pizza #pugliapizza #romanpizza #italianmarket

    An American Dream: The Story of Puglia Pizza Philly, Roman Slices & Italian Soul | Ep 85

  3. Sep 23

    From Fine Dining to Finding A Home in Pizza: The Best Slope Pizza Journey | Ep 84

    What happens when a chef steps away from the frantic pace of high-end kitchens to build a life centered around family, community, and the beauty of the outdoors 🍕?  In this episode of the Pizza Story Podcast, I sat down with Brandt Bishop, owner and founder of Best Slope Pizza; a mobile Neapolitan setup bringing incredible pies to Western Colorado between Telluride and Aspen ⛰️. Brandt’s journey is full of unexpected twists. He shares what it was like getting bit by the pizza bug as a picky 9-year-old on a trip to Avignon, France (where he realized crust could actually taste amazing!), before returning home to rural Colorado and eating frozen pizza for the next decade . After years of working every position from dishwasher to executive chef in Seattle, he realized he needed a change of pace and a better quality of life❤️. When he returned to his home county, a small community of 30,000 people with a town of less than 1,000, he noticed how much locals craved great food made with ingredients from nearby organic farms. What started as small food pop-ups eventually led him back to pizza, where he found a way to combine his love for fine-dining flavor profiles with a fun, approachable menu inspired by 90s hip-hop (like "The Ilmatic" and "The MF Shroom") and local Colorado heritage (like "The Green Lantern" pie with green chili jam and cilantro pesto) 🤤. Most importantly, Brandt shares how building his own small, mobile business allowed him to slow down, be home by 5:00 PM, spend time in nature, and truly connect with the community he calls home. Settle in, grab a cup of coffee or a slice, and enjoy this warm conversation about starting over, honoring local growers, and finding joy in the simple things ☕️! 🎙 Episode Highlights ✅ 00:00 – Welcome to the Pizza Story Podcast with Erica D'Arcangelo ✅ 00:34 – Growing up in Colorado, moving to Seattle, and coming back home ✅ 01:24 – The 9-year-old in Avignon, France: The moment pizza crust changed his perspective ✅ 02:23 – From French pizza back to 10 years of DiGiorno’s in rural Colorado ✅ 02:39 – Starting out in Seattle: Building pies at Pagliacci Pizza ✅ 03:13 – Working every role from dishwasher to executive chef in Seattle kitchens ✅ 03:51 – Shifting priorities in his 30s: Looking for a better quality of life ✅ 05:08 – Watching The Bear and reflecting on life behind the line ✅ 06:17 – Moving back to a town of under 1,000 people ✅ 07:10 – The lightbulb moment: Watching a local salad pop-up at a bar ✅ 08:00 – Listening to the community & pivoting to pizza pop-ups ✅ 09:18 – Remembering his very first pizza building experiences ✅ 10:37 – The funny, humbling pizza night with friends that sparked a new passion ✅ 12:29 – Setting up under a tent and serving 100 pies to local neighbors ✅ 16:40 – Making a pie for the "crust skippers" who usually leave edges behind ✅ 17:20 – Sourcing organic produce, beef, and lamb from Western Colorado farmers ✅ 18:30 – "The Green Lantern" pie: Bringing Colorado green chili stew flavors to pizza ✅ 20:00 – 90s Hip-Hop inspirations on the menu: "The Ilmatic" & "The MF Shroom" ✅ 22:43 – Taking care of customers who order pies to-go ✅ 24:29 – Finding life balance: Being home by 5 PM and enjoying nature ✅ 25:37 – Looking ahead: Local frozen pies and future storefront dreams ✅ 27:34 – How to find Best Slope Pizza between Telluride and Aspen, Colorado Connect with Brandt & Best Slope Pizza:  📸 Instagram: @bestslopepizza  🌐 Website: https://www.iwantza.com 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, leave a comment, and subscribe to the Pizza Story Podcast to support independent storytellers and local pizzerias!  🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast From local artisans and celebrities to legendary pizzerias keeping Italian culture alive, we're sharing the untold stories, deep-rooted traditions, and authentic history behind the best pies in the world, one slice at a time. #pizza #bestslopepizza #coloradoeats #foodstorytelling #cheflife

    From Fine Dining to Finding A Home in Pizza: The Best Slope Pizza Journey | Ep 84

  4. Sep 16

    Inside Dolomiti Pizzeria & Enoteca: Sourdough Science, Northern Italian Style, & Local Farms | Ep 83

    From the lush gardens of Switzerland to the high-stakes kitchens of California and five-star resorts tucked into the Italian Alps, the path to great pizza is rarely a straight line 🍕. In this episode of the Pizza Story Podcast, host Erica D'Arcangelo steps inside the lively, aromatic dining room of Dolomiti Pizzeria & Enoteca in Omaha’s Millwork Commons. Joined by co-founder and executive chef Tim Maides, they break down how a childhood spent picking fresh lettuce with a Swiss grandmother and years of fine-dining experience eventually transformed into one of the Midwest's most unique pizza destinations ❤️. Tim takes us back to his time working outside Bolzano, Italy, at a mountain resort surrounded by the towering, breathtaking peaks of the Dolomites, the legendary mountain range in Northern Italy that gave the pizzeria its name 🇮🇹 . Away from the classic Neapolitan hubs of the south, he fell in love with a regional, mountain-influenced "Northern Italian tavern style" pizza. A crispier, lighter, and more versatile style that captured the spirit of the Alpine landscape and stayed with him long after returning to the States. After two years of relentless sourdough experimentation, fine-tuning dough hydration, and adding durum semolina flour for a distinct golden hue and crackery bite, Dolomiti was born to showcase that Alpine heritage. Driven by a chef's mindset rather than rigid tradition, Tim shares how he builds relationships with local Nebraska farmers to showcase hyper-seasonal ingredients, from viral local peach pizzas layered with smoky speck and 10-year aged balsamic, to roasted sweet corn topped with goat cheese and shishito peppers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about family heritage, the art of sourdough science, the vintage pistachio-green oven at the heart of their space, and how a little slice of Northern Italy found its perfect home in Omaha. 🎙 Episode Highlights ✅ 00:00 – Live from Dolomiti: Capturing the sounds and energy of the pizzeria floor. ✅00:56 – From Switzerland to Omaha: Tim’s culinary roots and journey from dishwasher to executive chef. ✅ 03:38 – The Dolomites Connection: Naming the shop after Northern Italy's mountain range and discovering Alpine tavern-style pizza. ✅ 06:04 – Mastering the Crust: Two years of sourdough science, bread failures, and the addition of semolina flour. ✅ 07:09 – Farmers & Flavor: Crafting hyper-seasonal specials with local peaches, roasted sweet corn, and artisan cheeses. ✅ 10:47 – The Pistachio Oven: Blending Neapolitan sauce with unique bakes inside a custom vintage oven. ✅ 20:28 – The Enoteca Experience: Crafting seasonal cocktails, curated wine lists, and welcoming late-night guests. 🔗 Connect with Dolomiti Pizzeria & Enoteca Instagram: @theitalianontour @millworkcommons https://www.facebook.com/dolomitipizzeria  🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment below about the Dolomites or Dolomiti Pizzeria & Enoteca! 🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast Step behind the counter and into the craft with the people who turned a passion for pizza into a lifestyle. From local artisans and celebrities to legendary pizzerias keeping Italian culture alive, we're sharing the untold stories, deep-rooted traditions, and authentic history behind the best pies in the world, one slice at a time. Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/  Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza  A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993  Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/  Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/

    Inside Dolomiti Pizzeria & Enoteca: Sourdough Science, Northern Italian Style, & Local Farms | Ep 83

  5. Sep 9

    Authentic Italy With The Italian On Tour: Off-the-Beaten-Path Food, Wine, and Pizza Stories | Ep 82

    Have you ever wondered what real Italy tastes like once you step off the big tourist bus 🇮🇹?  In this episode of the Pizza Story Podcast, I sit down with Chantelle and Giovanni, the incredible couple behind The Italian on Tour. Together, we dive deep into what happens when you swap the crowded, commercialized sights of Rome and Florence for the quiet, soul-stirring heart of the Italian countryside ❤️. From backpacking Europe at 18, to importing fresh Fior di Latte mozzarella into Western Canada, Chantelle and Giovanni share the personal journeys that inspired their boutique travel company. We talk about the magic of slow travel: hunting truffles with local dogs, making tagliatelle alongside an Italian aunt using a 100-year-old rolling pin carved from a fig tree, and sitting around a cozy wooden table listening to a retired lawyer distill grappa in 120-year-old copper tanks. Of course, it wouldn't be the Pizza Story Podcast without talking about pizza! We explore why there’s no such thing as "one best pizza," the mind-blowing simplicity of discovering potato slice pizza in Perugia, and how sharing a wood-fired forno pie on night one transforms a group of complete strangers into lifelong friends 🍕. Pull up a chair, grab a glass of wine, and get ready to fall in love with the authentic side of Italy. 🎙 Episode Highlights ✅00:00 - Welcome to the Pizza Story Podcast & Meet The Italian on Tour ✅ 00:40 - Travel Is About Memories, Not Sights (Chantel's Backpacking Story) ✅ 03:06 - From Mozzarella Importer to Tour Host (Giovanni's Culinary Journey) ✅ 19:16 - Grappa, Truffles, and 100-Year-Old Rolling Pins (Unforgettable Experiences) ✅ 27:10 - The Magic & Conviviality of Pizza (Potato Slice Memories & Wood-Fired Fornos) 🔗 Connect with The Italian On Tour Website: The Italian on Tour Instagram: @theitalianontour Facebook: The Italian on Tour 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment below with your favorite memory of Italy! 🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast Step behind the counter and into the craft with the people who turned a passion for pizza into a lifestyle. We're sharing the untold stories, deep-rooted traditions, and authentic history behind the best pies in the world, one slice at a time. Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/  Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza  A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993  Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/  Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/  #pizza #italy #italiantravel

    Authentic Italy With The Italian On Tour: Off-the-Beaten-Path Food, Wine, and Pizza Stories | Ep 82

  6. Sep 2

    Cash Register Math, Old-School Heat & Sicilian Passion: The Prima Pizza Kitchen Story | Ep 81

    If you grew up in an Italian family, you know Sunday dinner isn't just a meal, it's an experience. Food keeps coming, love is served by the plateful, and denying a second helping gets you a look you’ll never forget. That’s the exact feeling of warmth, tradition, and non-stop passion we’re diving into on today’s episode ❤️🇮🇹! I’m sitting down with my friend Jerry Carollo, the force behind Prima Pizza Kitchen in Somerville, New Jersey 🍕. Jerry and I actually met over an unforgettable family-style dinner, and speaking with him felt like looking in a mirror. Like me, Jerry literally grew up in the pizza business. At just eight years old, he was standing on a milk crate behind his family's cash register, learning math on the fly 💸. By fourteen, his dad threw him straight into the fire, making pies from scratch during a chaotic Friday night rush. We talk about everything from balancing 20 years in nightlife alongside the pizzeria to the tactical decision to sell his family's original shop just so his hardworking dad would finally step back and enjoy retirement. Now, seven years into Prima Pizza Kitchen, Jerry is crafting old-school, well-done crispy crusts while pioneering next-level specialty pies like the Drunken Grandma, Vodka Stracciatella, and the award-winning Champlain. Beyond the dough, his heart for the community, especially his work teaching pizza-making to individuals with special needs, is what makes his story truly special 🙌🏽. 🎧 Grab a slice, settle in, and listen to a real Jersey legacy story! 🎙 Episode Highlights ✅ 00:00 – The Sunday Dinner Ritual: Erica and Jerry reminisce about endless Italian family dinners and the rule about never turning down food. ✅ 02:41 – The Milk Crate Days: Standing on a crate at age 8, learning mental math, and growing up inside Joe's Pizza. ✅ 05:18 – Thrown in the Fire: The Friday night Jerry’s dad forced him to make pies from scratch during the rush hour peak. ✅ 07:30 – Dough & Disco: Juggling two decades in club nightlife promotion while keeping one foot in the pizzeria. ✅ 09:00 – Passing the Torch: Selling the family business so his dad would actually retire, leading to the birth of Prima Pizza Kitchen. ✅ 13:30 – The Art of the Crunch: Why high-end ingredients, house-made prep, and a thin, well-done bake make all the difference. ✅ 15:55 – Beyond Pepperoni: The story behind their signature gourmet pies, including the award-winning Champlain. ✅ 24:14 – Old-School Service vs. Online Reviews: Why direct communication matters more than a bad Yelp review. ✅ 29:35 – More Than Pizza: Giving back to the local special-needs community through hands-on pizza-making programs. 🍕 Connect with Prima Pizza Kitchen: Instagram: @primapizzakitchen Facebook: Prima Pizza Kitchen (Somerville, NJ) Order Direct: Call in to chat with their team or find them on Slice, DoorDash, Grubhub, & Uber Eats! 🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast Step behind the counter and into the craft with the people who turned a passion for pizza into a lifestyle. We're sharing the untold stories, deep-rooted traditions, and authentic history behind the best pies in the world, one slice at a time. 🎧 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment below with your favorite style of pizza ♥️! Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/  Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza  A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993  Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/  Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/  #pizza #jersey #jerseyslices

    Cash Register Math, Old-School Heat & Sicilian Passion: The Prima Pizza Kitchen Story | Ep 81

  7. Aug 26

    From Rock Bottom to Jersey’s Best Pizza: The Story of Vinnie’s Pan Pizza | Ep 80

    In this episode of the Pizza Story Podcast, host Erica D’Arcangelo sits down with a true New Jersey heavy hitter: Peter Falzo, the mastermind behind Vinnie’s Pan Pizza 🍕. What happens when you trade life’s heaviest hardship for a ball of dough? For Peter Falzo, opening Vinnie’s Pan Pizza wasn't just a business move, it was a lifeline ❤️. Facing a tough divorce, financial strain, and the chaos of the pandemic, Peter stripped life back down to the basics and found peace behind the pizza oven. In this candid conversation, Peter shares the deeply personal story of how he revived his late uncle’s legendary legacy, brought back iconic family recipes (like their famous shredded-pepperoni "Roni Pie"), and turned a small, 8-seat spot into a Jersey destination. From surviving a wild, unannounced Dave Portnoy review to expanding down to the shore in Brielle, Peter breaks down the power of family, heritage, and staying grounded in your roots 🇮🇹🙌🏽. 🎙 Episode Highlights ✅ 01:37 — Rooted in Heritage: Peter reflects on growing up in a first-generation Italian-American household and how a high school trip to Italy changed his perspective on family, food, and culture forever. ✅ 09:00 — The Nucleus of the Family: How working at his Uncle Vinnie’s Livingston pizzeria shaped Peter’s work ethic and introduced him to the true meaning of fulfillment and community. ✅ 15:16 — The Melbourne Trattoria Years: Transforming a struggling deli into a bustling 20-seat hotspot overnight—and the hard life lessons learned running a high-stakes restaurant. ✅ 17:48 — Finding Peace in Pizza: Hitting rock bottom, picking up a sledgehammer, and finding healing in the simplicity of flour, water, and dough. ✅ 30:30 — The Legendary Shredded Pepperoni: The secret behind Vinnie’s iconic "Roni Pie" and carrying on his late uncle’s signature recipes. ✅ 32:05 — The Dave Portnoy Effect: What really went down the day One Bite Pizza Reviews dropped by—and the absolute chaos that followed on a Friday night. ✅ 37:25 — Scaling Without Sacrificing Quality: Expanding to Brielle, New Jersey, building a shore-town communal hub, and keeping the family legacy growing. ✅ 46:33 — The New Jersey Pizza Brotherhood: How Jersey’s top pizzaiolos collaborate, build community, and support each other behind the scenes. 🔗 Connect with Vinnie’s Pan Pizza Website: vinniespanpizza.com Instagram: @vinniespanpizza Locations: Millburn, NJ & Brielle, NJ What's your favorite pizza spot in Jersey? Let us know in the comments below! 🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast Step behind the counter and into the craft with the people who turned a passion for pizza into a lifestyle. We're sharing the untold stories, deep-rooted traditions, and authentic history behind the best pies in the world, one slice at a time. 🎧 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment below with your favorite style of pizza ♥️! Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/  Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza  A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993  Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/  Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/  #pizza #jersey #jerseyslices

    From Rock Bottom to Jersey’s Best Pizza: The Story of Vinnie’s Pan Pizza | Ep 80

  8. Aug 19

    Steel City Tradition, Abruzzo Roots, and 1,000 Pizzas for the Steelers with Sciulli’s Pizza | Ep 79

    If you’ve spent any time in Oakland or around Pittsburgh over the last four decades, today’s guest needs absolutely no introduction. They are a true Steel City institution, family-owned, family-operated, and the definition of Pittsburgh pizza tradition since 1980 🖤💛. In this episode of the Pizza Story Podcast, host Erica D'Arcangelo sits down with Eutimio Sciulli from Sciulli’s Pizza 🍕! Erica and Eutimio dive deep into what it really means to have pizza in your blood. Eutimio shares his memories of growing up in the shop from age 5, spending every summer helping his uncles while other kids went on vacation. They uncover an incredible parallel between their two families, both tracing their roots straight back to neighboring towns in the Abruzzo region of Italy and building a life in Western Pennsylvania through grit, coal mines, steel mills, and pizza dough 🇮🇹. Eutimio takes us on a journey through the shop's history, from its origins as a late-night college joint to the turning point in 2012, when he pitched local universities and hospital systems to secure massive bulk orders. He breaks down the debate over Pittsburgh pizza, the meaning of a Sicilian "cut" (taglio), and why he refuses to change the shop's nostalgic wooden paneling and bright orange booths. Plus, he shares the unforgettable story of how an anonymous call from the Pittsburgh Steelers during the height of COVID turned into a 1,000-pizza order for frontline healthcare workers 🏈. Grab a cut and tune in for an authentic, heart-filled story about carrying on a family legacy, honoring the ancestors who sacrificed everything, and keeping the community fed 🙌🏽. 🎙 Episode Highlights & Timestamps ✅ 01:36 – Working Since Age Five: Eutimio’s childhood in the pizza shop alongside his brother and uncles. ✅ 02:23 – Small Town Abruzzo Connections: Discovering shared family roots in the province of Chieti, Italy. ✅ 03:21 – Sacrifices of 1955: Eutimio’s grandfather leaving Italy for ten years to build a future in Steel Country. ✅ 05:46 – Pittsburgh Style vs. New York vs. Sicilian: Why it's called a "cut" (taglio) and what makes a great pie. ✅ 08:08 – Sciulli’s History in Oakland: Serving students at Pitt, Carlow, Duquesne, and CMU since 1980. ✅ 10:04 – Passing the Torch: Choosing the family trade over college and stepping up to run the business. ✅ 12:10 – Pitching Corporate Accounts: How walking into offices with fresh pies changed the game. ✅ 14:52 – The Steelers Miracle: Delivering 1,000 personal pizzas to frontline hospital workers during COVID. ✅ 17:14 – The Oldest Small Business in Oakland: $5 student pies, retro vibes, and feeling the presence of family every day. ✅ 19:58 – The Perfect Slice: Sweet sauce, salty cheese, a golden bottom, and zero flop. 🔗 Connect with Sciulli's Pizza Instagram: @sciullispizza Website & Merch: www.sciullispizza.com 🍕🇮🇹 About the Podcast Step behind the counter and into the craft with the people who turned a passion for pizza into a lifestyle. We're sharing the untold stories, deep-rooted traditions, and authentic history behind the best pies in the world, one slice at a time. 🎧 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment below with your favorite style of pizza ♥️! Website: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com/  Substack: https://substack.com/@astoryaboutpizza  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoryaboutpizza/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyaboutpizza  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AStoryAboutPizza  A Story About Pizza Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-About-Pizza-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/1917116993  Pietro’s Pizza Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Pizza-Story-About/dp/B0DTYZ15WB/  Pietro’s Pizza Toppings Children’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJM15W22/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Pietro’s Italian Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Pietros-Italian-Christmas-Erica-DArcangelo/dp/B0G2GQX78W/  #pizza #pittsburgh #pittsburghpizza

    Steel City Tradition, Abruzzo Roots, and 1,000 Pizzas for the Steelers with Sciulli’s Pizza | Ep 79
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join host & best-selling author Erica D'Arcangelo as she steps behind the counter and into the lives of world-class pizzaiolos, master chefs, celebrities, influencers, and passionate artisans from around the world. These heroes, alongside pizza icons from across the globe, are keeping rich cultural traditions vibrant and thriving. This podcast encompasses everything that makes you fall in love with food, family, Italian culture, and deep-rooted history. Best of all, you will get exclusive insider access to the greatest pies on Earth and learn exactly where to find them.

Information

  • Creator
    Erica D'Arcangelo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Erica D'Arcangelo
  • Show Website
    Pizza Story Podcast

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