The harsh truth nobody tells you

No one ever tells you this when you own a pizza shop…

Owning a shop isn’t just about making great pizza—it’s about the choices you make every single day. It’s about staying true to your vision, taking care of yourself, and building something meaningful for your community.

Here are 10 hard truths every pizza shop owner should know:

1. You are the heart of your business. If you're not taking care of yourself, your shop will reflect it.

2. Chasing trends won’t guarantee success. Consistency and quality will.

3. Happiness doesn’t come from shiny ovens or expensive renovations—it’s about loving the craft and seeing your customers smile.

4. Not every customer is your friend. Loyalty comes from great service, quality, and connection—not discounts.

5. Real friends in this business are rare. They’re the ones sticking with you through the late nights and tough times.

6. Clear communication with your team can turn misunderstandings into opportunities.

7. Experimentation fuels growth. Trying new recipes, marketing tactics, and systems can change everything.

8. Simplify when needed. If your menu or operations are overwhelming, focus on what works.

9. Loneliness is real, but finding your people—mentors, peers, and loyal customers—can change everything.

10. This business is hard, but it’s worth it. Keep showing up, learning, and building. You’re creating a legacy.

Does this resonate with you? What’s one thing you’ve learned the hard way about running a pizza shop?

This Week’s Content

🎥 YouTube Video of the Week
👉 Rob Cervoni from Taglio Pizza
Learn how Rob has mastered Taglio-style pizza and what keeps his shop thriving!

🎙️ Podcast of the Week
👉 How Prince Street Pizza Went From NY to San Diego
Lawrence shares the journey of taking a NYC pizza icon to the West Coast.

Marketing tip of the week

Focus on email and text marketing to future-proof your shop.
With uncertainty around platforms like TikTok, building your owned audience is more important than ever. Here’s what you can do:

1. Email Campaign Example: Send a weekly email featuring your specials, new menu items, or a "behind-the-scenes" story about your shop. Include a coupon code like "WEEKLYSLICE" to drive orders.

   • Subject line idea: "🔥 This Week’s Special + A Little Surprise Inside!"

2. Text Marketing Example: Send a text to your subscribers during slow hours:

   • “🍕 Hungry? We’ve got a deal for you! Show this text for 20% off any large pizza today only. Order now: [link]”

3. Build Your List: Promote sign-ups by offering a discount or free topping for joining your email or text list. Use QR codes on menus, flyers, or table tents to make it easy.

By staying consistent, you’ll create a direct line to your most loyal customers—no algorithm needed!

Meme of the week

This Newsletter is Brought to You By:

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Mike’s Hot Honey: Mike’s Hot Honey brings the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, making it an irresistible topping for pizza. Your customers will love the flavor kick it adds to every bite. Want to try it out? Request a sample today!

Boostly: Simplify your customer communication with no monthly fees or contracts. Boostly’s powerful texting platform delivers results and helps you stay connected with your patrons.

Get more information about sponsoring The Smart Slice here.

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