Welcome back to Staying Hungry, the podcast where ambition meets execution. In this episode, we sit down with a guy who went from selling slices to scaling a brand - Paul Saccoccio, co-founder of The Pizzeria.

From a single pizzeria inside a mall at the height of COVID to a multi-location empire with a bar at the center of the experience, Paul shares the gritty realities of building a business from the ground up.

He talks about scaling with intention, creating a culture where employees actually want to work, and what it takes to turn a local pizza joint into a household name.

But this isn’t just about food. It’s about leadership, legacy, and the art of creating a business that people want to be a part of.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a restaurateur, or just someone who loves a good underdog story, this episode is for you.

🍕 Key Takeaways:

How a mom-and-pop pizza shop became a brand with private equity potential

Why company culture is more than just a buzzword (and how to actually build one)

The power of customer experience - beyond just making a good slice

Scaling smart: The difference between a passion project and a sellable business

Why Paul will never open another location without a bar 🍸

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Team Structure

00:29 Reflecting on the Past

01:18 Starting a Pizzeria During COVID

04:41 Expanding the Business

07:05 Core Values and Company Culture

15:11 Community Engagement and Fundraising

29:54 Technology and Operations

34:19 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

37:38 Motivating the Team

38:07 The Bathroom Manager

40:32 Encouraging Work Ethic in Kids

43:49 Building Customer Connections

50:18 Challenges and Successes

55:12 Personal Life and Hobbies

01:01:13 Future Goals and Legacy

01:04:57 Closing Remarks

🚀 Follow Staying Hungry → https://linktr.ee/stayinghungrypodcast

🍕 Visit The Pizzeria → https://www.thepizzeriany.com/

Guests & Sponsorship Opportunities Available - stayinghungry@viola.media

#restaurantbusiness #hospitalityindustry #podcast