Matt Plapp, CEO of America's Best Restaurants, shares his journey from growing up around restaurants to creating a marketing firm that helps independent restaurants thrive. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, attention, and a structured marketing strategy to engage customers and build loyalty.

Matt discusses the challenges restaurant owners face and how leveraging technology can simplify marketing efforts. He advocates for creating themed marketing days to maintain consistency and engagement with customers. In this conversation, Matt Plapp discusses the intersection of technology and marketing in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of leveraging social media and digital tools to engage customers

Check out Matt: https://mattplapp.com/

Sponsored by: https://smartpizzamarketing.com/boostly

Thinking about opening a pizza shop? WATCH THIS FIRST! 🍕🚨

I made some huge mistakes when I first opened my pizzeria—ones that cost me over $100,000 and nearly destroyed my passion for the business. Don't let that happen to you! In this video, I expose the worst pizza business advice out there and share what actually works to run a successful pizzeria.

✅ Need help with your marketing? Comment "I need help" below, and I'll reach out!

Johnny had zero experience making dough, but that didn’t stop him from building a massively successful pizzeria in Canada. In this episode, he shares how he went from meal prep to pizza, how he keeps costs low, and why he believes a small shop is the key to big profits.

If you’re thinking of starting your own pizza shop, this episode is a MUST-WATCH! 🍕💡

💬 What’s your biggest struggle in running a pizzeria? Drop a comment below!

📲 Follow Johnny:
📸 Instagram: @ElevatedPizzaCHWK
🌐 Website: https://www.elevatedpizza.ca/

📢 Thinking of starting a pizza shop? Watch this next:

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, it’s just me, and we’re talking all things pizza business. I just got back from Detroit, visited some amazing pizzerias, and I’ve been reflecting on whether I’d ever open another shop. Let’s break down what makes a great, profitable pizzeria in 2025.

🎥 Watch my latest YouTube video on top pizza shops: https://youtu.be/_MqbAkXHoy4

🎧 Subscribe to the "How You Slice It" Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x9A9kUppkJhY1PatO2CrX?si=93ac8871498346b0

📩 Want to be featured? Message me:Bruce@SmartPizzaMarketing.com

📌 CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Intro & Where I’ve Been Lately
00:39 – Upcoming Podcast Episodes
00:55 – Would I Open a Pizzeria Again?
02:01 – Key Factors for a Successful Pizza Shop
02:33 – Examples of Great Pizza Businesses
05:17 – The Trap of High-Volume Sales
06:17 – Why Small, Focused Menus Win
07:30 – The Future of This Podcast & YouTube Channel
09:27 – The Mission: Better Pizza Shops Everywhere
10:49 – Where I’m Traveling Next
11:52 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect

For more go to www.smartpizzamarketing.com

Summary

Lynn and Brandon share their inspiring journey from making pizza at home to launching their own restaurant in Chicago. They discuss the challenges they faced, the importance of community support, and the strategies they employed to build their brand and engage with customers. Their story highlights the resilience and adaptability required in the food industry, as well as the significance of staying true to one's roots and vision.

Chapters

00:00 From Home Cooking to Business Venture

05:50 Overcoming Challenges and Securing a Lease

11:58 Building a Community and Brand Identity

20:19 Deep Dish Pizza: A Chicago Tradition

27:24 Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement

YouTube Description for the Episode:

🎙️ Live from the Pizza Tomorrow Summit! 🍕
In this episode, Bruce chats with Enrico from Uncle Rico's Pizza in Fort Myers, Florida! Recorded live at the Pizza Tomorrow Summit in Orlando, we dive into the vibrant pizza scene, Enrico's journey in the business, and his first-ever competition.

🎯 Topics Covered:

💡 Whether you're a pizza aficionado or a business owner, this episode has something for everyone.
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncle_ricos_pizza239/

Website: https://www.unclericospizza239.com/

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more amazing pizza content, interviews, and business insights! Check out our channel for more behind-the-scenes footage and join the pizza conversation!

📧 Questions or want to be featured? Reach out to Bruce at Bruce@SmartPizzaMarketing.com or DM on Instagram: Smart Pizza Marketing.

📢 Subscribe to "How You Slice It" Podcast on Spotify and Apple iTunes!
We’re here to help you build a better pizza business and a better life.

🍕 Let’s keep the pizza love alive! See you in the comments.

Join our newsletter for pizza operators:

Follow on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Smartpizzamarketing

Slice Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SlicePlatform

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Andrew from Gianni's Pizza

04:02 Managing Multiple Locations and Family Dynamics

10:07 Adapting Business Hours for Profitability

16:12 The Challenges of Delivery and Third-Party Services

20:30 Creating a Unique Dining Experience

26:02 The Evolution of Gianni's and Lupo Pizzeria

32:14 Marketing Strategies in the Digital Age

Buy and Ooni pizza oven

Pizza Merch

🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing

📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing

👨‍💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing

🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing

Here’s the truth: talent is overrated.It’s the small, consistent choices that make your pizzeria a success.Which one of these do you think has the biggest impact in your shop? Let me know.

MY OTHER SOCIALS:

🎙 My podcast Smart Pizza Marketing where I interview entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people -

🌍 My website / blog - https://www.smartpizzamarketing.com

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/spmpod

📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/smartpizzamarketing

📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@smartpizzamarketing

👨‍💻 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartpizzamarketing

🎥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/smartpizzamarketing