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In this episode of The Hot Slice Podcast with Pizza Today, we sit down with Odie O'Connor to explore the dynamic challenges of operating two distinct concepts 1,000 miles apart: Boxcar Pizza in Portland, OR, and Odie's Pizza Company in San Diego, CA.

Odie’s holds a special place for the owner as he returns to his hometown to carryout his pizza vision. Odie shares his deep industry experience and data-driven insights on scaling a business. He breaks down the realities of running a highly systemized vegan Detroit-style shop in the Pacific Northwest alongside a bustling sourdough and New York Grandma-style concept in Southern California.

Tune in to hear our engaging conversation covering these powerful commerce-driven solutions:

• The strategic differences between launching an independent shop versus partnering with a seasoned hospitality group.
• Key operational systems and communication methods required to manage pizzerias remotely.
• Navigating rapid staff growth and scaling workforce operations from a team of 8 to a staff of 45.
• Best practices for incorporating, marketing, and pricing high-quality vegan and gluten-free options to cast a wider net.
• Leveraging professional videography to build a cohesive brand identity and drive social media growth.

It’s our business to help you build yours. Listen to the full episode today to gain actionable intelligence for your own operation, and be sure to subscribe and leave us a review!

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Ever wonder what it really takes to run a booming pizzeria without losing your mind?! Grab a slice and pull up a chair! This week on The Hot Slice with Pizza Today, we’re joined by Nkem and Kerrel Thompson, the visionary couple behind Bird Pizzeria in Charlotte, NC. Nkem and Kerrel have quickly become industry standouts for their commitment to craft, hospitality, and community—transforming Bird Pizzeria from a humble start into one of Charlotte’s most celebrated pizza destinations. Their creative approach and bold flavors have captured the attention of pizza enthusiasts and national media alike, making Bird Pizzeria a must-visit for both locals and travelers. As operators, they embody the passion and resilience it takes to stand out in today’s evolving food landscape, and their story is as inspiring as the pies they serve.

We dive deep into the real, raw side of the pizza business, sharing the good, the bad, and the chaotic.

Here's a taste of what we cover in this episode:

• Surviving the nonstop, breakneck speed of the make line
• Bringing authentic regional pizza to totally new markets
• Balancing crazy lines and speed of service with top-tier quality

Are you ready to level up your pizza game? Hit play and let’s get into it!

Check out Bird Pizzeria at https://www.birdpizzeria.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/birdpizzeria/

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To celebrate the milestone of 300 episodes of The Hot Slice podcast, we’re chatting with a true pioneer of the U.S. pizza industry: Anthony Mangieri of Una Pizza Napoletana.

For nearly 40 years, Mangieri has been obsessively chasing the perfect pizza, but his journey hasn’t been a straight line. In this special anniversary episode, he opens up about his evolution to embrace the transformative power of hospitality. We dive deep into his daily experiments – from tweaking firewood blends to pushing dough hydration to the absolute limit – and why, even after four decades, he feels like he’s still learning every single day.

Tune in to hear how a relentless work ethic and a refusal to compromise on authenticity built one of the world’s most revered pizzerias.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The evolution of Una Pizza Napoletana over 30 years.
• Why hospitality matters just as much as the food.
• Dough hydration and oven management.
• The philosophy of staying true to your craft in a saturated market.

Ready to be inspired? Listen up!

Show Notes:

Una Pizza Napoletana

The backstory behind Mangieri’s devotion to gelato, as told to Pizza Today.

Pizza Expo is coming up! Register today!