In this Bottled Up episode, host Andrew Allen sits down with special guest Tom Bennett, owner of Tom's Extreme Pizzeria in Ocean Springs, to delve into the world of running a successful business. Tom shares the challenges of finding reliable employees and navigating increasing costs, all while maintaining a casual, friendly environment at his pizzeria. They discuss the importance of quality, fresh ingredients, and the art of making the perfect pizza, including Tom's 31 specialty options. From bonsai trees to plans for franchising, they cover it all. So grab a slice of your favorite pizza and a Pepsi and join us for an insightful and delicious conversation on Bottled Up!

3 Key Episode Takeaways

1. Quality and Variety Matter: With 31 specialty pizzas and a commitment to using fresh, local ingredients, Tom emphasizes the importance of quality in attracting and retaining customers. His dedication to crafting unique, flavorful pizzas sets his pizzeria apart in a competitive market.

2. The Power of Reliable Employees: Tom values the contributions of his core team, recognizing the impact of having a trustworthy and dedicated staff. He emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships within the business and the challenges of finding and retaining exceptional employees.

3. Balancing Growth and Quality: Tom prioritizes maintaining consistency and excellence across locations as he considers expanding through franchising. His focus on ensuring the success and proven processes of the business before offering franchises highlights his dedication to upholding exceptional standards. 

Show Overview

01:48   Grateful for the relationship and mutual promotion.
06:11   Tom tasted famous pizza recipe, added more salt.
09:08   Fellow plant lover admires impressive banzai collection.
12:39    Product costs have increased due to COVID.
14:31   Identifying long-term employees, adding necessary supervisors.
19:04   Grateful for great reviews, considering franchise expansion.
26:04   Considering DoorDash, but currently managing deliveries in-house.

This episode is made possible by Allen Beverages

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