Beyond the Dough: The Business of Building a Brand (and a Bar) - Paul Saccoccio | The Pizzeria

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 potentialWhy company culture is more than just a buzzword (and how to actually build one)The power of customer experience - beyond just making a good sliceScaling smart: The difference between a passion project and a sellable businessWhy Paul will never open another location without a bar 🍸Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Team Structure00:29 Reflecting on the Past01:18 Starting a Pizzeria During COVID04:41 Expanding the Business07:05 Core Values and Company Culture15:11 Community Engagement and Fundraising29:54 Technology and Operations34:19 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs37:38 Motivating the Team38:07 The Bathroom Manager40:32 Encouraging Work Ethic in Kids43:49 Building Customer Connections50:18 Challenges and Successes55:12 Personal Life and Hobbies01:01:13 Future Goals and Legacy01:04:57 Closing Remarks🚀 Follow Staying Hungry → https://linktr.ee/stayinghungrypodcast🍕 Visit The Pizzeria → https://www.thepizzeriany.com/Guests & Sponsorship Opportunities Available - [email protected]#restaurantbusiness  #hospitalityindustry  #podcast