How To Start A Restaurant

Want to be part of the next season of Kings Of Fi$H? Email [email protected] or go to KingsOfFishTV.comWelcome to Fi$H Factor, where multi-generational grit meets visionary hustle. In this episode, Michael Ungaro sits down with Hal Mooney, hospitality pro and co-founder of Mooney’s Pizza Tavern, a new neighborhood pizzeria opening inside a repurposed 1960s diner in Long Beach. Hal is building the concept in public, documenting the entire process on Instagram from construction chaos to design choices, city inspections, and staffing. The conversation is a real look at what it takes to bring a restaurant to life, why story matters before the doors even open, and how to create a place that feels like somewhere, not anywhere.In this episode, you will learn about:- Why “building in public” can create trust, attention, and community before opening day- What surprised Hal most about the buildout, from custom millwork to vendor re-dos and delays- The hardest parts of opening, including landlord dynamics, city bureaucracy, and mechanical inspections- How Hal’s background in beer, pizza franchising, and pop-ups shaped his approach to this concept- Why Hal is obsessed with creating a true dine-in pizzeria experience for families and locals- What it really means to design a restaurant that feels rooted in the neighborhoodWhere to find Hal and Mooney’s Pizza Tavern:Instagram: @mooneyspizzaOnline: moonyspizza.com