Restaurant Growth Strategy: Old Scratch Pizza & Eric Soller's Path from One Location to Multi-Market Expansion

🎙️ From Corporate Marketing to Pizza Empire: Eric Soller's Old Scratch Pizza JourneyIn this inspiring episode, Eric Soller, founder of Old Scratch Pizza, shares his transformation from ITW corporate marketing director to successful restaurateur building a multi-location pizza empire in Ohio. After spending over a decade in food service equipment marketing, Eric took the entrepreneurial leap at age 44 to create something uniquely his own: "Midwestern-ly Neapolitan" pizza served in a beer hall atmosphere. Through candid discussions about raising capital, building systems, and the challenges of restaurant operations, Eric demonstrates how combining culinary expertise, business acumen, and unwavering confidence can create a thriving hospitality business that serves both community and profit.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Transitioning from secure corporate career to restaurant entrepreneurship at 44Creating "Midwestern-ly Neapolitan" pizza: traditional Italian techniques with Midwest sensibilitiesRaising capital through network: 5 pitches, 5 yes responses from local investorsBuilding community through large communal tables and family-friendly atmosphere"Cones for a Cause" program: $300,000+ donated to charity through free ice cream donationsOperating without freezers or microwaves: everything made from scratch dailyScaling from one to four locations with systematic approach to operationsUsing sophisticated demographic data (Experian Mosaic) for targeted marketingTraining 16-year-olds to master Neapolitan pizza techniques in three weeksPlanning Columbus expansion and additional growth for 2026🌟 Eric's Key Influences:Antico Pizza (Atlanta): Inspired the wood-fired oven, communal table beer hall conceptITW Corporate Experience: Applied world-class manufacturing principles to restaurant operationsWife's Support: Provided encouragement during entrepreneurial transition and ongoing operationsRestaurant Peer Groups: Customer advisory boards and industry networks for problem-solvingAI/ChatGPT: Uses as brainstorming partner and operational streamlining toolHospitality Books: "Unreasonable Hospitality" by Lou Gardenia, "Setting the Table" by Danny MeyerLocal Network: Strong Dayton professional relationships enabled successful capital raising👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building authentic hospitality experiences, the importance of systematic operations, and how entrepreneurial confidence can overcome the complexities of restaurant ownership.🔗 Connect with Eric Soller:Website: oldscratchpizza.comInstagram: @oldscratchpizzaLocation: Multiple Dayton, Ohio area locations with Columbus expansion coming 2026Address: 1100 Oakwood Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio 45419📄 Transcript Available: Restaurant Growth Strategy: Old Scratch Pizza & Eric Soller's Path from One Location to Multi-Market Expansion📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com#RestaurantEntrepreneurship #NeapolitanPizza #CorporateCareerTransition #HospitalityBusiness #CommunityFocusedDining #RestaurantScaling #FoodServiceMarketing #BeerHallConcept #CharitableGiving #OperationalSystems #RestaurantTechnology #FranchiseGrowth #CulinaryArts #BusinessNetworking #InspiredStoriesPodcast