September 2021

Published: September 1, 2021Scott Wiener

On Fire!

Pizza Today is back on the road to visit Cincinnati, Ohio-based Catch-a-Fire, with two locations and food truck roots. Discover today’s tipping trends. We have tips on why your forgotten ice machine may need your attention. Get menu ideas on cheese pairings, top-selling desserts, non-alcoholic options and tortellini.

You can also check out the Digital Edition — Pizza Today September 2021.

Topics Videos

Up Close with Jeff and Melissa Ledford, Catch-a-Fire Pizza, Cincinnati, OH

Pizza Today On the Road: Catch-a-Fire Pizza, Cincinnati, OH Learn firsthand how Jeff and Melissa took their business from a single food truck to a bustling two-unit operation that is poised to grow again soon. Read the full feature: Catching Fire: On...

Topics Industry News

Conversation: Anna Crucitt, Mercurio’s Pittsburgh, PA

Mercurio’s Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Concept: Mercurio’s is a full-service Italian eatery that specializes in artisan gelato and Neapolitan pizza. We strive to offer our guests an authentic Italian experience at our restaurant. Pizza...

Topics Industry News

Save the Date for International Pizza Expo 2022!

Pizza continues to thrive and expand, which drives home the fact that it’s hands down America’s favorite food! With that in mind, we’re expecting a huge International Pizza Expo 2022. Designed specifically for pizzeria owners and operators, the...

Topics Operations

The State of Tipping

A look at tipping issues pizzeria owners are recently facing In an already challenging labor market, pizzeria operators have another thing to monitor when it comes to their current employees: tipping. From tip sharing to accelerating calls to elimina...

Topics Industry News

Commentary: Lasting Impact

As the Delta variant surges and infection rates increase throughout the country, it has become painfully clear that COVID is not over. The light at the end of the tunnel remains visible thanks to the vaccine, but we’re still not living as freely as...

Topics Operations

Descaling and sanitizing ice machines can prevent equipment failure

How Clean is Your Ice? The ice machine is a crucial piece of equipment in foodservice, but it can easily become the dirtiest place in the restaurant. The culprits are biofilm, or slime, and scale, which is calcium and magnesium buildup. Ice is food, ...

Topics Menu Development

Desserts that Sell

The Best Desserts Rarely Sell Themselves My position on desserts is simple: what we serve our guests has to be outstanding, it has to be in line with our brand, and it has to be high quality. If we don’t make it in-house, then we partner with those...

Topics Operations

Building Blocks: Negotiating with distributors and vendors

If you’ve read our past two installments — or are simply conducting your business — you know most of the restaurant industry is fighting a labor shortage and supply issues. Previously, we discussed solutions related to raising employee wages an...

Topics Operations

Sustainability for the Dual Win

Increase Green Efforts on the Planet and Increase Profits In its newest location, Noble Pie Parlor of Reno, Nevada, incorporated an herb garden into its décor. The addition is not only eye-catching; it is also practical. When appropriate, the herbs ...

Topics Menu Development

Non-alcoholic Beverages on the Menu: Zero Proof

Craft pizza and a non-alcoholic beverage, a perfect pairing Non-alcoholic beverages have come a long way from the Shirley Temple days. Today’s alcohol-free refreshment menus are as diverse, creative and artisan as pizza menus. Whether you have a ta...

Topics Menu Development

Cheese Pairing Pizzas: Cheese, Pleeeeze

Get Creative With a Quintessential Element of the Holy Trinity of Pizza Whenever I go to a new pizzeria, the first thing I order is a classic cheese slice or pie. Not only is it my daily go-to slice, but it is also how I determine just how a place me...

Topics People & Pizzerias

Catching Fire: On the Road – Catch-a-Fire Pizza, Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati-based Catch-a-Fire Pizza grows out of its food truck roots and into two locations Catch-a-Fire Pizza has a success story that many food truck operators dream of when they start their mobile pizza business. Jeff and Melissa Ledford started ...

Topics Operations

Setting a Plan to Meet Customers’ Heat Preferences

The Perfect Pie at the Perfect Temp If systems to serve food are unaligned and a once-piping-hot pizza arrives cold to a hungry diner, the customer will notice. Moreover, they likely will remember the meal—but not in a positive light. Nearly 70 per...

Topics Brand & Marketing

Mike’s Monthly Tip: Great Food Photos = A Great ROI

Great food photos move the needle. If your photos are poorly taken or don’t let the food’s colors pop, customers are that much more likely not to order and try someone else. Food photos done correctly are an immediate ROI producer. Here are tips ...

Topics Dough

Grains World — Adding ancient grains to pizza

Excellent Ancient Grains in the Pizzeria Fifteen years ago, I had no intention of making pizza without the usual white, bleached and bromated flour that all pizza places use. Then one hot September day, I travelled to my favorite Amish family in th...

Topics Brand & Marketing

Man on the Street: Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls, Shoot for Attainable Online Reviews

No pizzeria has ever earned a Michelin star. That’s right, the restaurant guide founded by a tire company just isn’t into pizza. A few years ago, I heard a rumor that a pizzeria in Naples was expected to receive the honor. They were so sure about...

September 2021

On Fire!

Up Close with Jeff and Melissa Ledford, Catch-a-Fire Pizza, Cincinnati, OH

Conversation: Anna Crucitt, Mercurio’s Pittsburgh, PA

Save the Date for International Pizza Expo 2022!

The State of Tipping

Commentary: Lasting Impact

Descaling and sanitizing ice machines can prevent equipment failure

Desserts that Sell

Building Blocks: Negotiating with distributors and vendors

Sustainability for the Dual Win

Non-alcoholic Beverages on the Menu: Zero Proof

Cheese Pairing Pizzas: Cheese, Pleeeeze

Catching Fire: On the Road – Catch-a-Fire Pizza, Cincinnati, OH

Setting a Plan to Meet Customers’ Heat Preferences

Mike’s Monthly Tip: Great Food Photos = A Great ROI

Grains World — Adding ancient grains to pizza

Man on the Street: Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls, Shoot for Attainable Online Reviews

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