A Q&A with Sandro Masciotra

Sandro Masciotra serves as the sales manager of Fast Kitchen Hood, Inc. In advance of the upcoming International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas March 25-27, 2025, Sandro answered some questions about pizzerias and hood systems.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working with pizzeria owners?

Working with pizzeria owners is incredibly rewarding because they’re passionate entrepreneurs who pour their heart into their craft. Every owner has a unique story, a signature style, and an unwavering commitment to creating memorable dining experiences. I enjoy partnering with them to ensure their kitchen operations run smoothly, allowing them to focus on what they do best — making amazing pizza and delighting their customers.

Sandro Masciotra, sales manager of Fast Kitchen Hood, Inc.

Q: How critical is the hood system in a commercial kitchen, and why?

The hood system is the unsung hero of a commercial kitchen. It’s essential for maintaining a safe, efficient, and comfortable workspace by removing heat, smoke, grease and odors. Without it, not only would the kitchen environment become unbearable for staff, but the risks of fire hazards and air quality violations would increase significantly. A well-designed hood system is the backbone of compliance, safety, and overall kitchen performance.

Q: What regular maintenance steps should pizzeria owners take to keep their hood system in ideal working order? How often should these steps be taken?

Maintaining a hood system is all about consistency. Pizzeria owners should:

• Clean the grease filters weekly, or as needed depending on usage, to prevent blockages.
• Schedule professional cleaning of the entire exhaust system, including the ducts and fans, at least every three to six months to minimize fire hazards.
• Regularly inspect the hood for signs of wear, such as loose bolts or malfunctioning lights, and address these promptly.
• Check the airflow system periodically to ensure optimal performance.

By staying on top of these steps, pizzeria owners can maximize the longevity and efficiency of their hood system while ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Q: What excites you most about exhibiting at Pizza Expo?

Exhibiting at Pizza Expo is like stepping into the heart of the pizza world. It’s exciting to connect with passionate industry professionals, exchange ideas, and showcase solutions that genuinely make a difference in their day-to-day operations. The energy is contagious, and it’s inspiring to see how innovation and tradition come together in this community. I look forward to demonstrating how Fast Kitchen Hoods hood systems can help pizzeria owners create safer, more efficient kitchens — and ultimately, serve even better pizza!