Each year, we mail out surveys to independent pizzerias across the nation. Using their responses, we compile our Hot 100 list — a ranking of America’s 100 largest independent pizza operations (based on sales). This issue is eagerly devour...

Who and what is Gen Y? The sheer variety in this young workforce makes it difficult to define Generation Y. This group is so ambiguous that it doesn’t even have its own generational name. The popular expression merely morphed from Gen X to Y. T...

As you might imagine, we interact with a variety of pizza operations on a daily basis. We deal with large chains and small independents alike, and their individual stories never cease to fascinate us. Each pizzeria is unique in its own right. To that...

The kind of bankruptcy that a business files is not always the same and will require consultation with legal counsel to determine which filing makes the most sense. The five types of bankruptcy are: • Chapter 7. This applies to an individua...

The pizza business is currently drifting in unchartered waters. The old model of making, baking and serving a praiseworthy pizza with a smile just isn’t enough to pay the bills anymore. What are we to do to prosper in the future? I’ve hea...

My favorite restaurant is quickly becoming “my old haunt.” That’s right, I’ve just about stopped going there. At least with any real frequency, that is. I used to try to stop in once a week to chat with the owner over a bowl o...

Operations Management Reaffirm No Cell Phone Policy I have a no cell phone policy but still have a struggle with a few staff members texting and checking text messages. How can I get control over the situation? By Jeff Freehof I see so many employers...

Often, seasonal employees help operators maintain service and food quality levels during particularly busy periods. Before you decide to up your crew during the upcoming summer break or the winter holidays later in the year, however, ask yourself the...

I have implemented an observation day. After interviewing someone that I think is a great candidate, I have them come in for a paid observation day. I explain that it is not simply to stand back and watch, but it really is like the first day of train...

I’ll never forget the night it happened. It was dinnertime on a Friday night. My best-ever crew was getting ready for the rush and I had all of my aces in their places. I realized that I had forgotten to restock the petty cash box wit...

Operations Management Use a Camera to Catch an Employee Thief By Jeff Freehof I’ve got a surveillance camera, but I think I have a manager stealing from me. It looks like she’s ringing people in, but I can’t really tell. Is there a ...

According to YourEmployeeHandbook.com: Employees better understand their rights and responsibilities. A written employee handbook gives everyone the same set of rules to follow and informs employees of such policies without distortion or mistakes. Po...