Janet Duran envisioned opening her own pizzeria the first time she made pizza. Even a pandemic didn’t get in her way of fulfilling that dream. Launched with carryout only in June, 550 received instant community-wide support that she continues to return tenfold. While waiting out the initial blow of COVID-19 in the spring, Duran says, “I became a ‘woman on a mission,’ delivering my pizzas to everyone in town who was doing their part to keep our community together—from nurses, to physicians, to teachers—I made hundreds of pizzas and delivered them every day to say thank you for all they do. Eventually, I was able to open and the response has been amazing! I have sold out on doughs many days now, and have had to add lines to my phone just to keep up with the demand. I truly believe the extra time I was given—be it because of the pandemic—not only helped me to prepare for my opening, but also gave me a sense of purpose in what I do that I now infuse into every pizza I make.” One of the best sellers is The Ghost with pepperoni, Italian sausage, smoked ham, fresh mozzarella, Parmesan and Gorgonzola cheese. “A customer for many years (Mr. Resendez), he loved the combination and asked us to put it together” she says of a regular at the pizzeria she worked at for many years. Another local favorite is The Chicken Chori-Queso with tomatillo sauce, Roma tomatoes, onions, chicken and cilantro.
New kid on the Portland pizza scene, Pop has brought its Detroit-style pizza to the competitive market. For now, the shop is open limited hours (4-9 p.m), and closed Monday and Tuesday. Pop is focused on selling six specialty whole pies and salads. Customers can order the square pie regular or gluten free. The pizza menu is straight forward with a choice of Triple Cheese, Pepperoni, Veggie, Sausage, Pineapple or Kale pizzas.
Congratulations to Nick & Vito’s. The Southside Chicago pizza landmark has turned 100. Rose George continues the tradition her family started a century ago, serving up its famous cracker thin crust pizza. The pizza institution still maintains its roots with its wide menu of sandwiches, pizza, pastas, dinners and sides. There are four pizza menu options (sausage, half sausage/half cheese, cheese or cheese and egg), plus a build to order with premium ingredients like ground beef, sliced beef and shrimp. The pizzeria also offers pizzas par-baked.
Eureka Pizza Company Yorba Linda, California Concept: We started in Seward, Alaska, considered as the “Gateway” to the Gold Discovery Regions. It still celebrates itself as the Last and Great Frontier! “Eureka” is translated from the Greek as
Seven Breakout Pizzeria Pros to keep an eye on in 2022 Tara Hattan (25) Zasa’s Pizza & Wings — Tulsa, Oklahoma @ zasaspizza What area do you feel like you currently need to improve upon to continue taking your pizza business to the next l
Last month, our guide to opening a new store in a hurry was all about what to do before you had the keys to the front door (quick reminder: plan, plan, plan). This month, the deal is finalized, the keys are in your hands — and the fun begins. Openi
Lightning Fast Whether your pizzeria has four wheels, is a takeout joint, fast-casual concept, or a full-service establishment, you must provide timely service. Although timely has a different meaning in each of these concepts, speed of service begin
The Whole Truth Today’s society is obsessed with diet culture and trying to find the healthiest option for everything. Walking into the bread department of any grocery store is one of the most confusing and frustrating decisions of any grocery trip
Inflation Nation Over the last two years, the Ohio-based Donatos Pizza chain has captured record sales, opened new restaurants, expanded its presence in Red Robin restaurants and welcomed a host of new franchise partners. But it isn’t all rosy for
We’ve all had that moment when it feels like the rug has been pulled out from beneath our feet. It happened to me last week in the form of a text message: “Luzzo’s has closed.” Besides having some excellent pizza and a staff that had been the
Right around the year 1600, William Shakespeare penned one of his most famous plays. “Hamlet” is one of the great literary tragedies, and one of its most-quoted lines remains oft-used today: “To thine own self be true.” When distilled to its
Crafted Cocktail Menus: That’s the Spirit If you offer a full bar, that’s because you’ve realized the benefit of a complete cocktail menu. While there is nothing wrong with beer and wine only, getting into the full-dining and happy hour spi