Leadership Features

The fixer-upper franchisee: How Chris Patel turned neglected Papa Johns locations into a 70-store powerhouse

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

An entrepreneur with a background in finance leveraged his business acumen and a keen eye for opportunity to grow his Papa Johns franchise from four to 7…

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Back to basics: Leona's Pizzeria & Restaurant revitalized by family's dedication, original recipes

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Leona's Pizzeria, a Chicago legacy brand celebrating its 75th anniversary, is experiencing a resurgence under new family ownership that's dedicated to…

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Pizza Inn proves some traditions (and value) never go out of style

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

After surviving significant decline, Pizza Inn has engineered a remarkable comeback by leveraging its nostalgic buffet concept, achieving impressive financial…

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4th annual Pizza Leadership Virtual Summit to offer advice, tips to pizzeria operators

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

The Pizza Leadership Virtual Summit will take place July 30 and will feature a keynote address with the president and CEO of Donatos Pizza and a variety of…

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30 years strong: Nick Sarillo's journey from carpenter to Chicago pizza icon

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

After a disappointing dining experience, Nick Sarillo opened Nick's Pizza & Pub, which has thrived for 30 years by focusing on family connection through…

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From Florida favorite to franchise frontier: The rise of Cannoli Kitchen Pizza

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Cannoli Kitchen Pizza, a quick-service Italian restaurant that began as a beloved mom-and-pop pizzeria in Boca Raton, is now expanding nationwide through…

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Eggs Up Grill, Hot Palette Holdings, Jeff's Bagel Run execs talk leadership skills

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Leaders from Eggs Up Grill, Jeff's Bagel Run and Hot Palette Holdings discussed leadership skills at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in Myrtle…

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Jollibee North America president says company is ready for next-level growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

At the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit in Myrtle Beach, Maribeth dela Cruz, president North America for QSR chicken brand Jollibee, said the brand…

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Valentina's Pizzeria & Wine Bar: The pizza story that will inspire you

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Joe Carlucci realized his dream by opening Valentina's Pizzeria despite past failures. The secret to success? Passion, dedication and a strong team leading to…

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Dough Boy Pizza: a chef-driven, tech-enabled pizza powerhouse

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Classically trained chef Erica Barrett went from Southern cooking to fast casual pizza when she opened Dough Boy Pizza. The brand is slated to have 10 units by…

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Snappy's 2nd act: Pizza chain reinvents itself for the future

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Snappy is under new ownership who is moving the company forward in both operations and franchising.

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New York Pizza sets up shop in Boston with long NYC roots

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

New York Pizza has three locations in Boston. With a bevy of flavor combinations and tastes, the pizzeria serves something for everyone.

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Crust Pizza Co. scales in South, plans on growth in Southeast

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Crust Pizza Co. is scaling in the Southeast. With 27 units and 15 planned for next year, the brand could become your latest competition.

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Marco's Pizza CDO discusses new prototype, brand platform

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Marco's Pizza introduced a new store design in the Boise, Idaho market, incorporating data-driven decisions, a modern atmosphere and cutting-edge technology to…

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Tailgate Brewery proves pizza belongs with beer

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

TailGate Brewery in Nashville is paving the way for pizza and beer. The brewery has 30 signature beers on tap and makes pizza from scratch.

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Blaze Pizza refires brand with new menu, sense of purpose

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Blaze Pizza has refired its brand with 14 new menu items and a new logo.

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Thompson Hospitality Group operates Wiseguy Pizza with finesse, tight operations

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Wiseguy Pizza, which has eight units, is under the helm of Thompson Hospitality Group. When Thompson took over the company, it left the great pizza recipe…

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People, passion make Farrelli’s Pizza a Northwestern favorite

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Farrelli's Pizza in Northwestern Washington focuses on hiring people who will create experiences for the brand's guests. With award-winning pizza and tight…

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How a Toppers Pizza franchisee thrives on campus life, fun

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Tish Howard operates the Toppers Pizza franchise on the campus of Texas Christian University. With college students as built-in clientele, the pizzeria has an…

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Pizzeria da Laura owner's dream a long time coming

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Laura Meyer opened Pizzeria da Laura last year. Customers don't realize there's a real face behind the company, so connecting with her patrons is paramount.

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