In this episode of the Smart Pizza Marketing Podcast, Bruce sits down with Sam and JD from Town Hall Pizza. Hear the remarkable story of how two former pastors with no restaurant experience took over a 50-year-old pizzeria, transformed it with modern systems, and built a thriving business without delivery.

Discover their text marketing blunder that led to record-breaking sales, how they built a loyal vegan following, and the surprising realities of owning a legacy restaurant.

Check out Boostly: https://www.boostly.com/

Just back from the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Bruce shares every must-know insight for pizza shop owners. From game-changing ovens to underrated tools and marketing mistakes, this Q&A-style episode is packed with value. If you missed the show, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Hear what’s trending, what’s worth investing in, and how to make expos like this truly worth your time. Brought to you by Fiero Group and hosted on the Smart Pizza Marketing channel.

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Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome Back & Fiero Group Shoutout
01:04 – 17 Cities, Conveyor Ovens, and Why They Matter
02:50 – Where to Find More Content: YouTube & Podcasts
03:18 – Live from the Restaurant Expo in Chicago
04:40 – Size of the Show: Overwhelming but Worth It
06:22 – Navigating the Expo Like a Pro
08:28 – Why Pizza Shops Finally Belong at the Big Table
10:01 – Emerging Pizza Trends: Automation, AI, & Tech
11:35 – What Are Operators Wasting Money On?
13:01 – Social Media Myths & Storytelling Truths
15:00 – Slice's Underrated Phone Ordering Service
18:32 – Networking Like a Human at a Massive Expo
20:30 – Food Trends: Vegan Meats, Sourdough, & Smart Menus
25:00 – The Worst Phone Greeting in the Pizza Biz
26:30 – Stop Trying to Be Funny on Social Media
28:00 – Platforms That Actually Work: TikTok & YouTube
30:39 – Why YouTube Content Lasts Forever
32:10 – Geo-Targeting with TikTok: Real Results
33:52 – Best Expo Tip: Go with a Plan
36:58 – Bonus Finds: Bluetooth Scale, Table Stabilizer
38:24 – Thanks, Show Wrap-Up, and What’s Next

Most pizzerias don't fail because of bad pizza or a bad location — they fail because of what happens (or doesn’t happen) behind the scenes. In this no-fluff video, Bruce shares the real reasons pizza shops struggle, and what successful operators are doing differently.

Whether you're just getting started or feel stuck in the daily grind, this video will show you exactly how to build systems, lead better, and grow with clarity. Plus, Bruce gives a preview of what you’ll gain at the National Restaurant Show.

👥 For pizza shop owners, operators, and anyone dreaming of running their own spot — this is a must-watch.

🎟️ Join Bruce at the National Restaurant Show
🗓️ May 17–20 in Chicago
🎟️ Use code Bruce25 at NationalRestaurantShow.com for $25 off

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