What It Really Takes to Run a High Performing Pizza Shop - With Carlo "Pizza Boy" Bertolli

 Powered By ThrivePOS - Pizza Driven Point of Sale

In this episode of The Pizza King Podcast, Tyrell Reed sits down with Carlo Bertolli of Pizza Boy Chicago to break down what it really takes to win as an independent pizzeria owner in a crowded market. 

Carlo shares his journey growing up in a multigenerational pizza business, learning the grind firsthand, and stepping out to build his own brand in Chicago. He explains how obsession with product, culture, and experience helped him dominate a saturated pizza market without relying on discounts or paid ads. 

The conversation goes deep into branding, leadership, hiring, and standards in a modern pizzeria. Carlo talks about building teams that step up under pressure, why most operators fail at accountability, and how old school work ethic still wins in today’s restaurant industry. He also breaks down how social media, word of mouth, and experience driven concepts like Cannoli Boy became major growth drivers for his business. 

If you are a pizzeria owner, operator, or manager looking to increase sales, build a stronger team, and stand out in a competitive pizza market, this episode delivers real lessons from the front lines. 

Topics covered include:
 • Pizzeria branding and differentiation
 • Leadership and accountability in the kitchen
 • Hiring and training restaurant staff
 • Growing sales without heavy discounting
 • Old school work ethic vs modern restaurant challenges
 • Building community loyalty as an independent pizza shop
 • Turning experience into a competitive advantage 

This is a must listen for pizza shop owners who want to build a business that lasts and lead with

Learn More By Visiting ThrivePOS.com/PizzaKing

The Fresh Patch Podcast - Where Good Pets Get It.

Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

The SafeWork Advantage Podcast
Most workplaces react to violence—SafeWork Advantage shows employers how to prevent it.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Free Workshop: Work Less & Profit More
Live This Tuesday! Register for free

Starting a Podcast? Try Riverside free


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Request my weekly P&L template
Email: [email protected]

Download the free Lead the Shift 21-Day Workbook https://tyrellreed.com/leadtheshift-page

Apply for the March Leadership Accelerator cohort
https://tyrellreed.com/leadership2

Learn more about my work, tools, and events
https://tyrellreed.com

Upcoming events and appearances:

New York Restaurant Show
Javits Center, March 7

Pizza Expo Las Vegas
On the show floor recording podcast episodes