The pizza industry is booming – so much so that finding the right pizza operator for your business has become a tricky game of compromise. With the rise of delivery services, third-party apps, and a huge variety of pizzeria styles available nationwide, choosing the right operator can be a daunting task.
For the many businesses who rely on their pizza operator as a source of income, it’s essential to make an informed decision. Whether you’re a restaurateur, an independent pizza shop owner, or a corporate chain, selecting the appropriate operator for your needs is a critical element in ensuring your success.
With that in mind, here are the top ten things to consider when evaluating potential pizza operators:
1. Variety of pizza styles and toppings: Gone are the days where getting a pizza meant only one type. As the pizza industry has grown, the variety of pizzas and toppings has exploded. Many operators now provide a wide array of different styles and flavors, allowing customers to customize their pizza just the way they like it. Ask potential operators what type of pizzas and toppings they offer to make sure you’re getting the selection that’s right for you.
2. Food safety standards: With food safety standards being of the utmost importance, it’s essential to research a potential pizza operator’s procedures and certifications. Ask for a comprehensive look at the operator’s food-handling protocols and inquire about their compliance with FDA guidelines.
3. Management staff: A good pizza operator is only as successful as their management team. Ask potential operators about the qualifications of their management staff, the type of experience they have in the pizza industry, and their menu development process. Additionally, request a comprehensive look at their management structure to ensure that all staff are properly trained.
4. Ingredients: High-quality ingredients are the cornerstone of any pizza. Ask operators about the sources of their ingredients and whether they are organic or sustainably-sourced. Furthermore, inquire about the operator’s commitment to freshness, food waste reduction, and animal welfare standards.
5. Delivery: The popularity of delivery services from companies like DoorDash or UberEats has greatly increased the need for pizza operators to accommodate large-scale delivery orders. Ask an operator about their delivery capabilities, the types of delivery their customers prefer, and the process for handling delivery orders.
6. Third-party platforms: In addition to delivery services, many operators are increasingly relying on third-party apps such as Grubhub or Toast Takeout to help manage their customer orders. Research an operator’s current third-party app usage and investigate the types of orders they receive through these platforms.
7. Price points: With price points varying significantly from one operator to the next, it’s important to inquire about an operator’s pricing structure. Ask operators for a thorough breakdown of their pricing and whether or not they offer discounts or promotional specials.
8. Reputation: A pizza operator’s reputation is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider when selecting an operator. Ask potential operators for customer reviews or testimonials, or take some time to read public reviews online.
9. Training: A well-trained staff is essential when it comes to successful customer satisfaction. Talk to potential operators about their staff training process and the amount of experience they have in the pizza industry.
10. Technology: The pizza industry is becoming increasingly digital. From online ordering systems to digital menu boards, pick an operator who is ready to embrace the digital revolution. Ask potential operators about their current technology processes and whether they have plans for future upgrades.
Ultimately, selecting a pizza operator is an important task that requires research and careful consideration. Make sure you investigate as many operators as possible before committing to one and inquire about the criteria listed above. By following this process, you can be sure to find a pizza operator that best fits your business and meets the needs of your customers.
