The biggest opportunity for pizza operators right now?
Standing out by standing with their customers.
Here’s what that really means:
1. Own a Niche or Identity
In today’s crowded pizza landscape, being “another pizza place” just doesn’t cut it. You need an identity that people connect with—and talk about. Maybe you’re the only Detroit-style shop in town. Maybe you’re known for your sourdough crust. Maybe you fly in San Marzano tomatoes weekly or make the best gluten-free pie in three counties.
Your niche doesn’t have to be radical. It just has to be clear.
Give customers something to latch onto, to crave, and to recommend.
When your brand means something, people will remember it—and choose it.
2. Hyperlocal Marketing
Pizza is personal. It’s birthdays, game nights, cheat days, and celebrations. That’s why your marketing should feel just as personal.
Shout out a customer of the week.
Show the crowd waiting for slices at 2am on a Saturday.
Run Facebook ads that only target your ZIP code.
You don’t need a national campaign—you need to become a neighborhood icon.
When people feel like you’re part of their lives, they’ll keep coming back and bring others with them.
3. Off-Premise Optimization
Off-premise isn’t going away—it’s becoming the standard! Customers expect great food that travels well, arrives quickly, and still feels like a treat.
Packaging matters. A soggy crust kills the vibe. Use packaging that preserves quality (Perfect Crust Pizza Liners can help big time here).
Streamlined online ordering. Make it fast, frictionless, and mobile-friendly.
Consistent delivery experience. Whether it’s DoorDash or your driver, every delivery is a brand touchpoint.
Pizza that travels well gets re-ordered.
Get off-prem right, and you’ll crush it—even without adding seats in your dining room.
4. Menu Innovation Without Overload
You don’t need 90 items on your menu to be interesting.
You just need the right ones—and some smart ways to keep it fresh.
Limited Time Offers (LTOs) keep loyal customers excited and give new ones a reason to try.
Collaborations with local breweries, bakeries, or influencers create buzz.
Rotating specialties based on seasonal ingredients or holidays keep people coming back to see what’s new.
The key? Innovate without slowing down the kitchen.
Keep your core tight and profitable—but have fun with the edges.
5. Data-Driven Decisions
Most operators are sitting on a treasure trove of customer data… and not using it.
Here’s what you could be doing:
Email and SMS marketing to re-engage lapsed customers with offers.
Birthday rewards or “We miss you” deals that feel personal.
Customer trends that show what sells when, so you can staff and stock smarter.
The better you understand your customers’ behavior, the better you can serve them.
And the more likely they’ll keep choosing you again and again.
I'm here to help! Eric@perfectcrust.com / 918 812 0945
