How to start a pizza restaurant

The History of Pizza:

Pizza is now a type of bread and tomato dish, often served with cheese. However, until the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, the dish was sweet, not savory, and earlier versions which were savory more resembled the flat breads now known as schiacciata. Pellegrino Artusi's classic early twentieth century cookbook, La Scienza in Cucina E L'arte Di Mangiar Bene gives three recipes for pizza, all of which are sweet. However, by 1927, Ada Boni's collection of regional cooking includes a recipe using tomatoes and mozzarella.

The term 'pizza' first appeared "in a Latin text from the southern Italian town of Gaeta in 997 AD, which claims that a tenant of certain property is to give the bishop of Gaeta 'duodecim pizze', "twelve pizzas", every Christmas Day, and another twelve every Easter Sunday,". In 16th century Naples a Galette flatbread was referred to as a pizza. A dish of the poor people, it was sold in the street and was not considered a kitchen recipe for a long time. Before the 17th century, the pizza was covered with red sauce.

This was later replaced by oil, tomatoes (after Europeans came into contact with the Americas) or fish. In 1843, Alexandre Dumas, père described the diversity of pizza toppings. In June 1889, to honour the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, the Neapolitan chef Raffaele Esposito created the "Pizza Margherita," a pizza garnished with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, to represent the colors of the Italian flag. He was the first to add cheese. The sequence through which flavored flatbreads of the ancient and medieval Mediterranean became the dish popularized in the 20th century is not fully understood. Source

The Pizza Business:

Over the past 3 decades, the prepared food industry has boomed as consumers increasingly rely on quick and easy meals to accommodate their busy schedules. Pizzas, one of the most popular prepared foods, can be tailored to fit numerous tastes and has become a staple product of thousands of take-out and delivery pizza businesses.

However, it's important for any entrepreneur to be aware that the majority of new prepared food businesses fail in their first year due to lack of essential business strategy and management skills. Read the steps below to learn how to start a pizza business and avoid common start-up mistakes.

 

12 Tips For Starting a Successful Pizza Restaurant:

1. Though you don't need any certification to start a pizza business, it's a good idea to attend a culinary trade school where you'll learn to cook more than pizza. Offering additional dishes on the menu could attract more customers for your own pizza business. Spend some time learning the ropes at another pizza business. The insights you'll gain about not only how to make a good pizza, but also how to run a business, will be useful for your own endeavor. If possible, create a unique type of pizza or use a family recipe that sets you apart from other pizza businesses.

2. Decide what type of pizza business you want to start. The most cost-effective types are take-out and delivery pizza businesses.

3. Write a business plan that includes a description of your pizza business, the market you intend to sell to, your marketing strategy, projected revenue, taxes and start-up costs.

4. Obtain the capital you need to open a pizza business by getting a business loan from your bank or private investors.

5. Choose a location for your pizza business that is accessible, visible, and provides plenty of traffic to attract customers. Check with your city to see if it's zoned for a food company before you sign any lease agreement.

6. Apply for an employer's identification number (EIN) from the appropriate tax authority. You'll need an EIN to legally hire employees.

7. Schedule an appointment with your local health and safety authority to check your location. If all is in compliance with health and safety regulations, you will be issued a permit that allows you to conduct business. Also make sure to register your pizza business with your city to obtain a business license.

8. Buy equipment for your pizza business. You'll need a refrigerator and freezer, gas ovens, dough mixer, pizza peels, pizza bags , pizza rolling pins, dough portioning, pizza serving, napkins, and menu covers.

9. Create a menu with assorted pizzas and other Italian dishes.

10. Interview employees, and hire those that are reliable, personable, and efficient.

11. Advertise your pizza business in the local media, on flyers, and on the Internet.

12. Open your very own pizza business. Source

 

Conclusion:

In conclusion all of us will never get enough of pizza. It's the comfort food that satisfies all taste buds. Pizza is our favorite food. No matter what time of year it is pizza is always the perfect choice for lunch or dinner. The demand for pizza is continuously increasing as chefs are preparing different types, with different toppings. Opening up a pizza business is a safe venture, as you will attract the majority of people. If you are opening a pizza restaurant, follow the steps listed above and you'll do great!