We had the pleasure of sitting down with Samuel Velasquez, the owner of Elements Pizzeria, a new hotspot in Jackson Heights, Queens. Despite opening this year, Sami has already established a name for his shop by combining his family’s baking heritage with innovative pizza techniques.
From Dough to Pizza: A Family Legacy
Sami’s passion for pizza comes naturally. Growing up in a family of bakers, his parents have run a successful bakery in Jackson Heights for nearly 40 years. “I’ve always been familiar with working with dough, with flour, and being in that environment,” Sami shared. This foundation paved the way for him to branch out into pizza, bringing a baker’s precision to his craft.
The Elements Menu
Elements specializes in sourdough pizzas and Detroit-style squares, showcasing Sami’s dedication to quality and innovation. The shop uses premium ingredients, including King Arthur flour, Stanislaus tomatoes, and Grande cheese, carefully selected through extensive trial and error and advice from other pizza makers.
The menu features 10-12 staple pies, but Sami and his team keep things exciting with rotating specials. In 2024 some hits included a Halloween-themed pizza and a Thanksgiving-inspired pie featuring turkey and cranberry chutney.
The Challenges of Standing Out
Opening a new pizzeria in a competitive area like Jackson Heights isn’t easy. Sami acknowledged that the hardest part has been getting people through the door. “It’s about giving people the opportunity to try us and then standing out with a product that’s different and better,” he explained.
To tackle this, Sami leans heavily on social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook help Elements reach new customers through reels, photos, and videos. “Staying active on social media has been a huge advantage for us,” Sami noted.
With just a few months under its belt, Elements has already made an impact in Jackson Heights. Sami’s combination of passion, dedication, and innovation is setting the foundation for a bright future.