From family tradition to pizza innovation: Julia Angelos and Rize Pizza
Julia Angelos is the owner of Rize Pizza in Broomall, Pennsylvania. Her journey is one of family, resilience, and a deep passion for serving her community through pizza. As her shop approaches its 10-year anniversary, Julia shared the story behind her business and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
A Family Legacy in Service
Julia’s love for the food industry is deeply rooted in her family’s history. “My grandparents were Greek and owned a restaurant over 50 years ago,” she shared.
Julia’s grandparents may no longer be with her, but their influence is felt every day. “My grandmother’s love for cooking and caring for others inspires me. I think she’d be so proud of what we’ve built,” Julia said.
A Community-Focused Menu
While Rize Pizza’s core menu remains consistent, Julia has found creative ways to keep things exciting. One standout initiative is Trendy Tuesdays, where new pizza items are introduced weekly. “If a dish is popular, we’ll add it to the menu permanently,” Julia said. This approach not only engages her customers but also ensures the menu evolves based on feedback.
Looking ahead, Julia plans to expand Rize Pizza into a full-scale restaurant, offering an even wider variety of dishes to serve her community better.
The Challenges and Rewards of Small Business Ownership
Owning a pizza shop hasn’t been without sacrifices. Julia reflected on the early years when she worked 80-hour weeks and missed many family events, including holidays.
Julia also shared a valuable lesson she’s learned over the years: “You can’t please everyone. All you can do is your best and resolve issues when they arise. Most of the time, that’s enough to keep customers happy.”
Julia’s journey with Rize Pizza is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community. From honoring her family’s heritage to innovating with new marketing strategies and menu ideas, Julia has built more than a successful pizza shop — she’s created a place where tradition meets modernity.
