The do’s and don’ts of running a pizzeria in 2025
The strategies that worked a few years ago? They’re not going to cut it anymore.
From customer expectations to technology shifts, everything’s evolving fast.
So, let’s dive into the Do’s and Don’ts you need to know to keep your pizzeria thriving this year.
The Do’s: What You Should Be Doing Right Now
1. DO: Build a Brand Experience That Stands Out
Your brand isn’t just a logo – it’s the entire experience from start to finish.
If you want people to remember you, it’s gotta be more than just good pizza.
Here’s how to create that experience:
Consistency Matters: Make sure your branding — from your logo to your packaging — is consistent across all platforms. This builds trust and recognition.
Create a Memorable Vibe: Whether your spot is a cozy neighborhood joint or a sleek, modern hangout, the vibe should reflect your brand’s personality. Check out how La Sorted’s Pizzeria has built a brand around a unique theme below.
Share Your Story: Customers love knowing the backstory. Share how you started, why your dough recipe is special, and feature your team. It humanizes your brand.
Pro Tip: Use social media for behind-the-scenes content. Show the dough-making process, introduce your team, or share customer testimonials.
2. DO: Use Online Ordering and a Smart POS System
If your customers can’t order online easily, you’re missing out on serious sales.
A good POS system isn’t just about taking payments — it should be your secret weapon for growth.
Here’s what to look for:
Online Ordering Integration: Make sure your system allows customers to place orders online without any hassle. Whether it’s delivery or pickup, it needs to be seamless.
Order Streamlining: Your POS should handle both online and in-store orders without slowing you down. No more scribbling orders on paper and losing track — automate it all.
Data Insights: Use a POS system that tracks sales, customer preferences, and peak hours. This data helps you make smarter decisions about what’s selling and when to staff up.
Pro Tip: Choose a POS that can integrate with delivery platforms and your website. The easier you make it for customers to order, the more likely they’ll be back.
3. DO: Keep Your Menu Simple and Strategic
Here’s the thing: a huge menu sounds good, but it’s a nightmare in practice.
It slows down your kitchen, confuses customers, and drives up food costs.
Simplify it:
Highlight Your Best-Sellers: Focus on the pizzas that your regulars love and keep coming back for. These should be front and center.
Feature a Few Signature Pizzas: Offer a couple of unique, must-try items that make you stand out from the competition.
Rotate Limited-Time Specials: Use limited-time offers to test new recipes without committing them to the permanent menu. It keeps things fresh and exciting.
Pro Tip: A smaller menu is easier to manage and maintain quality. It’s better to add items based on demand than to try and remove them later.
4. DO: Invest in Your Team’s Training
Your staff is the lifeblood of your business. If they’re well-trained, your pizzeria will run like a well-oiled machine.
Here’s why it matters:
Better Customer Service: Trained staff handle customers and problems better, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Consistent Quality: Proper training ensures your pizzas are made consistently, keeping customers happy every time they order.
Higher Retention: Investing in your team shows you care. They’ll stick around longer, and you’ll save money on hiring and training new people.
Pro Tip: Use mobile training apps or interactive video tutorials to make the process more engaging and effective.
5. DO: Use Text and Email Marketing to Stay Top of Mind
If you’re only using social media, you’re leaving money on the table.
Text and email marketing are powerful tools that drive sales and keep customers returning.
Email Campaigns: Send regular updates with special offers, new menu items, or upcoming events. It’s a great way to stay connected.
Text Alerts: Use SMS for flash deals or last-minute specials. It’s quick, direct, and has a high open rate.
Personalization: Use customer data from your POS to tailor messages based on their preferences. Personalized offers can increase sales and customer loyalty.
Pro Tip: Keep your messages short and to the point. Nobody wants to read a novel – give them a reason to act now.
The Don’ts: What to Avoid at All Costs
1. DON’T: Neglect Your Online Presence
In 2025, your digital presence is your storefront. If it’s outdated, slow, or hard to navigate, you’re losing customers before they even walk in the door.
Mobile-Friendly Website: Make sure your site looks good and works well on mobile. Most of your traffic will come from phones.
Local SEO: Update your Google Business Profile with accurate hours, photos, and reviews. This helps new customers find you easily.
Engage with Customers: Don’t just post pictures — reply to comments, share customer stories, and get involved in the conversation.
Warning: A clunky, outdated website is worse than no website at all. Invest in a good design that’s easy to update.
2. DON’T: Ignore Your Numbers
Running a pizzeria isn’t just about making great pizza. It’s about running a business. If you’re not paying attention to your numbers, you’re flying blind.
Here’s what can go wrong:
Ignoring Food Costs: If you don’t know exactly how much each pizza costs to make, you could be losing money on your most popular items. Track your ingredients and portion sizes to keep your margins healthy.
Not Tracking Labor Costs: Overstaffing during slow times or understaffing during busy periods can kill your profits and hurt customer experience. Use data to plan smarter schedules.
Skipping Regular Reviews: Whether it’s sales, expenses, or customer trends, failing to review your numbers means you’re missing opportunities to improve. Regular check-ins help you spot problems early and make informed decisions.
Pro Tip: Your POS system can be your best friend here. Use it to track costs, sales trends, and peak times so you can make data-driven decisions instead of guessing.
3. DON’T: Ignore Customer Feedback
Your customers are your best resource for knowing what’s working and what isn’t. If you’re not listening, you’re missing out.
Encourage Reviews: Ask for feedback on Google, Yelp, and social media. It helps you see where you can improve.
Pay Attention on Social Media: Listen to what people are saying about you online. Respond to both the good and the bad — it shows you care.
Act Quickly: If you see a consistent issue popping up, address it right away. Don’t wait until it becomes a bigger problem.
Warning: Ignoring feedback is like ignoring a leaky roof. It might not seem urgent now, but it can lead to bigger problems down the road.
Wrap It Up
Running a pizzeria in 2025 is about being smart, staying agile, and listening to your customers.
Focus on tech, simplify your menu, and make sure your brand stands out.
BONUS: Join our free online discussion about this topic on Tuesday, December 3rd!
