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Muhammad Abdul-Hadi just finished a national book tour for his first release, We the Pizza. Since opening Down North Pizza in North Philadelphia in 2021, he has been on a whirlwind of success, from creating Down North Foundation, winning a James Beard Leadership Award and publishing his book.
We chat with Muhammad about the book and how its stories and recipes that work to reduce recidivism rates. Down North Pizza was founded to offer killer pizza and employ formerly incarcerated individuals. Muhammad shares how Down North was built to foster opportunities and resources.
Down North serves up a Philly version of Detroit style pizza. Muhammad details how he got his start in pizza. We also learn what’s next for Muhammad and the Down North Pizza brand.
Learn more about Down North Pizza at https://www.downnorthpizza.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/downnorth_pizza/.

Show Notes:
Registration is now open for Pizza Expo Columbus in October. Competitors: Be sure to register early to reserve your spot in the Great American Pizza Challenge. More details at: https://pizzatoday.com/topics/industry-news/pizza-expo-columbus-registration-is-now-open/

If you have an interest in being a judge at the Great American Pizza Challenge, complete a Great American Pizza Challenge (GAPC) Volunteer Judging Application 2025 at

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbvLPlkTjLGwZdbaheeyrOQrfv6GWFZLF658OXIXhKUONU8A/viewform .

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Jason Cipriani always dreamed of opening a pizzeria. Years into his career as a tech journalist, the rise of portable pizza ovens got him thinking more seriously about making the leap. After months of research, trials in the kitchen and purchasing equipment and supplies, Cipriani sold his first pizza this April. As he details in his new, weekly column at PizzaToday.com, Cipriani had to make dozens of decisions on the path from plan to pizzeria.

Find out why he decided to pursue a mobile pizza business rather than brick and mortar or pop-up tent. Learn which established pizza makers guided him in the journey and, now that Sips & Pies is fully operational, how the whole family is getting involved.

Learn more about Sips & Pies at sipsandpies.com.

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Charles Canaankamp spent 34 working at a local pizzeria in Ohio. Two years ago, he decided it was time to open his own pizzeria with his children. Pronto Pizza & Coffee in Manfield, Ohio, was born of Charles’ love and passion for pizza.

He shares what he has learned in the industry over the years that has been integral to his pizza startup.

Charles’ goal was to build a business with his 3 daughters and one son. Learn more about how the family has divvyed the roles and responsibilities of the business.

Over the past year, the location has experienced reoccurring costly electrical issues that have fried thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment. Even with the those growing pains, the business has been able to grow 8% month-over-month. Find out how Charles handled the situation and continued to grow.

Explore how adding a breakfast and coffee program has added to the business.

Learn more about Pronto Pizza & Coffee at https://getprontos.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/prontopizzacafepronto