Charles and Reid

In their cozy 28-seat pizzeria, Dan and Kristen Karabacz earn top online ratings from satisfied locals. In addition to consistently superior ingredients, they attribute their ongoing growth to making guests feel valued, tightly focusing their menu, and politely maximizing table turns during peak demand! After years of working for others, Dan and Kristen returned to northern Michigan to launch their own neighborhood pizzeria. They chose an existing location with unique street access that’s ideal for easy customer takeout. To avoid “trying to be all things to all people,” they narrowed their focus to better appeal to a smaller, yet intensely loyal, audience.

1. Tightly focused menu – Rather than trying to offer “something for everyone,” they strictly limited their menu to pizza and exclusively specialized in Detroit style to stand out from existing “round pie” shops. For operational simplicity and speedier prep, they only offer large and small sizes.
2. Elevate Uniqueness – Dan doesn’t strive to “compete” locally. Instead, his vision is to elevate their quality and flavor-uniqueness to levels on par with the “best of the best” pizzerias he admires nationwide. By replacing American-style bacon with Italian pancetta or spotlighting uniquely flavorful specialty cheeses, Dan creates flavor-combinations not available elsewhere, earning fierce loyalty back home.
3. “Counter Service Plus” – To make their labor-saving counter service feel warmer and more personal, they dedicate a cheerful employee to visiting tables, keeping beverages topped off, providing extra napkins, etc. When possible, Dan personally welcomes first-timers and regulars alike.
4. Politely Maximize Turns – Playing louder, energetic music, especially during dinner rush, helps attract a younger crowd. It also subtly avoids attracting customer types hoping to linger in quiet conversation! By elevating their quality and flavor uniqueness, while creating a lively youthful “vibe,” the Karabacz continue to grow sales and deepen customer loyalty!

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