Word of Mouth

Balancing Supply and Demand

At a previous location, a tiny kitchen paired with a huge dining room made it hard to keep up with occasional busy-night demand. A new location with a larger kitchen and smaller dining room helped owner Ryan Delmore better balance service supply and demand.

As busynight table delays disappeared, online reviews praised the improved service, and more newcomers began showing up. Now customers are more consistently satisfied, generating even more positive Word of Mouth!

Ryan Delmore, Owner Del’s Pizza Pismo Beach, CA

“Walking Billboards”

To help increase Word of Mouth, pizzeria owner Elizabeth Badami sells T-shirts with her pizzeria’s logo at a modest margin to encourage regulars to serve as her “local billboards.”

By far, her most popular Word of Mouth clothing items are logoed sweatpants printed with the slogan “These are my pizza eating pants!” While the shirts are popular, the pants sell out quickly every time!

Elizabeth Badami, Owner Mary Jane’s Stone Baked Pizza Monaca, PA

 

Upscale Jarred Desserts

To boost takeout sales (not kitchen labor), owner Will Grant started offering unique jarred desserts made by a local world-class pastry chef.

Priced at $8, the exquisite, layered desserts feature delicate mousses, chocolate ganache, and exotic fruit preserves, topped with gourmet cookie crumbles. As Word of Mouth spreads, their sales continue to grow!

Will Grant, Owner Sourdough Willy’s Pizzeria Bainbridge Island, WA

 

 

Deepening Community Roots

Over 17 years, Solstice Wood Fire Pizza has evolved to become a community cornerstone in Hood River, OR. From the beginning, owner Aaron Baumhackl’s goal was creating a gathering place with great food to bring neighbors together.

Back when he was still new to town and “too busy for a social life,” Aaron began hosting the type of eclectic community events that he would enjoy attending. Reflecting the area’s artistic vibe, Aaron invited local musicians, fire dancers, etc. to share their unique entertainment with Solstice guests.

It worked! Recognizing that young parents might visit the restaurant and its special entertainment more often if they could find childcare, Solstice began offering $5 in-house babysitting on certain nights.

To further deepen its community roots, Solstice began using its mobile pizza oven at local community events to fundraise for local charitable causes. Aaron splits the proceeds with each organization on a sliding scale, depending on their need.

Selling premium, freshly made pies at community gatherings has also helped more neighbors to try Aaron’s unique food for the first time. Over time, Solstice has also helped shape the region’s self-image as home to specialty farms and craft food makers. The menu highlights its local specialty ingredients.

Aaron also uses Facebook Live to enticingly describe his seasonal specials, while recommending the specific farms, farmers, and producers he discovers! By gathering neighbors together, supporting local causes, and promoting local food artisans, Solstice has helped build a community of customers who feel especially connected to Aaron and his team!