In This Episode
- Vito DeCandia shares his journey from growing up in Brooklyn and Long Beach, Long Island to opening Angel City Pizza in Venice, California, aiming to create a community-oriented pizzeria reminiscent of his father’s shop.
- Vito and Alex discuss the challenges of doing business in Los Angeles, from high rents and strict regulations to the dilution of the term “New York style pizza.” Vito emphasizes using high-quality ingredients and techniques to create an authentic product.
- They delve into the difficulties of staffing, fair wages, and adapting to California’s employee-focused laws as a small business owner. Vito shares his perspective on balancing costs while providing good working conditions.
- Vito reflects on his upbringing in the restaurant industry, learning every aspect of the business from his father and uncle. He and Alex agree on the importance of a well-rounded skillset and leading by example as a boss.
- The conversation touches on the beauty of pizza’s imperfections, the pursuit of growth without compromising quality, and their shared love for the band U2. Vito’s passion for his craft and community shines throughout the episode.
