Because it showcases our annual Unbiased Pizzeria of the Yr, I all the time carry a little bit additional enthusiasm for our August situation. In spite of everything, operating an unbiased pizza enterprise to the best of requirements and success ranges is the crux of what Pizza Immediately is all about.
That mentioned, it’s with nice pleasure that I introduce to our readers the 2010 Unbiased of the Yr: Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria in Seattle, Washington. Based in 2004 by former Starbucks government Joe Fugere, Tutta Bella was the primary pizzeria within the Pacifi c Northwest to obtain certifi cation from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletanta (VPN), the watchdog that ensures its American pizzeria members stay as much as the traditions and requirements of the unique pizza crafted centuries in the past in Naples, Italy. I’ve personally visited Tutta Bella 4 completely different occasions through the years, and I’ve by no means left any of the corporate’s 4 areas with out feeling completely blown away by the superior meals high quality, service, consideration to element, ambiance … you title it. This would possibly nicely be the right pizzeria.
Seattle residents clearly agree. Tutta Bella will prime $10 million in gross sales this yr.
To be taught extra about Tutta Bella and what makes it so particular, see our protection starting on web page 58. In case you take nothing else away from this situation, don’t fail to soak up Fugere’s ardour for his enterprise and the way in which he has set it as much as succeed by demanding excellence in each side of it. By cultivating a proficient workers after which empowering it, he has fostered an surroundings during which each worker takes possession and works to make sure buyer satisfaction stays excessive. Fugere doggedly pursues perfection from each angle, starting from the wine listing or the way in which an espresso is pulled to the way in which the cornizione (the pillowy rim of the completed crust) should look earlier than the kitchen can ship a pizza out to a desk. However whereas he’s pushed by excellence, he’s impressed and guided by authenticity. Primarily, he desires to re-create the quintessential Neapolitan expertise in his 4 Seattle pizzerias each day. It’s a lofty bar, and Tutta Bella reaches it.
Congratulations to Fugere and the remainder of his workers. You’ll meet lots of them within the pages of this situation. Folks like government chef Brian Gojdics; beer, wine and spirits supervisor R.C. Jennings; espresso program supervisor Jeff Perini; director of operations Joyce Morinaka; coaching program supervisor Kelli Phelan; sustainability program supervisor Erik Cain and services program supervisor Jamie Sprott. These individuals are on the forefront of one of many nation’s most profitable operations, and Pizza Immediately is proud to cowl their success tales.
Finest,
Jeremy White, editor-in-chief
[email protected]
