About Lee Kindell
Lee Kindell, founder of MOTO Pizza, has redefined what it means to build a restaurant brand with heart and innovation.
What began as a small post-retirement passion project turned into one of Seattle's most talked-about food success stories. Known for its Detroit-style pizzas, Filipino-inspired toppings, and a 120-year-old sourdough starter named Betty, MOTO Pizza blends craft, culture, and community in every slice.
When the pandemic hit, Lee pivoted fast—scaling MOTO from a neighborhood idea into a growing chain with locations in Belltown, Edmonds, and even T-Mobile Park. But the story doesn't stop there: Lee is using robotics and AI automation to streamline pizza production while keeping its handmade soul intact.
In 2026, he plans to launch pizza drone delivery, pushing the boundaries of what food tech can be—all while keeping kindness and community at the center.
What We Talk About
• Lee's journey from hostel owner to pizza visionary
• How the pandemic accelerated MOTO Pizza's rise
• Balancing craftsmanship and technology in the food industry
• Why kindness and community come before profit
• Robotics, automation, and the next frontier in restaurant tech
• Sourcing ingredients sustainably & the slow food movement
• The realities of scaling without losing your identity
• The plan for pizza-by-drone delivery in 2026
• Creativity, culture, and leadership lessons for founders
• And yes… pizza in space. 🍕🚀
Connect with Lee Kindell
🌐 Website – https://www.motopizza.com
🔗 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekindell
📸 Instagram – @motopizzashop
🎵 TikTok – @motopizza
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