Would you spend $60,000 just to install an oven? That’s the dilemma Dane from Slow Co Pizza faced when opening his pizzeria. The hidden costs of launching a restaurant can be brutal—so how did he pivot and still make his dream a reality?
In this episode, we sit down with Dane from Slow Co Pizza, who turned his 13-year pizza obsession into reality in November 2024. But it wasn’t easy. From shocking equipment costs to frustrating contractor delays, Dane shares the real, behind-the-scenes struggles of opening a pizzeria—and the rewarding moment it was all worth it.
Highlights:
(00:01:32:15 - 00:02:42:17) The $60,000 Oven Dilemma:Dane originally planned to install a PizzaMaster oven but discovered upgrading his electrical system would cost $60,000.
(00:04:27:09 - 00:05:14:23 ) The Reality of Restaurant Build-Outs: Dane shares Unexpected challenges with permits, space limitations, and city regulations— the hidden costs of construction and why every small change adds up.
(00:05:14:23 - 00:08:39:23) Contractor Struggles & Delays:Dane hired a contractor based on a recommendation but later realized communication was a huge issue.
(00:06:12:23 - 00:07:55:17) The Walk-In Fridge Challenge:The previous owners had an unpermitted walk-in fridge that had to be removed.
(00:08:39:23 - 00:09:43:14) Advice for Aspiring Pizzeria Owners:Understand that time delays are inevitable—build extra time into your plan. Be flexible and prepared for unexpected costs.
Check out Slow Co here:
https://www.instagram.com/slowcopizza/
Thank you to our show sponsors:
Corto Olive Oil:https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1808352&u=2800064&m=112748&urllink=&afftrack=
Ooni Pizza:https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=77074&awinaffid=1800006&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ooni.com
https://www.instagram.com/whatsgooddough/
email me:eidref@whatsgooddough.comCamera and Audio Provided by Tristan Marr and Alexia Refil
Topics:
pizzeria opening challenges
restaurant build-out costs
$60,000 oven dilemma
Slow Co Pizza
Dane from Slow Co Pizza
restaurant equipment costs
pizza oven installation
restaurant contractor struggles
restaurant construction delays
hidden costs of opening a restaurant
pizzeria owner advice
restaurant space limitations
unpermitted walk-in fridge
City regulations for restaurants
pizza restaurant startup challenges
starting a pizzeria business
aspiring pizzeria owner's tips
restaurant permitting issues
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