In an exciting episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, we had the pleasure of diving into the inspiring journey of Crust Pizza, a brand set on revolutionizing the pizza and fast-casual dining experience. Our host, Jeremy Julian, was joined by Nicholas Fontenot, Partner and CTO at Crust Pizza Co., to explore what sets Crust Pizza apart from the rest of the market.
Introduction to Crust Pizza
Crust Pizza, based in the Houston market, focuses on delivering a unique pizza experience. They are known for their dedication to quality and their innovation-driven approach, which includes making dough fresh up to five times a day and using a proprietary blend of cheese. This commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that customers enjoy a premium dining experience without breaking the bank. The environment at Crust Pizza is designed to be versatile—a place where you can have both family dinners after a ball game and romantic date nights.
The Journey of Nicholas Fontenot
Nicholas shared his captivating journey from a tech enthusiast to an influential figure in the franchise business. Initially involved in technology roles at companies like AT&T, he discovered a passion for entrepreneurship and franchise development, which eventually led him to Crust Pizza. His vast experience in creating and managing franchises has equipped him with invaluable insights into blending tech with business efficiency.
Chicago-Style Thin Crust Pizza
Contrary to what many might think, Chicago is renowned for its thin crust pizza, not just the deep-dish variety that tourists often seek. Crust Pizza has embraced this style, offering a delicious thin crust cut into squares—a local favorite in Chicago that has become a signature offering for the brand.
Leveraging Technology in Franchise Operations
One of Crust Pizza’s standout aspects is its tech-forward approach to franchise operations. Nicholas detailed numerous innovative systems they have implemented to streamline operations and maintain quality, such as smart sensors in appliances for temperature monitoring and automated kitchen checklists. By investing in technology, Crust ensures that franchisees have the tools they need to maintain high standards and operational efficiency.
Custom Built Point-of-Sale System
In addition to robust kitchen tools, Crust Pizza is advancing towards launching its own custom-built Point of Sale (POS) system. This choice reflects their dedication to controlling their own narrative and ensuring that their tech stack supports their operational needs, rather than having to adapt to third-party systems that might not align perfectly with their goals.
Embracing the Future
Looking ahead, Crust Pizza plans to expand strategically while continuing to focus on innovation and quality. They aim for thoughtful growth, seeking franchise partners who share their passion and commitment to hands-on operations. By prioritizing multi-unit agreements, they keep the focus on sustainable expansion in regions outside of Houston, such as Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and potentially other large markets across the South and Southeast U.S.
Conclusion
Crust Pizza is not just about offering great pizza; it’s about creating a comprehensive, high-quality dining experience powered by cutting-edge technology. Their systematic approach to franchise support and dedication to quality sets them apart in a crowded market. For those interested in exploring franchise opportunities or simply curious about the brand, further information is available at their franchise website, crustfranchise.com.
As Crust Pizza continues to grow, they stand as a testament to how a blend of quality products and innovative technology can redefine industry standards and lead to successful franchise operations. Keep an eye on Crust Pizza—they’re poised to change how we think about pizza and the business of dining.
