Because it showcases our annual Impartial Pizzeria of the Yr, I at all times carry a bit of additional enthusiasm for our August difficulty. In any case, operating an impartial pizza enterprise to the best of requirements and success ranges is the crux of what Pizza At this time is all about.
That stated, it’s with nice pleasure that I introduce to our readers the 2010 Impartial 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 places with out feeling completely blown away by the superior meals high quality, service, consideration to element, ambiance … you identify it. This would possibly nicely be the right pizzeria.
Seattle residents clearly agree. Tutta Bella will prime $10 million in gross sales this 12 months.
To be taught extra about Tutta Bella and what makes it so particular, see our protection starting on web page 58. When you take nothing else away from this difficulty, don’t fail to soak up Fugere’s ardour for his enterprise and the best way he has set it as much as succeed by demanding excellence in each aspect of it. By cultivating a gifted workers after which empowering it, he has fostered an atmosphere 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 best way an espresso is pulled to the best way 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. Basically, he needs 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 difficulty. Individuals 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 amenities program supervisor Jamie Sprott. These individuals are on the forefront of one of many nation’s most profitable operations, and Pizza At this time is proud to cowl their success tales.
Finest,
Jeremy White, editor-in-chief
jwhite@www.pizzatoday.com
