Exclusive: How NJ’s Pizza Shops Are Dominating the Scene in 2024

Anthony Pizzi at the Jersey Eats: NJ Pizza Festival (Photo taken by Brandon Mirador)

The New Jersey pizza scene in 2024 is experiencing a significant transformation, according to Anthony Pizzi, a key figure in the New Jersey local pizza community. With his extensive experience in his previous role as a Territory Manager at Slice, the online ordering app for 20,000 pizzerias across the country, Pizzi provides a unique perspective on the industry’s evolution. He believes that the Jersey scene has “blossomed” with many new shops opening and existing ones expanding. Online ordering and social media have played pivotal roles in this transformation. “Shops that understand both are thriving, while those that don’t are struggling and beginning to adapt now; which in some cases could be too late,” he explains.

One of the standout pizzerias Pizzi mentions is Amano Pizza in South Amboy and Matawan. The brothers behind Amano are excelling in both quality and social media engagement. "They just won editors choice at the Jersey Eats: NJ Pizza Festival, and they have a lot to be proud of," says Pizzi. Another notable mention is Bucky’s, set to open in Chatham this fall. The owners, Dom and Jessica, have a compelling story of resilience, transitioning from their kitchen to a pizza pop-up, and now to their own shop. "This couldn’t happen to a better person," Pizzi remarks, referring to Dom’s background and journey.

Turano’s Pizza Kitchen in Livingston also stands out for its unique approach. Dave Turano has embraced online ordering and social media to create buzz around his new pizzas. "His newest pizza creation video ‘The ChikFilA Pizza’ has surpassed 30,000 views on Instagram and climbing," Pizzi notes. This kind of engagement is driving significant orders and local pride in the town of Livingston.

Dave Turano from Turano's Pizza Kitchen making a pizza (Photo taken by Scalia Media Group)

Marketing strategies are crucial in this competitive environment. Pizzi points out that pizzerias are starting to adopt POS systems or all-in-one platforms that provide comprehensive customer data and insights. This data is then used to create targeted content and campaigns on social media. However, he stresses the importance of human interaction and customer service. "It’s understandable that marketing strategies are the last thing they’re thinking about when they open up every day," he says, acknowledging the demanding nature of running a pizzeria.

Social media, particularly Instagram, has become a powerful tool for NJ pizzerias. Shops are creating engaging Reels and sharing ordering links on their stories to direct traffic to their websites. The focus has shifted from merely gaining followers to creating engaging, shareable content that generates views and new customers.

NJ Pizza Alliance takes to the streets of Millburn, New Jersey interviewing bystanders about local pizza in the area (Photo taken by Local Pizzi)

Collaborations have also played a significant role in the success of these pizzerias. Hive House Honey is a prime example. "I’ve seen shops that utilized them as a secret ingredient and exclusive honey partner, where the honey actually elevated the product versus the next best competitor in honey and pizzerias nearby," Pizzi explains. This kind of innovative thinking and strategic partnership can set a shop apart.

Local ingredients and unique recipes are essential to the success of NJ pizzerias. "Local tastes better," Pizzi states simply. He emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses and creating partnerships that enhance their product.

Events like the Jersey Eats: NJ Pizza Festival are critical to the local pizza ecosystem. They provide invaluable networking opportunities for pizzerias, influencers, and vendors. Pizzi elaborates, “These events serve as a bridge, connecting various stakeholders within the pizza community. They open doors for collaborations and expose participants to new ideas and practices.” The festival not only allows pizzerias to showcase their products but also helps them build relationships that can lead to future business opportunities and innovations. “It’s a chance for everyone involved to learn from each other and grow together,” Pizzi adds, emphasizing the importance of such gatherings in fostering a vibrant and cohesive pizza community.

Despite the successes owners find in owning a pizzeria, there are challenges. Winning repeat customers is a significant hurdle. Pizzi advises pizzeria owners to continually assess and improve their offerings and not be afraid to seek advice from those doing better. "Try everything until it works, but never sacrifice on quality or your brand," he suggests.

Anthony Pizzi at The Brook Tap House in West Caldwell, New Jersey taking video of pizza (Photo taken by Local Pizzi)

Looking ahead, Pizzi is optimistic about the future of the NJ pizza scene. He envisions more growth, more shops, and greater connectivity within the community. The founding of the NJ Pizza Alliance in 2024 is a step toward this vision. "We have about 30 members today, and in the next few years, I’d like to have hundreds, possibly thousands," he says. The goal is to keep the local pizza scene vibrant and thriving, with a shared mission of supporting local businesses. Pizzi believes that the pizza industry is set to explode in 2025 and 2026, driven by innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to quality and local community.

In addition to his work with the NJ Pizza Alliance, Pizzi sees potential in expanding “Pizzere,” a wide-ranging pizza media company. Utilizing Pizzere to highlight local stories, trends, and innovations could significantly enhance the visibility and impact of New Jersey’s pizza scene. “With Pizzere, we can bring even more attention to the incredible work being done by pizzerias across the state and foster a stronger sense of community,” Pizzi explains. To further this mission, Pizzere will also be releasing an app that allows people to easily discover local pizzerias. This app also helps local shops market themselves without having to post on social media or generate any content themselves. “This app will make it simpler for pizza lovers to find, record, and support their local favorites, strengthening the connection between pizzerias and their local communities,” Pizzi adds. This platform could also serve as a valuable resource for both pizza tourists and industry professionals, further cementing New Jersey’s reputation as a leading hub for pizza in the United States.