🎙️ How a small shack in Columbus’s Short North district became one of Ohio’s most beloved pizza brands.
In this engaging episode, Mikey Sorboro shares the unconventional journey of creating Mikey’s Late Night Slice – a pizza business built on experience and culture rather than just the food itself.
✨ Key Insights You’ll Learn:
Why Mikey competes on experience rather than traditional pizza metrics like quality or price
How turning a storage shed into a 140-square-foot pizza shack launched a restaurant empire
The importance of creating a “pizza party” atmosphere that draws customers in for more than just food
Strategies for maintaining strong company culture during rapid expansion
Why visibility and flexibility are essential leadership qualities in the restaurant industry
How surviving COVID required painful decisions but ultimately made the business stronger
🌟 Key Moments in Mikey’s Journey:
Starting ECT Pedicab in 2008 after seeing similar businesses in San Diego
Opening the first Late Night Slice in a converted storage shed in July 2009 without an official license
Creating a unique atmosphere with outdoor movie nights and creative signage
Expanding through a food truck to build brand awareness beyond their neighborhood
Growing to nine locations with 220+ employees
Opening three new locations in the last quarter of 2023, nearly doubling their revenue
Looking ahead to expansion beyond Columbus
👉 Don’t miss this entertaining conversation with a business owner who proves that sometimes the most successful approach isn’t competing on traditional metrics but creating an unforgettable experience that keeps customers coming back for more.