On the bright streets of Atlantic City, amongst some of the most historic casinos in the country, a culinary revolution was born out of necessity and a dash of creativity. Mike Hauke, the mastermind behind Tony Boloney’s and Mad Mutz, shares his journey from serving frozen foods to construction workers to creating a pizzeria and mozzarella brand that that defy’s tradition and embraces innovation.
Mike’s journey into the pizza business began 18 years ago when his father decided to buy a building in Atlantic City. Initially, the plan was to rent it out to a bodega to feed construction workers. However, when plans for the MGM complex fell through, Mike found himself at a crossroads. With commitments from local grocery stores and delis falling apart, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
A Leap of Faith: Tony Boloney’s
Faced with the challenge of an empty building, Mike decided to open a store and serve frozen foods to the construction workers at the Revel Casino. But when construction halted, he knew he had to pivot. Mike’s determination led him to experiment with making his own pizza dough and mozzarella, despite skepticism from suppliers. His bold decision to fire those who doubted his vision marked the beginning of Tony Boloney’s unique culinary journey.
Mike’s creativity didn’t stop at pizza dough. He rebranded the business, embracing the name Tony Boloney’s, which resonated with his playful and unconventional approach to food. The pizzeria gained national recognition, winning a Food Network Cheesesteak battle and participating in various food competitions. Mike’s willingness to experiment with flavors and ingredients set Tony Boloney’s apart from traditional pizzerias.
Mad Mutz: A Mozzarella Revolution
Not content with just pizza, Mike ventured into the world of mozzarella with Mad Mutz. He began making fresh mozzarella for farmers markets, experimenting with flavors like spicy and truffle mozzarella. Despite the challenges of frying fresh mozzarella, Mike’s persistence paid off. He developed a proprietary process that allowed him to create unique mozzarella sticks, which quickly gained popularity.
As demand for Mad Mutz’s mozzarella sticks grew, Mike faced the challenge of scaling production. Collaborating with Mike Burns, they expanded distribution to ShopRite and other retailers. The journey culminated in an appearance on Shark Tank, showcasing their innovative products to a national audience.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Mike envisions continued growth for both Tony Boloney’s and Mad Mutz. With a Shark Tank deal for plans for national distribution and exciting collaborations with national brands, the future looks bright. Mike’s commitment to quality and creativity remains unwavering, ensuring that every product is crafted with care and passion.
Mike Hauke’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and determination. From humble beginnings to national recognition, Tony Boloney’s and Mad Mutz continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the culinary world.
As Mike says, “It’s not just about the food; it’s about creating an experience.”
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