In the latest episode of the Pizza Story Podcast, host Erica D’Arcangelo traveled virtually to Stockton, California, to sit down with Sarah Correa, the co-founder of Fired Pizza. What followed was a raw, honest, and deeply romantic (in a “working with your spouse” kind of way) look at what it takes to build a brand from a backyard hobby to a high-volume culinary powerhouse.
The Accidental Restaurateurs
Sarah’s entry into the pizza world was anything but planned. “I put myself through college by waiting tables,” Sarah recalls. “My husband Daniel’s dream was always to have a restaurant, and my reaction was: absolutely not.”
The turning point came at a California winery, where the couple saw a husband and wife team serving beautiful Margherita pizzas from a trailer. That spark ignited a “fake it till you make it” journey. They bought a used Mugnaini oven from Salt Lake City, drove it home without knowing how to tow it, and hosted their first neighborhood event without knowing how to light the fire or stretch dough.
“We learned what not to do organically,” Sarah explains. “It was foundational to our marriage.”
Neapolitan: “The Hard Way”
While many pizzerias choose styles that are easier to scale or more familiar to American palates—like New York or Detroit—Fired Pizza leaned into the rigorous traditions of Neapolitan pizza.
Sarah describes their philosophy as “Pizza the Hard Way.” This isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s a literal description of their workflow.
“How you do one thing is how you do everything,” Sarah notes. “If I had to explain my marriage through pizza, it would be Neapolitan. It’s high-quality, it’s hard, and not everyone can do it.”
Scaling the Fire
Fired Pizza established its brand during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses struggled, Fired became a community lifeline, popping up at breweries and wineries to provide the food requirement necessary for those businesses to stay open.
This period was a “trial by fire” that prepared them for their brick-and-mortar transition in 2023. At their peak, the catering side of the business was producing a staggering 1,200 pizzas in a single day for corporate events at Amazon and Facebook hubs. Today, their Stockton warehouse location maintains that intensity, regularly churning out 200 to 300 pies a night.
The “Least Favorite” Marketing Genius
One of the most fascinating parts of Sarah’s story is her bold approach to marketing. In a city where “dynasty” pizza families have dominated for generations with thick-crust, meat-heavy pies, the thin, slightly “soggy” (traditional) Neapolitan style was met with some confusion.
When a local magazine snubbed Fired Pizza shortly after their opening, Sarah and Daniel didn’t retreat. Instead, they leaned into the criticism. They launched a billboard campaign that simply read: “San Joaquin’s Least Favorite Pizza.”
“People lost their minds,” Sarah laughs. “They thought it was a misprint. But it solidified us. We leaned into the idea that if Neapolitan isn’t for you, it isn’t for you. And if it is, we’re the best at it.”
A Menu That Rotates with the Earth
Fired Pizza keeps its community engaged through a monthly rotating menu. While Sarah’s personal favorite is the “Pesto Potato”—a simple, meatless pie she created on day one—the restaurant is known for more adventurous seasonal offerings.
Because they are located in the heart of the Central Valley, Sarah literally drives past the farms that supply their ingredients. Whether it’s hand-picking shishito peppers or creating a “Good Burger” cheeseburger pizza monstrosity, the menu is a reflection of the season and the chefs’ creative “hot seat.”
The “Baby” Called Atlas
Though Sarah and Daniel decided not to have children together, they treat Fired Pizza as their “baby.” This was perfectly captured during their recent rebrand with artist Christian Watson. Without being told, the artist created a logo featuring Atlas holding a pizza.
“Atlas was my secret baby name,” Sarah reveals. “It was so organic. Now Atlas is on the wall, holding the weight of our pizza world.”
Fired Pizza is located in Stockton, CA. You can follow their journey and see their legendary line work on their new YouTube channel or visit them to try a slice of “the hard way.”
Follow Fired Pizza on Instagram @fired_pizza
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