In the heart of the pandemic, when the world seemed to slow down, Nick from Lucky Nick’s Pizza found his calling. What started as a simple hobby quickly transformed into a thriving business, capturing the hearts and taste buds of many. Join us as we explore Nick’s journey from a novice pizza maker to a celebrated figure in the pizza community.
Nick’s culinary journey began at Nordstrom Cafe, where he learned the fundamentals of food preparation. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that he truly discovered his passion for pizza. Inspired by a video featuring Anthony Mangieri from Una Pizza, Nick felt a deep connection to the art of pizza-making. With a Gosney oven gifted by his wife, he embarked on a journey to master the craft of sourdough pizza.
The Humble Beginnings: From Hobby to Business
Initially, pizza-making was just a hobby for Nick. He started experimenting with sourdough, creating his own starter and perfecting the Neapolitan style with super wet dough and buffalo mozzarella. As word spread, what began as a small venture out of his home quickly gained popularity. Friends, and eventually friends of friends, couldn’t get enough of his creations. Within months, Nick realized he needed a wood oven to keep up with demand.
With the help of a GoFundMe campaign, Nick raised enough money to purchase a wood oven. This marked the beginning of Lucky Nick’s Pizza as a catering business. From pop-ups to catering gigs, Nick’s pizzas became a hit. His partnership with Homage Brewing allowed him to reach even larger audiences, and soon, he was making hundreds of pizzas at events.
The Art of Sourdough Pizza, a Lucky Nick’s Pizza Staple
For Nick, sourdough is more than just a dough—it’s a passion. He appreciates the unique flavor and texture it brings to his pizzas. Sourdough allows for flexibility, especially in a pop-up and catering setting, where dough can be left out longer than those that are made with commercial yeast. Nick’s dedication to sourdough has become a defining feature of his business, offering a superior product that customers love.
Among the various styles Nick has explored, Tavern-style pizza holds a special place in his heart. Known for its thin, cracker-like crust and well-done finish, this style is a favorite for its satisfying crunch. Nick enjoys the simplicity and flavor of Tavern-style pizza, making it a staple in his offerings.
The Pizza Expo Experience
Nick’s journey wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Pizza Expo. This event is a celebration of the pizza community, where operators from around the world gather to share insights and innovations. For Nick, the Expo is more than just a trade show—it’s a party of operators, a place to connect with fellow pizza enthusiasts and learn from the best in the industry.
Looking Ahead with Lucky Nick’s
As Lucky Nick’s Pizza continues to grow, Nick remains focused on his goals. While a brick-and-mortar location is on the horizon, he is content with the success of his catering and pop-up ventures. The support of his team and the pizza community has been instrumental in his journey, and Nick is excited for what the future holds.
Nick’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From humble beginnings to a thriving business, Lucky Nick’s Pizza is a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication and love for the craft. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, Nick’s journey offers inspiration and insight into the world of pizza-making.
Check out Lucky Nick’s Pizza on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckynickspizza/ or through their website: https://www.luckynickspizza.com/.
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