We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christian Strong a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Christian , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

“My career reached a point where the proliferation of “fast food” pizza shops became a direct concern. While the need for a fast-casual option is clear, our market was becoming oversaturated with this type of inexpensive, quick pizza. Recognizing our unique position in the pizza-making landscape, we resolved to create real pizza – simple, authentic, and rooted in culinary tradition.

Our passion for pizza and the restaurant industry fueled a core ambition: to establish a pizza shop with a tangible positive impact on the community. While existing mom-and-pop establishments were increasingly taking on investors and adopting a more commercialized, cookie-cutter approach, we envisioned bridging the gap. Our aim was to connect the heart and soul of homemade pizza, bread, and appetizers reminiscent of a Old World kitchen with the accessibility of today’s popular fast-casual scene.

Our goal was to offer a full-service restaurant with a welcoming family atmosphere – a place where there’s always a seat at the table for you. Date night? Strong’s Pizza. Post-game team dinner? Strong’s Pizza. Birthday or anniversary celebration? Strong’s Pizza. Family dinner at home? Strong’s Pizza. Graduation party or wedding? Strong’s Pizza.”

Christian , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

From the very beginning, Strong’s Pizza has been a labor of love, crafting everything from the company’s foundation and brand identity to their exceptional pizza – all made completely from scratch.

More than just a brand, Strong’s Pizza is a family, crafting real pizza and fostering a vibrant community. As a cornerstone of the Tri-State restaurant industry for the past 13 years, we’re incredibly proud of our steady growth, bringing the Strong’s experience to five locations across three states.

Our connection to the communities we serve is paramount. We believe in directly investing in the places we call home, dedicating a portion of our yearly profits to local schools and initiatives. This isn’t a one-time gesture; it’s a consistent commitment to providing ongoing support.

While you might occasionally spot a billboard, our priority lies in direct community impact. We’d much rather fuel ten local sports teams with donations or treat the hardworking staff at a nearby hospital or school to our pies. As a small business operating with intention, our lean approach allows us to prioritize our team. We’re proud to offer competitive wages, healthcare benefits, and a 401k matching program.

So, when you choose Strong’s Pizza, you’re not just enjoying great pizza; you’re contributing to the stability and well-being of our employees and the very communities we serve.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In the beginning, I diligently followed the prescribed path, crafting a detailed business plan and scheduling a guidance meeting with the SBA. I recognize the invaluable work the SBA, banks, and other services do for budding small businesses. However, the pervasive narrative surrounding the inherent risks of the restaurant industry often casts a shadow on securing initial support.

Unfortunately, my SBA meeting didn’t unfold as envisioned. Fueled by excitement for my plan, a clear vision, and unwavering work ethic, I was met with discouraging words. I was told my idea was ill-conceived due to the saturated local pizzeria market and that my concept lacked uniqueness. Understandably, frustration mounted, leading to a brief but impassioned disagreement, and I ultimately left feeling disheartened.

There I stood, seeking guidance, only to be told my vision was destined for failure. But I refused to let their skepticism define my future. I pressed forward with unwavering determination, putting my foot on the gas and haven’t looked back in the past thirteen years.

To this day, I often think of that counselor. I wish I could recall her name, just so I could send her a complimentary Strong’s Pizza every week, proudly displaying our logo – a tangible reminder that I am the very person behind that ‘terrible idea’.”

This version maintains the raw emotion of the experience while clearly showcasing your resilience and the ultimate success of Strong’s Pizza. The concluding sentence leaves a strong and memorable impression.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

To bring Strong’s Pizza to life, I utilized a combination of personal savings and venture capital investment from Community Ventures, a firm based in Lexington, KY. This route was necessary because traditional banks are often hesitant to lend to restaurant startups, perceiving them as high-risk ventures. In fact, we weren’t eligible for traditional bank lending until we established our fourth location and exceeded $4 million in sales.

Our growth in the early years was significantly supported by alternative lending platforms like Lending Club and Funding Circle, which are more willing to work with small businesses and restaurants. Our long-term philosophy has always been to operate as a zero-debt company. However, as we now embark on larger projects, our proven track record has provided us with the borrowing power to strategically expand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.strongsbrickovenpizza.com
• Instagram: @strongsbrickovenpizza
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongspizza
• Twitter: https://x.com/strongspizza
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/strong-s-brick-oven-pizzeria (Multiple locations)