Today we’d like to introduce you to Amos.
Hi Amos, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our parents started Tania’s Pizza in 1987, not knowing much about pizza at all. However, our mother knows her way around the kitchen and prepares foods that everyone enjoys. The early days were not easy as the business we took over was not doing well. The turnaround came about five years in, as we became a staple store to pick up hot slices served 7 days a week. All four kids worked in the store to start, and all moved on as they got older. Fast forward to 2011, our father was 68 years old and wanting to retire but could not afford to because of the market crash of 2008. That’s when I came back to help reignite sales to help our parents to retire.
The first year back was very difficult and fun at the same time. One of my favorite lines is, everything is figure-outable. We had a lot to figure out because we were in need of sales, badly! There were little to no processes in place and consistency was not up to par. Let the fun begin.
Our saving grace was and always has been our pizza. Our die-hard fans are the single biggest reason for our survival even in when times got at their worst. Fast forward to today where we’ve been recognized multiple times on WDIV and FOX 2, winning Tasty Tuesday Award (2019) and winners of best pizza at the Motor City Pizza Fest 2 years in a row (2014 & 2015). It’s been quite the ride with no shortages of ups and downs. Altogether a great experience.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In business, there are many bumps in the road, however, most issues can be smoothed out and pave the way for a new process to be built so we don’t run into “another one of these again”. Always carry your thinking cap, and be ready for challenges, because they never stop coming. Preparedness is key.
The biggest struggles in a small business is gaining new customers, not running out of cash, being short staffed, hitting new heights without being fully prepared, etc. etc. Our biggest issues when coming back in 2011, were all of the above at some point or at multiple points. Our sales were insignificant in the first year back and we didn’t have the funds to advertise. That’s when I went to a close friend to borrow money strictly to advertise. Our first ads had to be as big as we could afford to make them. The deals had to be better than all our competitors in order to get things rolling. Thankfully those first ads began to move the needle, which helped immensely.
Another big challenge is always having a game plan and more importantly having a the entire team going along with it. Never easy, but works like a charm when implemented well. Thankfully we have a team that has always rallied together to get it done!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Tania’s Pizza is a well-established, family-owned business in the heart of Royal Oak for over 38 years. We are a one stop shop, offering a wide variety of beverages along with our pizzeria. What put Tania’s on the map is our stuffed pizza. It’s by far what sets us apart from all other pizzas.
We have a unique and delicious pizza that people love. We’ve been able to build a brand that people seek out and that is one hell of a feeling! When pizza lovers are looking for something with a very unique style and flavor, they should definitely check us out.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can visit our website- taniaspizza.com and follow us on our social media accounts: Facebook and Instagram: @taniaspizza!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taniaspizza.com
- Instagram: @taniaspizza
- Facebook: @taniaspizza
- LinkedIn: @taniaspizza
