The Hot Slice
The Hot Slice brings you inspiring stories, strategies and lessons learned from successful pizzeria professionals and top experts. This podcast is hosted by the team at Pizza Today, the premier network for pizzeria professionals. We’re bringing our award-winning interviewing and 37 years as a trusted pizza restaurant partner to the airwaves with real, in-depth conversations with pizzeria owners, champion pizza makers, industry pros and others to help make your business better.
The Hot Slice
279. Going big at the New York State Fair
When you are looking for an added revenue source, have you ever considered a state fair? This week’s guest, Nick Sanford went all in at the New York State Fair. Nick owns Toss & Fire with three locations and a fleet of food trucks around Syracuse, New York.
This is the third year Toss & Fire has had a presence at the New York State Fair, but this year, Sanford took over a prime location. From fair-exclusive pizza specials, a pre-fair marketing blitz to the logistics of temporarily closing and store and adjusting staffing, you won’t believe how big it paid off. Stick around on the podcast to listen to how many pizzas Toss & Fire sold at the state fair.
Nick is no stranger to high traffic output. With food trucks running at concurrent events and high-volume stores, Nick shares how he and his team are able to execute at a high level.
Toss & Fire was the 2024 Pizza Company of the Year Northeast Region in Pizza Today’s P.IE. Awards. This year, the pizzeria celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Learn more about Toss & Fire at https://www.tossnfirepizza.com/ and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tossnfirepizza/.
Show Notes:
Nominations are open for the 3rd annual Pizza Industry Excellence (PIE Awards). We are looking to give awards in seven categories, plus Pizza Company of the Year by Region. Apply today at:https://pizzatoday.com/pie-awards/
National Pizza Month in October is approaching fast. Go to the National Pizza Month Pizzeria Tool Kit: https://pizzatoday.com/nationalpizzamonth/
There is no better way to celebrate National Pizza Month than by attending Pizza Expo Columbus! Register now! https://registration.pizzaexpocolumbus.com/event/2025