Pizza Local: A Smarter Way To Chalenge The Chains

If there is one problem we hear at PMQ it is the constant battle with the major chains. They have the big marketing budgets that dwarf anything that an independent could offer…but now there is help on the way with PIZZA Local.

PIZZA Local has been specifically developed to assist local independent pizzerias like yourself to INCREASE SALES, PROFITS AND THE VALUE OF YOUR BUSINESS.

With the increase of corporate pizza franchises across Australia, the future battle for market share is only set to increase. PIZZA Local NOT a franchise, rather a newly formed retail banner group that have local independently named pizzerias operate under the support of.

PIZZA Local provides members exclusive rights to its highly demanded & very easy to remember 131 PIZZA phone word/ number, which in itself is worth the relatively small annual membership investment. Consumers see the huge national advertising campaign, remember a word PIZZA instead of a number and simply call 131 PIZZA and are connected to your store!

All current store names, store signage, phone numbers, menus etc … remain the same & are still in operation, you simply gain all of the benefits PIZZA Local provide!

PIZZA Local selects only one independent pizzeria per territory / postcode Australia wide. This will guarantee members to gain maximum exposure through the group’s extensive national marketing / advertising campaign. Through increased buying power for products & services your business will also gain the edge over your competition.

What exactly do you get? PIZZA Local will provide the following to your store;
• Exclusive Pizza Local Territory (Only one store per post code allowed);
• Connection to 131 PIZZA (Quarterly reporting on all incoming calls through 131 PIZZA);
• A minimum of 150 TV ads per annum;
• Google Advertising (Worlds fastest growing advertising medium);
• Website (List store details/ menu’s/ specials, List jobs on offer, List business for sale);
• Shop front window signage (Allows consumers to identify your store with the ad campaign);
• In store 131 PIZZA polo tops (4 tops per store);
• 131 PIZZA promotional fridge magnets (400 per store);
• Access to discounted products and services with our preferred suppliers;

Going forward, independent pizza stores need to realize that by dropping prices they are cheapening their product and have to work harder for the same turn over they might have been making previously. Stores operating this way will find it very difficult to increase their prices in line with their own supplier increases as their consumer market will not accept it and will go elsewhere. No independent can compete with a corporate franchise on price although there are many that have tried and have folded due to this. Instead of dropping prices independents should be looking at new, innovative ways to increase their sales, better their service, better their product and increase their prices. Pizza Local is a helpful solution to achieving this.

Pizza Local’s main goal is offering consumers convenience of ordering with a local independent. Due to the ease of convenience, 131 PIZZA will help bring in more sales into the chosen independent for any given postcode.

Once the 131 PIZZA number is taken by a store in any given postcode, others need to realize that it might not ever be made available again due to the fact member stores have first right to continue each year. Member stores also have the right to take up bordering postcodes if they deliver to these areas. There is a maximum of 3 postcodes per store allowed. The price (which is able to be paid in monthly installments) of membership is relatively the same price that a store would spend on pamphlet printing which will not get them the return on investment that Pizza Local will bring.

If you are ready to take your pizzeria to the next level and to start truly competing with the Big Boy Pizza Chains, it’s time for you to give Pizza Local a call on 131 PIZZA. Alternatively, check out the web site at www.pizzalocal.com.au or email at info@pizzalocal.com.au.

A Great New Product for Pizza Shops

Looking for a new product that is easy to make, new to customers and that tastes great? We found one… it is called Burek. It is a type of pie made of a thin flaky dough known as phyllo or yufka, and filled with cheese (often feta), minced meat, or other vegetables. After travelling throughout Europe, the founder and head chef, Milan Mandic has returned to Australia after capturing the essence and mastering the recipe for an authentic Burek. Made from multiple layers of yeast free hand stretched filo pastry, every Burek is hand-made and generously filled with quality cheeses, meats or vegetables. Milan has created a Burek that is as close to the genuine flavour as possible.

Burek is a regular offer of all bakeries, and usually eaten as “fast food”. It is often consumed with yoghurt. Apart from bakeries, Burek is sold in specialised stores selling Burek (or pitas) and yoghurt exclusively. To say that Milan knows the pizza business is an understatement… he has been making pizzas for over 30 years and at one time was the franchisor of over 60 stores, so if anyone knows what will work in a pizza shop, it is Milan. He says that Burek is a great addition to any pizza store; it doesn’t need any extra equipment and cooks perfectly in a pizza conveyor oven or deck oven without the need to change temperatures or cook times.

Burek is the same size as a large pizza (30cm diameter) and fits perfectly in a large (12-13 inch) pizza box. Burek retails at a higher price than pizza and is a profit bonanza while requiring minimal handling and no preparation or wastage. Burek is a great point of difference for any pizza store. Milan also believes that in time and with the right advertising, Burek sales could even surpass pizza sales.

Burek is supplied frozen and uncooked in 4 savoury flavours; Cheese (Fetta, Cottage and Ricotta), Cheese and Spinach, Beef and Onion, Potato and Onion and 2 dessert bureks, Morello Cherry or Apple. Milan has also developed a range of burek filled with pizza ingredients, these include vegetarian, meat eater and Hawaiian.

How easy is it to make? Oil the tray for cooking then take burek out of plastic cover and place it on the tray.(Burek will be fluffier if thawed out). Cook for 30 minutes in a fan-forced oven at 220C or in a non-fan oven at 240C then take it out of oven and let rest and do NOT cut. Let it rest for 15-30 minutes. If you want Burek to be soft and not crispy, cover it after cooking during resting time. For shops and takeaways holding product in bain marie under lights, mix 100ml of water,50ml of veg oil and tablespoon of salt. Bring to boil and spray the top of the Burek with hot mixture and let sit for 30 min before cutting.

One try and you’ll love the flavour and texture of Burek. It will be a favourite of the whole family and repeat business is guaranteed with your customers. For more information email milan@burek.net.au or call the Burek Company on 03 9877 3177 or Mobile: 0419 793 778.