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Make The Switch

Nov 07

Why Jake Made the Switch to XLT Conveyor Pizza Ovens

By Make The Switch, XLT Customer Spotlight

Jake Minor’s 18-year journey started from a desire to save money on pizza.

For Jake Minor, owning and managing a chain of pizzerias has been a journey that began with a simple employee discount. Now, 18 years later, he’s a franchise owner with four locations and a fifth on the way. Jake’s dedication to quality led him to invest in XLT ovens across all his stores, replacing older equipment with XLT conveyor ovens and experiencing a notable improvement in efficiency and product consistency.

The Journey from MM to XLT

When Jake was remodeling one of his stores, he replaced an aging MM PS360Q oven with a new XLT conveyor pizza oven. The upgrade was immediately noticeable, and he soon made XLT ovens a standard across all his locations. Jake shares that the biggest difference was the improved bake quality and reliability. The XLT conveyorized impingement oven technology provides even heat distribution, resulting in pizzas that are consistently cooked to perfection.

How XLT Ovens Enhance Bake Quality

  • Consistent Results: Unlike older ovens, which often produced inconsistent results, XLT ovens provide a uniform bake. This has virtually eliminated undercooked or overcooked pizzas, giving customers a consistently high-quality product.
  • Reliability: Finding parts and technicians to service old ovens was a challenge. With XLT conveyor ovens, Jake now enjoys reliable performance with minimal maintenance, allowing his kitchens to run smoothly even during peak times.
  • Versatility for Diverse Menus: With a broad menu that includes pizzas, wings, and more, Jake needed an oven that could handle a variety of items. The XLT conveyor impingement ovens allow him to achieve the right bake on every menu item with ease, enhancing both food quality and customer satisfaction.

Making the Switch to XLT

Switching to XLT ovens has been a game-changer for Jake’s franchise locations. With faster ticket times, fewer customer complaints, and improved bake quality, XLT ovens are helping Jake keep his customers happy and operations efficient. Reflecting on the investment, Jake considers it one of the best decisions for his business.

For any pizzeria seeking to elevate product quality and streamline operations, XLT conveyor pizza ovens and impingement ovens provide a reliable, high-performance solution.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Oct 31

From Deck Ovens to XLT: How Conveyor Pizza Ovens Revolutionized the Game

By Make The Switch, XLT Customer Spotlight

Dan Knolla talks about his experience with deck ovens.

In the world of pizza-making, oven technology has come a long way. From traditional Blodgette deck ovens with their hot spots and constant supervision to modern XLT conveyor ovens, the shift has transformed kitchen operations. The Knolla’s Pizza’s journey from Blodgette to XLT ovens showcases how upgrading to a conveyorized impingement oven can simplify the baking process, improve consistency, and enhance efficiency.

The Challenges of Traditional Deck Ovens

Dan Knolla explains that back in the day, pizza shops relied heavily on deck ovens like the Blodgette. While these ovens had their charm, they also had significant drawbacks:

  • Constant Supervision: Deck ovens required an operator to be present at all times, managing hot spots and rotating pizzas to ensure even baking.
  • Heat Inefficiency: Deck ovens often had uneven heating zones, which could lead to inconsistent baking results.
  • Labor-Intensive Operation: Managing a deck oven took skill, experience, and physical effort, making it challenging for busy kitchens to keep up with high demand.

For Knolla’s, switching to XLT conveyor ovens marked a significant upgrade, solving many of these issues.

Why XLT Conveyorized Impingement Ovens Are a Game-Changer

  • Ease of Use: XLT conveyor pizza ovens make baking simple. Operators place the pizza on one end of the conveyor, and it emerges perfectly baked on the other side. There’s no need to constantly monitor or rotate the pizzas, making it easier for staff to manage high volumes.
  • Consistent Quality: Unlike traditional deck ovens, impingement ovens use streams of hot air to ensure even heat distribution. This results in pizzas with uniform crusts and perfectly melted toppings, every time.
  • Reliability and Minimal Maintenance: XLT ovens are known for their durability and low maintenance. In fact, this pizzeria reports only a handful of service calls in over 20 years—an impressive track record that speaks to the quality of XLT conveyor ovens.
  • Efficiency for High-Volume Kitchens: For pizzerias handling large orders, speed is essential. The conveyorized impingement oven technology in XLT ovens enables faster cooking times, allowing restaurants to keep up with demand without compromising on quality.

A Modern Solution for Today’s Pizzerias

Making the Switch to XLT ovens has brought this pizzeria’s operations into the modern age. By eliminating the constant need to monitor and rotate pizzas, these ovens have streamlined workflows, reduced labor demands, and improved the consistency of each bake. No longer do operators need to worry about hot spots or burnt crusts; XLT’s conveyor ovens ensure a perfect bake, every time.

For any pizzeria still relying on traditional deck ovens, making the switch to an XLT conveyor pizza oven, like Knolla’s Pizza did, could be a game-changer. With minimal maintenance, superior efficiency, and a consistently high-quality bake, XLT ovens offer a reliable and effective solution for today’s high-volume pizza kitchens.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Sep 05

How Shady Gators Achieves Consistency and Efficiency with XLT Conveyor Pizza Ovens

By Make The Switch, XLT Customer Spotlight

Nestled in beautiful Lake Ozark, Missouri, you will find the busy Shady Gators venue.

Shady Gators, a bustling restaurant and entertainment venue, has found the key to meeting high demand and delivering consistent quality with XLT conveyor ovens. Co-owner Troy Wormsley recently shared how their purchase of XLT conveyorized impingement ovens has transformed their kitchen operations, allowing even new staff to produce perfect results every time.

The Challenge of Traditional Deck Ovens

While Troy appreciates the craftsmanship of a deck oven, he acknowledges its challenges: the need for constant supervision, rotating items for even cooking, and the risk of errors from mistiming. For Shady Gators, a venue with high-volume service demands and a diverse menu, these inefficiencies became a barrier to growth. That’s when they turned to XLT ovens.

Why XLT Ovens Are a Game-Changer

XLT conveyor pizza ovens simplified Shady Gators’ kitchen operations and improved their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality food.  Here’s why Troy believes XLT ovens are the cornerstone of their success:

  • Ease of Use for Any Team: Shady Gators employs many first-time kitchen staff, including international students on J-1 programs.  With minimal training, these team members quickly adapt to using the XLT impingement ovens.  The process is simple: place food on one end, and it emerges perfectly cooked on the other.
  • 100% Consistency: Troy emphasizes that the conveyorized impingement oven eliminates the human error often seen with traditional ovens.  By mapping out clear cooking paths—full, three-quarter, half, or quarter pass—the team achieves uniform results every time, whether they’re cooking pizzas, subs, or appetizers.
  • Streamlined Workflow: The oven’s automation allows the team to handle high volumes without delays.  With clear settings for temperature and timing, the XLT conveyor ovens ensure that every dish is cooked to perfection, reducing stress and improving efficiency.
  • Unmatched Quality: According to Troy, the food coming out of the XLT ovens is flawless.  Whether it’s pizza, wings, or another menu item, the oven’s consistent performance ensures that every order meets Shady Gators’ high standards.

Building Success with XLT Impingement Ovens

For Shady Gators, the switch to XLT conveyor pizza ovens has not only simplified their operations but also elevated the quality of their menu.  Troy describes the XLT ovens as “100% perfect every time,” a testament to their ability to deliver reliability and consistency.

With their conveyorized impingement ovens, Shady Gators has built a kitchen system that accommodates a high volume of customers, a diverse team, and a varied menu—all while ensuring top-tier results. Whether it’s for a high-speed kitchen or a growing restaurant, XLT ovens are a proven solution for efficiency and quality.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Aug 30

Make the Switch – XLT Lounge Episode 8 – Tasting Time – Twisted Pizza

By Make The Switch, XLT Customer Spotlight

Anthony Lopez, Twisted Pizza, provides his choice between conveyor oven and deck oven

In the latest XLT Lounge episode, Anthony from Twisted Pizza shares his experience using XLT conveyor ovens and explains how these ovens have elevated his business.  From improving crust quality to maintaining consistency across locations, XLT ovens have proven to be a valuable asset for Twisted Pizza. Here’s why Anthony believes conveyorized impingement ovens are the best choice for pizzerias.

Maintaining Crunchy, Consistent Crust with XLT Conveyor Ovens

One of the main challenges pizza restaurants face with conveyor ovens is achieving the perfect crust crunch. Many believe that only traditional ovens can deliver the desired texture, but Anthony debunks this myth. In fact, XLT conveyor ovens create a crisp crust that stays crunchy even after a 25-minute drive. This level of consistency allows Twisted Pizza to serve high-quality pizzas that hold up well over time, whether customers are dining in or taking out​.

Why Twisted Pizza Chose XLT Ovens

Anthony emphasizes that switching to XLT ovens was a smart choice for Twisted Pizza, especially when it came to producing a reliably perfect pizza. Some of the standout benefits he highlights include:

  • Consistent Bake Quality: XLT ovens use impingement technology, which directs hot air onto the pizza to ensure an even bake on all sides. This guarantees a consistent product, whether it’s a busy Friday night or a quiet weekday afternoon​.
  • Improved Efficiency: Traditional deck ovens require constant attention and skilled labor to maintain quality, while XLT conveyor ovens streamline the process. Employees at Twisted Pizza can now rely on the conveyorized impingement oven to bake every pizza to perfection with minimal oversight​.
  • Superior Product for High Demand: Anthony notes that customer favorites like the Twisted Special and the BBQ Buffalo pizza are in high demand. With XLT ovens, he’s able to handle volume without compromising on taste or texture, which has contributed to the restaurant’s popularity and helped them earn several awards​.

Award-Winning Quality, Simplified Operations

Twisted Pizza’s success with XLT conveyor ovens underscores how important reliable equipment can be for a pizzeria. Anthony mentions that his locations have received awards for best pizza in Rhode Island multiple times, thanks in part to the consistent results XLT ovens provide. The ability to offer award-winning pizzas without the labor-intensive demands of deck ovens has allowed Twisted Pizza to grow without sacrificing quality.

Final Thoughts: Why XLT Conveyor Ovens are Ideal for Pizzerias

For pizza businesses looking to enhance quality and streamline operations, XLT conveyor ovens offer a clear solution. Anthony’s experience shows that conveyorized impingement ovens can deliver the crispy, flavorful pizzas customers expect. In the accompanying video below, you can hear Anthony’s firsthand account of how XLT ovens have transformed Twisted Pizza’s operations and allowed him to serve top-quality pizzas every day.

Watch the video below to see why Anthony trusts XLT conveyor ovens to deliver award-winning results for Twisted Pizza.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Aug 29

Make the Switch – XLT Lounge Episode 7 – Bake Quality (Part 2) – Twisted Pizza

By Make The Switch, XLT Customer Spotlight

For Anthony, the XLT conveyor oven has essentially become another reliable “employee”

Continuing a recent discussion with Anthony Lopez of Twisted Pizza, Lopez shared his insights on the transition from traditional deck ovens to XLT conveyor ovens. His experience with XLT ovens highlights how conveyor ovens, specifically conveyorized impingement ovens, can transform pizza operations by improving consistency, efficiency, and bake quality.

The Convenience and Consistency of XLT Conveyor Ovens

Anthony’s journey with XLT conveyor ovens began as he sought ways to streamline operations at Twisted Pizza without compromising on quality. According to him, making the switch was a “no-brainer.” Here’s why:

  • Ease of Use: Operating a deck oven requires skilled labor and constant attention, often needing two employees to manage efficiently, especially with high demand. Anthony noted how switching to XLT conveyor ovens simplified his operations. Unlike deck ovens, which demand hands-on work to ensure even baking, conveyor ovens automate the process, allowing even new team members to operate them with ease​.
  • Consistent Quality: One of the biggest challenges with deck ovens is achieving a uniform bake every time. Anthony pointed out that even the best-trained staff struggle to deliver the exact same quality consistently with a deck oven. With XLT’s conveyor pizza oven, he no longer has to worry about quality variations between staff members. The impingement technology in XLT ovens ensures that each pizza is baked to perfection, with consistent results regardless of who is operating the oven​.
  • Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Before transitioning to conveyor ovens, customers would often visit on specific days to get a pizza baked by their favorite cook. Now, Anthony’s customers are happy with the product every day, knowing they’ll receive the same high-quality pizza regardless of who is working. This reliability has even helped Twisted Pizza win awards, all while using a conveyor oven instead of a deck oven. This goes to show that conveyorized impingement ovens not only maintain but can elevate bake quality​.
  • Efficient Workflow and Labor Savings: By eliminating the need for constant oversight, XLT ovens free up staff to focus on other tasks, reducing labor costs and improving overall efficiency. For Anthony, the conveyor oven has essentially become another reliable “employee,” one that doesn’t require a break and consistently performs its job well.

The Winning Formula: XLT Conveyorized Impingement Ovens

XLT conveyor ovens use advanced impingement technology to direct hot air at the pizza, ensuring even cooking on the top and bottom for a balanced texture and bake. For Twisted Pizza, this technology has meant higher customer satisfaction and a streamlined operation. From the award-winning results to the increased efficiency, Anthony’s experience speaks volumes about the benefits of switching to XLT.

Final Thoughts: A Game Changer for Pizzerias

For businesses looking to enhance consistency, save on labor, and improve customer satisfaction, XLT conveyor ovens provide a powerful solution. Anthony’s experience shows that making the switch to conveyorized impingement ovens is not only practical but also beneficial to bake quality.

Watch the video below to hear Anthony’s full experience with XLT conveyor ovens and learn how they can make a difference in your business, too.

Learn how you can Make The Switch to XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Aug 28

Make the Switch – XLT Lounge Episode 6 – Bake Quality (Part 1) – Twisted Pizza

By Make The Switch No Comments

Getting quality pizza is not limited to deck ovens.  XLT conveyor ovens provides the same quality with consistency and speed.

XLT Ovens: Elevating Bake Quality with Conveyorized Impingement Ovens

In the world of pizza-making, achieving a perfect bake consistently is essential. Many pizza restaurants have long relied on traditional deck ovens to produce that crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings. However, as the demand for quicker service and higher volumes increases, many are now making the switch to XLT conveyor ovens—specifically conveyorized impingement ovens—without sacrificing bake quality.

The Fear of Switching from Deck Ovens to Conveyor Ovens

For many operators, there is a common fear: will switching from a deck oven to a conveyor oven affect the quality of the final product? This concern is understandable. The belief that a deck oven delivers a more authentic or superior product has been prevalent for years. But what if you could produce the same high-quality pizza in a fraction of the time?

As discussed in this episode of the XLT Lounge (Episode 6), this fear was one of the biggest obstacles for the Twisted Pizza team when considering a switch to conveyor ovens. They were worried that the change might compromise the quality of their pizzas. However, once they took the plunge and properly dialed in their XLT ovens, the results spoke for themselves.

Consistent Quality, Faster Production

One of the most significant discoveries for Anthony Lopez and Twisted Pizza after switching to XLT conveyor ovens was that there was no noticeable difference in the final product compared to their old deck ovens. They conducted extensive tests—cooking pizzas for hours—and were amazed by the results. The impingement oven technology allowed them to cook pizzas perfectly in just 7 minutes, compared to as long as 25 minutes it used to take in a deck oven.

And the customers? They couldn’t tell the difference either.  There were no complaints, no comments about the pizzas tasting different.  That’s when the team realized the power of XLT Ovens. Not only could they produce pizzas faster, but the quality was identical to what they had been making in their deck ovens.

How Conveyorized Impingement Ovens Work

Conveyorized impingement ovens like the ones offered by XLT use streams of hot air (impingement) to cook food more evenly and rapidly than traditional ovens. The airflow technology ensures that heat is distributed consistently across the pizza, eliminating the need for skilled operators to constantly check, rotate, and adjust the pizzas.

The result? You get evenly cooked pizzas with a crisp crust and perfectly melted cheese in a fraction of the time. This efficiency allows restaurants to serve more customers during busy times without compromising on quality.

The Benefits of Switching to XLT Conveyor Ovens

  • Speed and Efficiency: A significant advantage of XLT conveyor ovens is the speed at which they can cook. Pizza that once took 25 minutes to bake can now be ready in just 7 minutes. This reduction in time allows for quicker service, higher output, and happier customers.
  • Consistency: One of the most impressive aspects of impingement ovens is their ability to produce consistent results. Every pizza is baked evenly, every time, regardless of who is operating the oven. This consistency reduces training time and eliminates the need for highly skilled staff to monitor the cooking process.
  • Labor Savings: With XLT conveyor ovens, you no longer need someone constantly tending to the oven. This allows staff to focus on other tasks, such as cutting pizzas or serving customers, making kitchen operations more streamlined.
  • Improved Work-Life Balance: For owners and operators like those at Twisted Pizza, the switch to XLT ovens was life-changing. After years of working every Friday night to manage the deck ovens, Anthony could finally take a night off. The ease of use with XLT conveyor ovens means anyone can operate them without specialized training, giving business owners more freedom to step away from the kitchen.

Conclusion: Is It Time to Switch?

For pizzerias still using traditional deck ovens, switching to XLT Oven’s conveyor pizza ovens could be a game-changer. With faster cooking times, consistent quality, and improved operational efficiency, the benefits are clear.  Anthony and the team at Twisted Pizza found that their fears were unfounded—XLT conveyor ovens deliver the same high-quality pizza, just faster.

If you’re looking to optimize your kitchen and boost productivity without sacrificing the quality of your pizzas, it might be time to make the switch to XLT.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn how you can Make The Switch to XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Aug 27

Make the Switch – XLT Lounge Episode 5 – Deck versus XLT ovens – Twisted Pizza

By Make The Switch

Twisted Pizza owner Anthony Lopez talks about how XLT ovens have impacted his customers on busy Friday nights.

Why Twisted Pizza Made the Switch to XLT Conveyor Ovens

At Twisted Pizza, the journey from traditional stone deck ovens to advanced XLT conveyor ovens has been a game changer.  Like many busy pizzerias, they were struggling to keep up with the increasing demand for quality pizzas during peak hours.  After experiencing the limitations of their old ovens, they made the switch to conveyorized impingement ovens from XLT.

The Challenges with Traditional Deck Ovens

Before upgrading, Twisted Pizza relied on double-deck stone ovens.  While these ovens had been a staple for years, they soon proved inefficient when business began to boom. The owner recounts how, on a typical Friday night, it was nearly impossible to keep up with the volume of orders.  Cooking times for pizzas could stretch to 20 minutes, causing long waits and frustrated customers. Even with the addition of a third deck oven, the challenge remained—only one person was capable of operating the ovens, and the number of pizzas waiting to go in seemed endless.

At its peak, Twisted Pizza could only handle 250 pizzas on a Friday night, with customers often waiting 45 minutes to an hour for their food.  This delay in service was driving customers away, especially those who needed quick meals during busy family evenings.

Why XLT Conveyor Ovens Were the Perfect Solution

The switch to XLT ovens revolutionized Twisted Pizza’s kitchen operations.  The most noticeable improvement was the reduction in cooking time.  What once took 17 to 20 minutes with a deck oven could now be done in just 7 to 9 minutes, thanks to the conveyorized impingement oven technology.  This drastic reduction in cooking time allowed Twisted Pizza to significantly speed up their service.  On a busy Friday night, they could now tell customers their pizza would be ready in just 25 minutes, compared to the previous 45-minute wait time.

Key Benefits of XLT Ovens

  • Speed: The time saved with an XLT conveyor oven is invaluable.  Faster cooking means more pizzas produced in less time, leading to shorter wait times for customers.
  • Consistency: Every pizza is cooked evenly and consistently.  With impingement ovens, there’s no need for skilled operators to manually turn or monitor each pizza.  Every pizza comes out perfect, every time.
  • Ease of Use: Training new staff became easier.  Unlike deck ovens, which require experience and skill to use efficiently, anyone on the team can operate an XLT conveyor oven with minimal training.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Faster service means happier customers.  When parents with busy schedules can get their pizza in 10 minutes, they’re more likely to stay and dine in, enhancing the overall restaurant experience.

Final Thoughts: Is It Time for You to Switch?

For pizzerias facing similar challenges, upgrading to an XLT oven or other conveyorized impingement ovens could be the solution. The benefits in terms of speed, consistency, and ease of use are undeniable.  If your kitchen is struggling to keep up with demand, it may be time to consider making the switch just like Twisted Pizza did.

With the ability to handle higher volumes without compromising quality, XLT ovens are becoming the go-to solution for pizzerias looking to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn how you can Make The Switch to XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Aug 26

Make the Switch – XLT Lounge Episode 4 – Why XLT? – Twisted Pizza

By Make The Switch

Anthony from Twisted Pizza talks about how the little things make a big impact.

The Perfect Slice (of Time): How Twisted Pizza Found Its Oven Soulmate in XLT

In this episode of XLT Lounge, Anthony from Twisted Pizza gives us a peek behind the curtain —or more accurately, behind the oven door. As it turns out, running a successful pizza franchise isn’t just about tossing dough in the air or perfecting your sauce (though that helps). It’s also about efficiency, consistency, and, as Anthony puts it, making sure the ovens don’t “fail on a Friday night.”

Cooking with XLT: Faster, Better, Stronger

Anthony kicks things off by talking about his love for the XLT conveyor oven. Now, this might not seem like the most romantic partnership at first, but hear him out. Previously, Twisted Pizza used a competitor’s oven, but since switching to XLT, they’ve seen big improvements in both cook time and consistency.

Imagine shaving nearly two minutes off your pizza cook time. It might not seem like a lot, but when you’re running a bustling pizzeria, that time adds up—fast. “With XLT, we’re at 7:15,” Anthony says, knocking almost a full two minutes off their previous 9:05 cook time. That means more pizzas, faster. But it’s not just about speed. According to Anthony, the XLT ovens give a more even cook, especially for items like pastas and those golden, melty cheese-topped dishes we all know and love.

The Secret to Success: Consistency and Clean-Up

Let’s face it: running a kitchen is messy business. But Anthony’s quick to point out how XLT’s design makes his life a whole lot easier. With their competitor’s oven, cleaning was a challenge. Big trays meant awkward washing processes, and their location on the ovens meant digital gauges were taking heat —literally. Cue Friday night oven meltdowns. But with XLT? Not anymore.

The trays are smaller, easy to remove, and —get this— you can just pop them in the dishwasher. It’s a small change, but anyone who’s ever worked in a busy kitchen knows that convenience and time-saving tricks are worth their weight in gold (or pepperoni).

The Magnetic Magic of XLT

One of the unsung heroes of the XLT oven? Its magnetic door latches. If you’re scratching your head wondering why Anthony is so excited about magnets, let’s just say the alternative wasn’t pretty. With their old ovens, doors would wear out constantly. Anthony says they went through about 70 doors. With XLT, the magnet system keeps everything secure and running smoothly, saving time, frustration, and potentially dozens of doors.

A Match Made in Pizza Heaven

So, what’s the takeaway? In Anthony’s words: “I love it. It’s briliant.” And when you’re running a pizza empire, loving your equipment is kind of a big deal. From faster cook times to easier cleaning, XLT has helped Twisted Pizza streamline their operation without sacrificing quality. It’s a partnership that proves that sometimes, a little change can make a big difference —and maybe even save your Friday night.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn how you can Make The Switch to XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Aug 25

Make the Switch – XLT Lounge Episode 3 – Twisted Change – Twisted Pizza

By Make The Switch

Anthony from Twisted Pizza provides the history of the decades old Twisted Pizza.

Twisted Change: How a Family Tradition Became an Unconventional Pizza Empire

In the third episode of the XLT Lounge – “Make the Switch” series, we dive into the delicious world of Rhode Island pizza, with a twist—literally. Anthony, of Twisted Pizza, shares his family’s journey from traditional pies to full-on dining experiences, complete with wings, burgers, and, yes, martinis with your pepperoni.

From Pizza to… Pizza with a Twist?

Twisted Pizza wasn’t born overnight. It all started with Anthony’s in-laws, more than 50 years ago, with the original Filippou’s Pizza, a simple place serving up grinders, pizzas, and salads. Fast forward a few decades, and the family added a twist —quite literally— when Steve Filippou, Anthony’s brother-in-law, decided to put his own spin on things by opening Steve Filippou’s Twisted Pizza. Soon after, Anthony and his wife, Effie, joined the fray, expanding the concept into a family franchise.

While keeping the old Filippou’s recipes alive (because, let’s face it, some things just don’t need changing), they put their signature twist on the menu. They didn’t stop at just tweaking the pizza toppings. Think burgers, fajitas, and wings galore. And for those looking to enjoy more than a cold beer with their slice, they offer a full dining experience, complete with a liquor license in all their locations. Yes, you heard that right—pizza and martinis. What’s not to love?

A Tale of Change: From Construction to Conveyor Ovens

Anthony’s story of getting into the pizza business is as serendipitous as it is funny. He started out in construction and had no idea he’d end up flipping pies for a living. After meeting his wife, Effie, it wasn’t long before he found himself pulled into the kitchen, thanks to a Friday night emergency at Filippou’s. A few shifts later, he was hooked.

In a classic move that we can all appreciate, Anthony took things into his own hands and signed the lease for a new restaurant without any hesitation. In true family business fashion, he called his brother, declared they were starting a restaurant, and began a crash course in pizza-making. No pressure, right?

But the real twist came when they switched from double-deck stone ovens (a traditional choice) to conveyor ovens. Yes, it was a major shift, but when the pizza orders are piling up, and you’re trying to keep pace with the demand, sometimes you have to change how you bake your dough. As Anthony tells it, the move to conveyor ovens wasn’t just about efficiency; it was about evolving with the times without sacrificing the heart of what makes Twisted Pizza special.

What’s Next? The Future of Twisted Pizza

As this episode of XLT Lounge highlights, Twisted Pizza is always adapting while staying true to its roots. What started as a family business is now a growing franchise, and if we’ve learned anything from Anthony’s journey, it’s that embracing change —even the twisted kind— can lead to some pretty delicious results.

Check out the video below for more of Anthony’s story and an inside look at Twisted Pizza’s journey!

Learn how you can Make The Switch to XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Aug 24

Make the Switch – XLT Lounge Episode 2 – Why XLT? – Pizza 151

By Make The Switch

Eric from Pizza 151 of Leroy, NY talks about the importance of oven design and how XLT conveyor impingement ovens takes it to the next level.

Make the Switch – Insights from XLT Lounge Episode 2

In the second episode of the Make The Switch XLT Lounge series, titled “Why XLT – Pizza 151,” the video delves into the advantages of using XLT ovens in pizza operations. The discussion highlights practical insights and real-world applications that underscore the effectiveness and user-friendly characteristics of XLT ovens. Viewers are introduced to the seamless integration of these ovens in fast-paced restaurant environments, paired with details on design features that enhance convenience and performance.

The Importance of Design in Pizza Ovens

One of the critical topics addressed in the video is the design elements of XLT ovens that distinguish them from competitors. The heat retention and efficiency of these ovens contribute significantly to achieving the perfect pizza crust. As highlighted during the discussion, a particular focus is on how the arrangement of the wheels under the oven allows for easier maneuvering, preventing tripping hazards that are common with older competitor models. This thoughtful design contributes not only to the safety of staff but also fosters a more efficient workflow in busy kitchen settings.

User-Friendly Features and Operational Efficiency

Another key point covered is the user-friendly nature of XLT ovens, which are engineered to simplify the cooking process. For example, the ability to clean easily and the incorporation of practical elements like magnetic sandwich door catches reflect the brand’s focus on operator convenience. These features significantly reduce the time spent on maintenance and setup, allowing staff to focus on food preparation and service rather than worrying about complicated equipment.

Superior Cooking Performance

The video also emphasizes the superior cooking performance of XLT ovens compared to cheaper alternatives. The Eric and Kurt discuss how lower-priced ovens, often referred to as “cheap knockoffs,” do not deliver the same quality of cooking or longevity that XLT has delivered for decades.

Learn how you can Make The Switch to XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

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