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.
