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
315. Gen-Z Operator: How Joe Powers Took the Helm of an Award-Winning Pizzeria at Age 22
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What happens when a 19-year-old tastes life-changing pizza at a Buffalo Bills game? For Joe Powers, it sparks an obsession that transforms a college freshman into the owner of Jay’s Artisan Pizza by age 22. In this episode of The Hot Slice podcast, Powers shares his remarkable journey into the world of award-winning Neapolitan and Detroit-style pizza.
Powers currently operates one of the most celebrated pizzerias in the country: 50 Top Pizza recently named Jay’s the No. 7 pizzeria in the United States! Listeners will discover how Powers’ thirst for knowledge led to innovative pizzas such as a French Onion soup pie topped with torched gruyere and served with a side of broth – or an Italian melon puree paired with radicchio and fresh mint.
From learning the ropes under the original owner’s guidance to booking a spontaneous two-week trip to a pizza school in Naples, Italy, Powers details the transition from employee to Gen-Z business owner, discussing the realities of managing a staff that is mostly older than him. He emphasizes the importance of leading by example, trusting his instincts and leaning on experienced mentors.
SHOW NOTES:
Jay’s Artisan Pizza: https://www.jaysbuffalo.com/
50 Top Pizza Ranking: https://www.50toppizza.it/referenza/jays-2026/
Pizza Expo Columbus: https://pizzaexpocolumbus.pizzatoday.com/
