Nick's Pizza & Pub: It's NOT About the Pizza

Max Brown and I conducted a great radio show interview today with the founder of Nick's Pizza and Pub, Nick Sarillo, and one of his many great employees, Joe De Luca.

Nick is quoted as saying "It's not about the pizza". When we asked Nick about that he came right back at us with the company's purpose statement. Read this carefully, because it says a lot about this wonderful pizza restaurant.

Our Purpose: “The Nick’s Experience” Our dedicated family provides this community an unforgettable place, to connect with your family and friends, to have fun and to feel at home!

Joe, who is a GEN Y Millennial said that when he comes to work he is simply going to hang out with friends, work hard, and have fun because "we're family".

Nick said probably 40% of their workforce is Millennials. He admires the great work ethic of this generation because they want to understand "why" they have to do certain tasks and work. At Nick's Pizza & Pub they have a purpose statement and values that are constantly reinforced right from hiring to two days of orientation JUST on the purpose, values and communications before anyone even touches any pizza ingredients. With this great purpose these young employees are making a great experience for Nick's customers.

Is this focus on culture and purpose making a difference?

Nick Sarillo reports less that 30 percent turnover in an industry typically averaging 150 percent turnover level. He is outperforming the industry earning averages and even sustained performance and sales during the down economy.

Nick has learned how to create and keep corporate culture one slice at a time.