In Crust We Trust - Port Credit Pizza e Dolci
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carmine Accogli, co-owner of Port Credit Pizza e Dolci, located in Mississauga, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are in the people business, serving authentic Italian food and take-out format. Our customers are from our past businesses and present local clientele, young and old. They are searching for a personable, authentic Italian experience to take home with them at a reasonable price.
Tell us about yourself
I’m a classically trained chef who owned a critically acclaimed Italian restaurant for ten years in the city of Toronto called The Big Ragù. In my early years as a chef, I trained and learned the art of being a Pizzaiolo! Working for the top pizza restaurant in the city. The turning point in my career was working in a family bakery which taught me the importance of making everything from scratch and controlling the product. I’ve always loved creating, and pizza is a great way to do this. From the making of the dough to creating the sauce and the toppings have been pure joy. The daily motivation is to keep my brain & hands moving, busy, and moving forward. It also feeds my creative spirit. Every day is a brand new day for me, making various handmade items on my menu, which I find inspires me to keep active in my field of work. I truly love what I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest chef accomplishments was being featured on an International syndicated show called “Steven and Chris Show” on CBC. I was the resident Italian chef for four seasons. It was such a blast to have been on TV and shared my love of Italian food with the world.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The most difficult thing about being a business owner is that everything falls on your shoulders. You wear many hats during the day, owner, chef, dishwasher, dishwasher, customer service, plumber, etc. Try not to take everything personally; you are human at the end of the day. Always try your best!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be prepared to work very long hours for what you love. Until your vision is realized, keep your eyes on the prize.
- Get to know your customers and create meaningful relationships with them; this will bring your business to the next level. Community and relationships are just as important As the quality of your food.
- Word of mouth Is the best advertisement for your business. Always try to reach new customers by social media and or new promotions while maintaining the ones already have.
- Be prepared to reinvent yourself over and over again.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am very fortunate to work alongside my wife and partner, Chef Barbie Accogli, who shares my vision and intuitively knows how important building relationships with the customers is to increase our business! She rocks!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.portcreditpizzaedolci.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefcarm/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmine-accogli-25b59314/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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