Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Zapata.
Hi Janet, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, I started making pizzas from home in 2017. I’d make them in markets, parties, and family gatherings. Word quickly began to spread about making pizzas, and I exploded once I could make large pies! Word ran, and I remember making 64 pies a day at home. I would sell out. I had border patrol, cop cars, state troopers, and other customers lined up outside my house. I always dreamed of owning a restaurant, and pizza was my favorite food, but I never thought I’d end up with a pizzeria. I now own 550 Pizzeria in Laredo, Texas. I opened up my brick-and-mortar mid-pandemic on June 20, 2020. It was a wild yet enjoyable journey to open. My customers from all over begin to flood the doors of 550. I’m grateful for them. I started literally “from the bottom” to my pizzeria. I’ve won awards and come out in national and local magazines. My dream is to keep getting bigger and be a role model to other women or men who are afraid to start their businesses to not believe in themselves.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There isn’t ever a smooth road. I’ve had to open up mid-pandemic, the Texas freeze 2021, and since I battle anxiety that can be a real big factory, I didn’t let it stop me!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do?
I specialize in making New York Style pizza. I call it the “LareDough” style since we make it slightly different from NYC. I’m known for the best pizza in town. At least that’s what they voted me for! Yay! I’m most proud of all the accomplishments I’ve been able to do, paying it forward to others and helping the community with donations and fundraising. As I said, my community has been there 100%, and now it’s my turn. What sets me apart from others is that I make everything fresh with lots of love and persistence. Never give up because obstacles will come, but God is bigger than them!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I listen to Gary Vee a lot! He’s a business entrepreneur. I pray every day when I walk into 550.
Pricing:
- 6.50-27.00
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.550pizzeria.com
- Instagram: 550Pizzeria
- Facebook: 550pizzeria
Image Credits
Madison Ave. and Roberto Novido
