PIZZA IN THE UNITED STATES

The arrival of Italian immigrants in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought pizza across the Atlantic In cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, Italian immigrants opened pizzerias, introducing their traditional recipes to an American audience However, it is essential to acknowledge the significant role of Black communities in these cities, who not only embraced pizza but also contributed to its popularity.

African-American Pizza Culture: African-Americans have played an integral part in the development and promotion of pizza throughout history. From working in pizzerias to creating their unique pizza styles, Black entrepreneurs and communities have left an indelible mark on the American pizza landscape Notable examples include the "soul food" pizza, which incorporates traditional AfricanAmerican flavors and ingredients into the pizza-making process

Contemporary Influence:

In the present day, the influence of Black culture on pizza continues to evolve. The rise of fusion cuisine and the growing popularity of diverse global flavors have paved the way for innovative pizza creations. Black chefs and food entrepreneurs are at the forefront of this movement, infusing their cultural heritage into pizzas that celebrate the diversity of flavors, toppings, and cooking techniques.

Pizza, with its rich history and global appeal, is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the contributions of diverse communities The influence of Black culture on pizza's journey from ancient flatbread to a beloved international dish cannot be overstated By recognizing and appreciating the contributions of Black culture, we can enhance our understanding and enjoyment of this gastronomic delight that unites people from all walks of life entrepreneurship from a young age and wholeheartedly committed himself to transforming his vision into tangible success In pursuit of his dreams, he embarked on a journey by enrolling at Clarion University in 1975 and successfully obtained his BA in Business Administration. Shortly thereafter, he ventured into the corporate world, assuming a management role as a processing and packaging supervisor at General Foods Corporation. leap forward by establishing his inaugural McDonald's franchise Over the course of the next 18 years, from 2000 to 2018, he provided employment opportunities to more than 300 individuals in Georgia Through his ventures, he contributed to the generation of over $3 million in annual wages, uplifting the local economy and fostering financial stability for numerous households. Furthermore, his enterprises also made a substantial impact on the community by generating approximately $1,000,000 in sales taxes during this period.

In 1982, Floyd Sims decided to embark on a new chapter in his professional life, bidding farewell to General Foods. He eagerly embraced an opportunity presented by Anheuser Busch, where he not only gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of the business but also felt encouraged to explore his own entrepreneurial aspirations.

What has been your best day as a restaurant owner? Worst day? Some of the best days as a business owner are when my management team would say "Mr. Floyd, we got this business, how about you sit down and relax". The worst days are when employees wouldn't report to work.

What made you want to open up a pizzeria and why in your current location? After dedicating 18 years of my life to McDonald's, I found myself growing restless with idle time It was then that a friend of mine introduced me to the world of Nancy's Pizzeria and suggested I explore the possibility of opening another franchise Having successfully opened and managed seven McDonald's locations in the past, I contemplated the idea of venturing into the pizza industry by opening a single pizzeria Conyers seemed like the ideal location, as Nancy's Pizzeria had not yet established its presence there

What is your favorite menu item? My favorite is Uncle Tony's Pizza which is on our Greatest Hits menu and it comes with Italian sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, and onions. I also enjoy our wings.

What experience do you want your customers to take away from Nancy’s Pizzeria in Conyers? At Conyer’s Nancy’s Pizzeria, we want our customers to savor great Chicago pizza and food that are always consistent We want our restaurant to be a friendly place where they can have a meal, a party, or a convenient takeout service

What advice would you give other entrepreneurs starting out in the restaurant business? My advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to create a clear and realistic business plan and follow it every day It is also beneficial to network with seasoned business owners who can offer guidance and support K

Moving forward, what are your goals and visions for the new year? My goal for Conyer's Nancy's Pizzeria is o be one of the best in Conyers and Atlanta

AUG 6 - 20, 2023

AUG 6 - 20, 2023

AUG 6 - 20, 2023