Cheesesteak. Yum!

Rainy Week.

There's no rhyme or reason to why business is good or bad, each day is different and just depends on factors that I haven't entirely figured out yet.  But, I do think rainy days are especially good for a take-out pizza business.  No one wants to leave their house so they call up the best pizza place around (Fat Tony's) and we bring them dinner. 

The one thing that rainy days hurt is advertising.  It's hard to put out flyers in the neighborhoods when it's pouring because they'll get ruined.  Oh well, we've been passing out flyers at the store for our Birthday Specials next week. 

Monday May 23rd- Get a free sample of my favorite pizza (Buffalo Chicken) in honor of my birthday.
Then for the May 23rd-30th there are a couple coupons:
Buy 1 Large Pizza, Get a Free order of Garlic Knots
Try our new dessert: Cannoli at a special price of $2.00 each
Fat Tony's Fat Birthday Special: 1 Large Pizza, 12 Buffalo Wings, 1 Large French Fry and 1 order of Mozzarella Sticks for $20.00 +tax.

Come in and check out our specials!

Fat Tony's Favorite of the Day: Chicken Marsala- pasta, mushrooms, marsala wine sauce, chicken,  and it comes with garlic bread and salad.  Mmmmmm, can't wait!

We officially deliver anywhere.

It's official Fat Tony's delivers anywhere.  I just overnighted two pepperoni pizzas to my grandmother who lives 4 hours away.  She called and ordered pizza and I have to do everything I can to make my customers happy so... I've shipped them out.  I wonder what they are going to look like when they actually arrive, should be interesting. 

Starting our advertising campaign for my Birthday week.  There are some good deals, especially Monday, May 23rd (my birthday) when customers can get a free sample of my favorite pizza- Buffalo Chicken!

Fat Tony's Favorite of the Day: Tony's Chicken Cutlet Italian Sandwich- Spinach, Provolone, Cheese, Garlic and Oil.  Can't wait to dig into this one. 

Best Sandwich Ever.

I have created the best sandwich ever.  Actually I can't take all the credit, my mom suggested it, but we made it and it is now my new favorite sandwich.  I'm calling it the Fat Tony's Garlic Cheesesteak.  Cheesesteak with extra cheese on toasted garlic bread.  And not just any garlic bread but garlic bread with red sauce on it.  Words cannot describe how delicious it is.  I don't think I'll ever eat a regular cheesesteak again.

Friday the 13th.

Well I've finally realized why I'm so tired.  Yes, running a business is crazy, but I realized that I'm working more than I should even have to because my best delivery driver is on vacation!!  Sheesh, who do these people think they are- going on vacation?

Trying to figure out more ways to advertise.  My mom suggested giving out free cannoli's on my birthday, May 23, but I'm totally against that.  We'll see if what happens though.  I'm not against giving out free food as part of a sale, but I don't want to do anything for my birthday. 

And what is up with people calling and asking for donations? I had a lady try to get me to donate food to her cause, a good cause, but not my cause.  I told her I just bought this place and wasn't in any state to be able to donate food but she just wouldn't take no for an answer.  I told her I could give her the same deal that I do with any of the local schools- $8.00 for a large cheese pizza, but she didn't seem interested.  Oh well. 

Fat Tony's Favorite of the Day: Cheese Steak- It's a classic for a reason, toasted bun, steak, cheese, lettuce.  YUM!

Day 9

I knew it would be hard to own a business but there are things I didn't think about.  I didn't think about getting phone calls all day long with questions and problems that needed to be solved.  I didn't really think about what no break ever does to a person.  I realize I've only been the owner for 9 days but man it feels like longer. 

There are so many changes that I want to do to improve this place but I don't have the time.  It's crazy because I know making ads and flyers will improve business but I have no time! 

My idea right now is to create a flyer for my neighborhood and say something like:

The New Owners of Fat Tony's are your neighbors on Springdale Terrace.  Call or come in and ask for the neighborhood special: 1 Free Order of Garlic Knots with any large pizza order or 2 small cannolis with the purchase of 3 sandwiches. 

Something like that.  I think we have the best garlic knots around and I want to introduce desserts so I'm thinking this is the way to go.  We'll see if I have any time to actually do it though. 

Fat Tony's Favorite of the Day: Soprano's Stuffed Bread- Bread stuffed with mozzarella cheese, sausage, and vegetables, soooooo good. 

Day 8

Will I never get a day off? I realize that there is alot that I need to learn and know about being a small business owner but this is getting ridiculous.  Between employees taking vacations, calling out sick, and having car problems I am always at work.  Sigh...
Unfortunately last night was kinda slow.  I think the nice weather makes everyone want to grill and bbq outside and they aren't thinking of ordering pizza. 

Fat Tony's Favorite of the Day: Cheeseburger Club- a triple decker sandwich of cheeseburger goodness.