Sometimes the most obvious combinations - such as 'New York' and 'pizza' - belie the most brilliant business ideas. Not only do Scott's Pizza Tours allow you to burn calories in between slices (though on the bus tour, it will be up to you to get some squat thrusts in between stops), they finally solve that dilemma of how you're going to cross all those famously delicious pizzerias off of your to-eat list. It would be too easy to get into an argument over whether you can find someone who likes pizza more, or knows more about it, than our friend Scott. . .instead, join him on a tour and let your passions collide.
EDITOR'S NOTE If Scott's story has you drooling over your keyboard, be sure to check out his "Slice Out Hunger" event on Thursday June 9th, 2011. $1 slices from NYC's legendary pizzerias. All proceeds go to City Harvest. Feed yourself while you help feed others. http://www.sliceouthunger.org/
What attracted you to a good food job?
Food is fascinating because it's way more than just a means of sustenance. I fell into working with food, particularly pizza, because it pulls together all of my interests. In the sixth grade, I was dead set on being an archaeologist; now I explain to my customers how today's pizza ovens are identical to those found in the ruins of Pompeii. My parents gave me a chemistry set for my 12th birthday; now I explain the chemical reactions happening during dough fermentation. My favorite middle school class took us to the Lower East side to learn about late 19th century immigration; now I spend my time researching how certain foods made their way to American shores. Food is like the perfect movie, with a bit of action, adventure, danger, romance and of course deliciousness!
How did you get your current good food job?
I started Scott's Pizza Tours because my friends told me to. We used to drive around in my car and check out pizzerias, sometimes 6-7 in one day. It was so much fun, other people wanted to come along. My car only fits five (and even that's a stretch) so I figured the logical next step was to rent a school bus and invite everyone along. If five people eating pizza is fun, 25 people eating pizza is five times as much fun! Everyone who came along on that first ride wanted to sign up for another one, so I succumbed to the prodding of my friends and worked on duplicating the experience for strangers. I had absolutely no idea how to run a business, I just knew I wanted to spend my time researching and talking about (and eating) pizza.
How did your previous work or life experience prepare you for a good food job?
I used to travel a lot when I was in a rock band and that really made me aware of the tremendously varied food culture in the USA. We would always eat local food and I was amazed at some of the traditions that survived right up to the county line but didn't exist the next town over. That really showed me how unique regional food can be. Pizza has lots of variation throughout the country and I wanted to understand the reasons behind those subtle differences. Why does this area use so much cheddar when the next state over is a mozzarella state? Travel breeds curiosity and curiosity breeds education. All you really need is that first question and it sets you off into a rabbit hole of information.
What advice do you have for others in search of a good food job?
I think it's important to learn as much as possible. Once you become immersed in your subject, food or otherwise, you start to meet other people who share your interests. Those people will undoubtedly introduce you to more people and books and documentaries and museums that will help you become better informed. You'll eventually cross paths with someone (or some website) who will be looking for someone to fill their good food job.
If you could be compensated for your work with something other than money, what would it be?
That's a funny one because there are times I run a tour and don't make a dime, but I always get a slice! I couldn't ask for anything more.