I’ve been involved with the opening of a number of stores, and in every case, we had a very quiet, unannounced opening, and believe me, we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. This allows you and your staff to sort things out, and gain proficiency dealing with people and making pizzas, as well as getting used to your new equipment. In just about every case, we made the decision not to proceed with an announced grand opening because within a week of taking in our first customer, the store was literally packed, and we figured there was nothing to gain, except for the saving of a few dollars of advertising fees. Better to start slow, impress your customers, allowing them to spread the good word that you’re open, and then follow up with some type of advertised customer appreciation event in 6-months or a year.
Tom Lehmann/The Dough Doctor