You run over a dozen restaurants serving all sorts of cuisines in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area, but Tampa Pizza Company was one of your first. Why did you start with pizza?

Dave: I’ve always loved pizza and knew it was America’s favorite food! At the time, there was a lack of options for gluten free options and vegan options so I also saw an opportunity to serve those customers while also appealing to people who love pizza in any shape or form.

You have a wide range of specialty pizzas; what’s your go-to when you’re ordering a pie for yourself?

Dave: My go-to is our Melissa Meatball Pizza. It was my wife’s creation and one of her contributions to our menu. It’s house-made meatballs, roasted red onions, and goat cheese along with our traditional cheese blend and house marinara. It’s simple but delicious. I sometimes swap the house marinara with our sriracha marinara for a kick.

You’re very involved in programs for kids in Tampa with hosting school spirit weeks and helping out with the local Boys & Girls Club. Why have you chosen to support youth programs?

Dave: Young people are impressionable and so many are just seeking a hand up and not a hand-out to be successful. I was always so appreciative of people that helped me when I was younger and want to provide young people the same opportunities I was lucky to have.

Do you have any new projects or priorities now that we’ve finally started to return to in-person programming?

Dave: Yes! I am opening a new concept in Sparkman Wharf in Tampa called Wich Please that offers delicious gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and fun and shareable snacks. We open in mid-July. 

Tampa has been experiencing a huge resurgence in the food and beverage industry and you’ve been such an integral part of that. What advice do you have for someone who wants to help bring new life to their city?

Dave: I always tell people the riches are in the niches. You can’t be everything to everybody. Find a niche that you think is underserved and have fun with it!