This article was inspired by content originally published on 98.7 The Bomb
Introduction
If you’ve ever sat at your favorite pizzeria and thought, “I could come up with a pizza that would blow everyone away,” then Big Jim’s Pizza Co. in Amarillo, Texas is speaking your language. Recently featured on 987thebomb.com, the neighborhood favorite launched a build-your-own pizza contest that doesn’t just invite diners to dream up a new pie it puts their creation on the menu for an entire month.
But behind this fun, crowd-sourced culinary experiment lies a bigger trend: people want to feel connected to their pizza, whether they’re devouring it at their local shop, crafting it at home, or dreaming up their own signature slice.
A Bite of the Big Jim’s Story
Big Jim’s Pizza Co. has made a name for itself by embracing its community. By giving customers the chance to design a pizza, they’re creating loyal fans who feel a sense of ownership. The contest winner not only scores bragging rights but also free pizza for a year a prize any pizza lover would covet.
For pizza enthusiasts, this is more than a novelty. It’s a reminder that your personal pizza masterpiece doesn’t have to stay in your imagination. Whether you’re an Amarillo local or not, there’s inspiration here to get bold with your own at-home pizza experiments.
Pizza Pro Tip: Want to test your wildest topping ideas at home? Invest in a high-quality outdoor pizza oven that can mimic the intense heat of a restaurant’s deck oven. Your crust will thank you and your toppings will shine.
For the Home Pizza Enthusiast: Make It Yours
What makes a pizza memorable? It’s the personal touch a story behind the sauce, a topping twist that surprises the taste buds. If Big Jim’s has inspired you to host your own “design-a-pizza night,” here are some ideas to elevate your home pizza game:
- Try unique flours. Experiment with 00 flour or ancient grains for a crust with character.
- Source specialty toppings. A charcuterie sampler can double as unique pizza toppings.
- Get the right tools. A quality pizza stone or steel can make a big difference in your crust texture.
For Pizza Shop Owners: Why This Matters
Big Jim’s contest is more than a gimmick it’s a blueprint for engaging your community and driving repeat visits. By giving customers a voice in your menu, you foster loyalty that can outlast even the most creative marketing campaigns.
Plus, the user-generated buzz is priceless. Consider it free advertising: every participant becomes a brand ambassador.
If you’re inspired to try something similar at your own pizzeria, here are a few “operator’s tips” to maximize results:
- Make entry easy. Use digital forms or your POS system modern restaurant POS software can help you manage submissions and voting.
- Tie it to your story. Encourage customers to submit a pizza that says something about their family, neighborhood, or local ingredients.
- Reward creativity. A prize like free pizza for a year or their name on the menu forever adds extra incentive.
- Turn the buzz into content. Share the contest on social media, film taste tests, or invite local media.
A Taste of What’s Trending
This grassroots approach speaks volumes about consumer trends: people want personalization, hyper-local flavors, and authenticity. Suppliers can take note by offering bulk ingredients that align with these needs think regionally sourced veggies or unusual cheese blends.
The Big Takeaway
Big Jim’s Pizza Co. didn’t just hold a contest; they tapped into the deep connection people have with pizza. From the passionate home baker to the pizza entrepreneur, the lesson is the same: people crave a slice of ownership.
Why not give it to them?
Affiliate Disclosure: This article was inspired by content originally published on 98.7 The Bomb. This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase them.
