This article was inspired by content originally published on DenverPost
Introduction
March may be Women’s History Month, but in the world of dough, sauce, and fire, it’s also becoming known as Women’s Pizza Month a chance to spotlight the women pushing pizza forward in kitchens and communities across the country. This year, all eyes are on Colorado’s Ashley Grillaert, the powerhouse behind Outside Pizza, a mobile wood-fired venture that’s as inspiring as it is delicious.
A Pizza Pro Making Moves Off the Beaten Path
While the big cities boast plenty of famous pizzerias, Ashley Grillaert’s story is a refreshing reminder that you don’t need brick-and-mortar walls to build a thriving pizza community. Her venture, Outside Pizza, pops up all over Colorado from breweries to outdoor festivals serving Neapolitan-inspired pies from a roaring mobile wood-fired oven.
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your pizza passion into a business, Grillaert’s model shows how the right equipment and authentic flavors can help you stand out, even without a permanent storefront.
What Enthusiasts Can Learn from Ashley’s Approach
For pizza lovers who just want to level up their backyard pizza nights, Grillaert’s story is full of takeaways: trust your ingredients, cook with real wood or flame, and get comfortable cooking outside no matter the weather.
✔️ Invest in a high-quality pizza peel for smooth launches.
✔️ Use a baking steel if you’re cooking in a standard oven to mimic the high-heat deck effect.
✔️ Experiment with Colorado-inspired toppings: think locally raised pork, foraged mushrooms, or fresh greens from nearby farms.
A Blueprint for Suppliers: How Local Ingredients Can Be a Game-Changer
Grillaert’s commitment to local sourcing is a masterclass for suppliers. She collaborates with Colorado farmers and small producers to deliver pies that truly taste of the place. It’s a win-win for everyone: she gets standout flavors and unique toppings; local suppliers gain steady, visible customers.
If you’re in the supply chain, now’s the time to invest in supporting mobile and pop-up operations with flexible ordering, quick delivery windows, and products that keep well on the road. Platforms like Forager can help you connect directly with the small-scale producers your customers crave.
Shop Owners: Community, Creativity, and a Different Kind of Brand Loyalty
For brick-and-mortar pizzerias, Grillaert’s Outside Pizza is proof that sometimes, going “outside” the traditional shop model can strengthen your brand. Pop-ups and mobile units are a creative way to test new markets, reach fresh customers, and build buzz. They’re also an opportunity to train staff in new skills, from fire management to face-to-face engagement.
Smart Move: If you’re expanding into mobile, invest in a robust mobile POS system that can handle offline payments, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty. A streamlined system can mean the difference between a smooth day on the road and a cash-only headache.
Final Slice
Ashley Grillaert’s story isn’t just about dough and fire it’s about carving your own path in an industry still dominated by men. Women’s Pizza Month is growing, but the industry has plenty of room to better support and spotlight women who run the show.
Whether you’re an enthusiast firing up your backyard oven, a supplier building stronger farm connections, or an operator considering a mobile venture, take a page from Grillaert’s book: keep your craft honest, your sourcing local, and your community at the heart of every slice.
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