Hot Tongue Pizza, once a vegan-only spot, has expanded its menu and its reputation under the creative leadership of founder Koons. Known for his vibrant marketing and engaging social media presence, Koons has earned recognition not just for his pizza, but for his insights into building a robust company culture.
Scheduled to speak at the upcoming Pizza Power Forum in Atlanta, Koons will delve into the topic of “Culture Is King: Attracting/Retaining Employees by Being Cooler Than the Competition.” Despite the allure of being “cool,” Koons emphasizes that true culture-building starts with less glamorous elements.
In an interview with PMQ, Koons dismantled the misconception surrounding a “cool” workplace culture. “A lot of what culture is,” he explained, “is all the uncool things.”
Elaborating further, Koons highlighted the importance of systems and processes. “To build a strong culture, you need to have systems and processes in place,” he emphasized. “All those things you might consider uncool—checklists, policies, processes—lay the foundation for a successful operation.”
At Hot Tongue Pizza, Koons integrates written checklists and visual guides throughout the restaurant. These tools ensure consistency in menu offerings and operational efficiency. “When you have that direction,” Koons asserted, “that’s when you have a really incredible culture.”
Koons’s approach underscores the significance of clear expectations, accountability, and trust in fostering a positive work environment. “For any kind of culture—or any kind of relationship,” he added, “you need clear expectations, accountability and trust. You give that to your people, and they give that back to you.”
Behind the scenes, Hot Tongue Pizza operates with meticulous attention to detail, leveraging structured processes to support creativity and employee satisfaction. “It’s a lot of work,” Koons acknowledged, “but once you’ve created the processes, the policies, the checklists and the pictures, everything is so much easier.”
While Hot Tongue Pizza’s Instagram Reels showcase the team’s playful side, Koons emphasizes that these creative endeavors stem from a foundation of operational excellence. “We’re not just sitting around here making Reels all day,” he clarified. “It’s because the work has been done, expectations have been met, and we’ve created an environment where everyone can thrive.”
As Hot Tongue Pizza continues to evolve, Koons’s commitment to blending innovation with operational rigor serves as a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. His insights into balancing creativity with structure offer valuable lessons on cultivating a thriving company culture that goes beyond surface appearances.
In conclusion, Koons’s journey with Hot Tongue Pizza exemplifies how a disciplined approach to operations can lay the groundwork for a vibrant and sustainable organizational culture. His upcoming presentation at the Pizza Power Forum promises to shed light on these principles, providing actionable insights for industry professionals looking to enhance their own workplace dynamics.
