NEA Outstanding Businesses: Bruno’s Pizzeria wins Startup Award
by May 23, 2024 9:37 pm 317 views
Talk Business & Politics, in partnership with Arvest Bank, recently honored the top businesses in 2024 throughout Northeast Arkansas. Nominees were gathered from around the region and a select panel of judges chose four finalists in each of these categories: large, small, startup and nonprofit. This week, we have featured the finalists and winners by category in a four-part series.
On Monday, we profiled our nonprofit winners, which you can read about here. On Tuesday, we highlighted our small business winners, which you can read about here. On Wednesday, we presented our large business winner.
In the startup business category, Bruno’s Pizzeria was the winner as chosen by the judges. The company was started in Batesville in 2023. It offers pizza products and other food items.
Other finalists in the small business category include Verb Bookstore, All Out Power Sports, and Deso Chocolate.
Bruno’s Pizzeria (Batesville)
Founder: Bruno Azemi
Year founded: 2023
Line of work: Restaurant
Entrepreneur Bruno Azemi wanted to expand his restaurant business but it was a daunting task. He already owned Tavolo Italian Ristorante, an established eatery in Batesville.
Only one in five restaurants survive five years, according to the National Restaurant Association, and 60% don’t typically survive a year. When Azemi opened Bruno’s Pizzeria in the late spring of 2023, he took a risk. Many restaurants fail due to bad pricing, staff turnover, poor food quality, competition, slim margins and other factors.
To this point, the pizzeria has beaten the statistical odds.
Azemi said he didn’t just want to create an eatery that serves excellent food. He wanted to create a workplace that would become a community hub embracing diversity and inclusivity.
“I take immense pride in the diverse team they have assembled. Comprising individuals from varied backgrounds, this team shares a common goal infused with passion. The recent initiation of a book club focusing on entrepreneurial literature not only fosters knowledge sharing but also underscores the company’s commitment to continuous learning and growth,” Azemi said.
Bruno’s Pizzeria offers a broad range of pizzas, wings, salads, bowls, and desserts. Some of the more popular selections include The Arkansan, a pepperoni, Italian, bacon and ground beef pizza with a tomato sauce base. Other selections include The Bruno, The Pit Master, The Pesto and others. Plans are underway to develop more salad and bowl offerings.
Sourcing foods from local farmers has been a priority, along with creating meal options for those who suffer from food allergens, Azemi said.
“We have been committed to uplifting local farmers and catering to individuals with food allergies. By offering an array of allergen-free options, they not only satisfy dietary needs but also aim to provide a sense of comfort akin to home-cooked meals, ultimately bringing smiles to their patrons’ faces,” he said.
Azemi estimates that since it opened, the pizzeria’s staff has doubled in size and monthly sales have steadily climbed. The sales numbers have been strong enough that Azemi said it’s likely he will soon expand into other locations.
Tavolo and Bruno’s Pizzeria are based in Batesville but attract customers throughout Northeast Arkansas, he said. Having such a broad customer base has helped his businesses thrive in what can be a perilous industry.
“The influence of the Northeast Arkansas region and its vibrant culture has been instrumental in shaping the business’ trajectory. The local support and enthusiasm have not only fueled the company’s growth, but have also contributed to the creation of a strong, tight-knit community of supporters,” Azemi said.
Other finalists in the startup category, which you can read more about here, include:
All Out Powersports (Jonesboro)
Founders: Dominic Guerin & Joshua West
Year founded: 2023
Line of work: Powersports parts and service shop
Website: facebook.com/p/All-Out-
Deso Chocolate (Jonesboro)
Founder: Ibrahim Al Elamat
Year founded: 2023
Line of work: Candy shop
Website: desochocolate.com
Verb Bookstore (Jonesboro)
Co-founder: Sari Harlow
Year founded: 2023
Line of work: Bookstore
Website: verbbookstore.com