Episode Overview

Chef Chris Decker joins Grounded to share how 30 years of pizza-making turned into a mission-driven craft rooted in community, creativity, and connection. He and host Lauren Mitchell unpack the story behind Truly Pizza—from its name and hospitality philosophy to the culture that keeps guests coming back for life’s biggest moments. This episode is a reminder that great meals tell stories—and the details (and people) make the experience.

Guest: Chris Decker — Chef, Truly Pizza.

🔑5 Key Takeaways

Chris didn’t start out planning a life in food—he originally wanted to be a police officer, then realized he could still “help people” through hospitality and community-building.
The name Truly Pizza comes from a personal, unexpected origin: a partner’s character named “Truly,” plus Chris’s early idea of a “love story” to pizza (“yours truly, pizza”).
Truly Pizza’s hospitality standard is built around a clear operating principle: “one extra step” in service, on the food, and in anticipating what guests need before they ask.
Culture is intentional—from hiring for character (yes, including the grocery cart test) to keeping the kitchen energy positive, loud, and focused on making “happy food.”
Chris’s approach to innovation stays grounded: he’s tried AI phone answering due to overwhelming call volume, but ultimately prioritizes “old school hospitality” and human connection.

💬 Quote of the Episode

“We have a philosophy of one extra step in service, on the food and anticipating what guests need before they ask.”
— Christopher Decker, Chef, Truly Pizza

🔗 Connect with the Guest(s)

Christopher Decker — Chef, Truly Pizza
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingbutanchovies/
- Website: https://www.trulypizza.com/

🎧 Ways to Tune In

Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460
iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast

Why Great Meals Tell Great Stories: Chef Chris Decker of Truly Pizza Grounded #49