Throwing Fits Podcast Episode Summary: "The Chris Hansell Interview with Throwing Fits"

Release Date: December 4, 2024
Host: Throwing Fits
Guest: Chris Hansell

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Throwing Fits, hosts Lawrence and James sit down with Chris Hansell, the passionate owner of Chrissy’s Pizza in Greenpoint, New York. The conversation delves deep into Chris's journey in the pizza business, the challenges of running a pizzeria in a competitive market, and his personal motivations rooted in honoring his late father.

Chris's Pizza Journey

Starting with Passion and Purpose

Chris Hansell's venture into the pizza business isn't just about making great pies; it's a heartfelt tribute to his father. "The reason I started this whole thing was to try to make a tribute to the pizzas that he and I would eat when I was a kid," Chris shares (08:03). This deep connection drives him to maintain high standards and personalizes every aspect of his pizzeria.

Establishing Chrissy’s Pizza

Moving from selling pizzas out of his apartment to opening Chrissy’s Pizza on 142 Nassau Avenue, Chris discusses the rapid growth and overwhelming response. "The first day was like, you know, it's like, hit me," he admits (24:15), highlighting the emotional rollercoaster of seeing lines wrap around the block almost immediately.

Operational Challenges and Solutions

Managing High Demand

One of the significant challenges Chris faces is balancing quality with quantity. With orders soaring, he emphasizes the importance of controlling every pizza's quality. "I make every single pizza at that shop every day. I make all 160 pies we sell a day," Chris explains (14:25). This hands-on approach ensures consistency but also limits scalability.

Streamlining Orders and Reducing Wait Times

To handle the influx, Chrissy’s Pizza implemented a reservation system where customers can see when there's no line and place orders accordingly. "If there's no line, you could just come in and get a pizza. It's 10 minutes," Chris notes (55:57). This system helps manage customer expectations and reduces frustration from long waits.

Team and Collaboration

Chris attributes much of his success to his dedicated team, mentioning key members like Akbal, David, Chelsea, Luis, and Brooks from Superiority Burger (26:37). Their support and expertise have been instrumental in maintaining the pizzeria's smooth operations and high standards.

Pizza Philosophy and Quality

Whole Pies Over Slices

Chris passionately defends his choice to focus on whole pies instead of slices. "I think the best way to eat a pizza is to get a full pie," he states (09:48). This approach allows customers to experience the pizza at its freshest and highest quality, aligning with his personal and familial values.

Ingredient Selection and Recipe Development

Five years of meticulous recipe development have honed Chrissy’s Pizza's offerings. Chris discusses his experimentation with different tomatoes, cheeses, and sauces to achieve the perfect balance. "We use a mix of two different tomatoes, like a Jersey tomato and a California tomato," he explains (11:44). This dedication to quality ingredients ensures each pizza is a unique and flavorful experience.

Innovative Toppings and Personal Preferences

While Chris maintains a traditional approach, he is open to experimentation. "I've been wanting to try pineapple," he mentions (67:37), though he remains skeptical about unconventional toppings like ranch or chicken. His preference leans towards simplicity and maintaining the integrity of classic flavors.

Community and Industry Insights

Supportive Pizza Community

Contrary to the often competitive nature of the food industry, Chris highlights the supportive environment among New York's pizzerias. "Sal has only been nothing but supportive to me," he remarks (46:44). This camaraderie fosters a healthy competitive spirit and encourages continuous improvement.

Impact of Media and Influencers

Chris shares his experience with media exposure, notably how an article from The Infatuation and support from figures like Action Bronson boosted his pizzeria's popularity. However, he also touches on the challenges of sudden fame, such as dealing with increased demand and maintaining mental health amidst the buzz. "It was a little bit detrimental to me for my mental health," Chris reflects (36:46).

Pizza Culture and Trends

Discussing the evolving pizza landscape, Chris appreciates traditional styles while acknowledging the rise of viral and innovative variations. He expresses admiration for established names like Sal from Lucia and is intrigued by trends like stuffed crust and unique flavor combinations, though he remains selective in his endorsements.

Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Honoring His Father

Chris’s journey is deeply personal, rooted in fond memories of sharing pizza with his father. "When I say that I'm standing on the line making every single pizza all day, it's not like some, like, flex being like, I'm working so hard. It's like, it's the most fun I've ever had in my entire life," he confides (75:38). This emotional drive ensures that every pizza is made with love and dedication.

Interactions with Celebrities

The conversation takes a humorous turn as Chris recounts interactions with celebrities like Natalie Portman at Superiority Burger. These moments serve as both validation and a testament to the quality of his pizzas, even if they come with their own set of challenges and pressures.

Balancing Work and Personal Life

Despite the demands of running Chrissy’s Pizza, Chris finds joy in exploring other pizzerias and enjoying pizza as a personal treat. "The only thing I do really on my time off is like, yeah, like, just trying to go to a new restaurant or go somewhere I've been mean to go," he shares (98:12). This balance helps him stay inspired and connected to the broader pizza community.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Chris Hansell’s interview on Throwing Fits offers a heartfelt glimpse into the life of a dedicated pizzeria owner striving to honor his father's legacy through exceptional pizza. His commitment to quality, supportive community, and personal motivations paint a picture of passion intertwined with perseverance. As Chrissy’s Pizza continues to grow, Chris remains focused on maintaining his standards, fostering team collaboration, and exploring new culinary horizons—all while staying true to the legacy that inspired his journey.

Notable Quotes

• Chris Hansell (08:03): "The reason I started this whole thing was to try to make a tribute to the pizzas that he and I would eat when I was a kid."

• Chris Hansell (24:15): "The first day was like, you know, it's like, hit me."

• Chris Hansell (14:25): "I make every single pizza at that shop every day. I make all 160 pies we sell a day."

• Chris Hansell (09:48): "I think the best way to eat a pizza is to get a full pie."

• Chris Hansell (75:38): "It's like, it's the most fun I've ever had in my entire life."

Additional Information

Follow Chris Hansell:

• Instagram: @chrissypizza
• Location: 142 Nassau Avenue, Greenpoint, New York
• Operating Hours: Thursday to Monday, open until sold out (typically around 7:30 - 8:00 PM on busy days)

Support Chrissy’s Pizza:
Chris emphasizes that Chrissy’s Pizza is dedicated to providing high-quality, handcrafted pizzas without compromising on flavor or tradition. Follow their journey on Instagram and visit their location for an authentic pizza experience in the heart of Greenpoint.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments from T Mobile and Libsyn Ads were omitted to focus solely on the interview content.