Today we’d like to introduce you to Salman Agah.
Hi Salman, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was in New York City, house-sitting for a friend in August 2009. Many times during my stay, I’d take the L train from Manhattan to Williamsburg. When exiting the L train at Bedford I’d skateboard up to Grand and along the way, I’d try different pizza by the slice shops routinely. That’s where I got my inspiration to start a slice shop-style pizzeria. PIZZANISTA! was born soon after my return in October 2010. Fast forward 12+ years and now we have stores abroad in Tokyo & South Korea and we recently opened our 2nd store in San Marino, CA that doubles as a pizzeria with a skateshop and Straus organic soft serve. We got to where we are today because we have a very dedicated and caring crew & amazing, loyal guests. We can also contribute our success to the support of the skateboarding, art, music, fashion, movie and design industry over the years. We’ve collaborated with and served many great artists & individuals over the years.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m not sure if there are any smooth roads in the restaurant business. Even when things are good, it’s still hard. Every day is a struggle but in a good way. We are constantly challenging ourselves to be more hospitable and to provide exceptional service.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
There are some things I’ve heard about myself over the years from my peers. I’m a professional skateboarder, first and foremost. I turned pro in 1991 for Real Skateboards in San Francisco. Since turning pro, I’ve been sponsored by different sponsors including Powell Peralta, Black Label, The Firm, Vans, RVCA, Spitfire Wheels. I had five signature shoes on Vans. My first shoe came out in 1994 and is still being produced in limited editions. I have a signature pro model on Powell Peralta to date. In the late 80’s and early 90’s, I focused on skating opposite my normal stance (switch stance) and have been regarded as the godfather of switch stance in skateboarding. I was 1993 Thrasher Magazine “Skater of The Year” Transworld’s Most Influential Skater of The Decade around that same time and was recently inducted into The Skateboarding Hall of Fame. I’m most proud of my family Joan my wife and my kids Zephyr age 7 & Sabbath Age 5. What sets me apart from others is that I march to the beat of my own drum, no matter what.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I’m not sure about which industry to speak about. We are a restaurant, but we consider PIZZANISTA! to be a lifestyle brand so the outlook is drastically different for both. Whatever the case. We are not to sure about what will happen over the next 5-10 years. We plan to continue to develop our stores along the lines of our new store in San Marino blending a boutique skateshop (retail) with a pizzeria. That’s a trend that we aim to pioneer and be in front of. So to answer your question we see retail and restaurants/hospitality converging to create unique experiences for guests.
Contact Info:
- Website: pizzanista.com
- Instagram: @pizzanista
- Twitter: @pizzanista
Image Credits
SALMAN AGAH
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