#United States #Denver #Pizza #Bacio Cheese #Bar-and-Grill

Transforming the Pizza Landscape with Premium Cheese

In the competitive world of bar-and-grill establishments, attracting repeat customers is crucial for long-term success. One strategy that many operators are now recognizing involves an often-underestimated menu staple: pizza. Operators are learning that by investing in high-quality ingredients, they can elevate pizzas from mere menu items to signature dishes that keep patrons returning for more.

Capitalizing on Pizza Popularity

Recent surveys underline a key opportunity — according to a 2026 study by Bacio Cheese, a staggering 97% of American consumers enjoy pizza, with 88% expressing they are eating as much or more pizza than the previous year. This trend signals to bar-and-grill operators that leveraging the love for pizza could significantly boost customer loyalty, attracting diners and positively impacting their average check sizes.

Bacio Cheese has been a trusted name in the pizza space for decades, primarily within pizzerias. However, their strategy now extends to bar-and-grill settings, showcasing how pizza can emerge as a lucrative profit margin source when operators utilize top-notch ingredients. Bacio’s premium Italian pizza cheese, made from fresh, Grade A Buffalo milk, promises creamy textures, impressive meltability, and consistent reheating power. Its versatility allows it to complement various crusts, sauces, and toppings, catering to both traditional pizzas and gourmet flatbreads.

Standout Pizza Programs Drive Business

Bobbi Laski, brand manager for Bacio, emphasizes the importance of a distinctive pizza program: “As guests become more selective about their dining choices, unique offerings can create compelling reasons to revisit.” She asserts that operators can effectively compete with established pizzerias by adopting a premium pizza program tailored to their own brand identity.

A prime example is Tommy's Tavern and Tap, which operates 19 locations and serves a diverse menu including sushi and burgers but has turned its coal-fired pizza into a focal point. Executive Chef Chris Perrino shares, “If your pizza doesn't stand out, customers will go elsewhere.”

Perrino’s decision to partner with Bacio has proven fruitful. The results include:

• - Consistency across Locations: Utilizing Bacio's shredded cheese blends, along with custom measuring cups, helps maintain uniform quality in all outlets.
• - Improved Customer Satisfaction: Since integrating Bacio cheese, pizza complaints have significantly decreased from 1.5% to 0.25%.
• - Enhanced Takeout Performance: With the rising demand for takeout, the ability of Bacio cheese to retain quality even when reheated is a considerable advantage.
• - Versatility Across the Menu: The same cheese is also used in other popular dishes, like spinach and artichoke dip, simplifying inventory and ensuring consistent quality.
• - Strong ROI: Perrino highlights the economics of this partnership. Spending one dollar on superior ingredients can lead to a return of eight dollars in terms of customer retention and repeat visits.

Building Lasting Partnerships

For many operators, choosing Bacio extends beyond just purchasing a product — it represents a strategic partnership. Bacio actively supports operators through its Gold Club Rewards program, which offers financial incentives and marketing support tailored to boost business initiatives. At Tommy's Tavern and Tap, Bacio rewards facilitated the hiring of a pizza specialist who travels to train staff across various locations, ensuring consistency in pizza preparation and quality.

Perrino confidently states, “Bacio knows what it takes to create excellent pizza and is committed to helping us develop our brand.” Bar-and-grill operators interested in growing their pizza offerings can enroll in Bacio Gold Club Rewards and gain exclusive access to their marketing resources tailored for operators.

Conclusion: Pizza as a Competitive Advantage

For those in the bar-and-grill segment considering investment opportunities, the message from Bacio and its partners is unmistakable: pizza doesn't require its own brand to succeed; it merely needs high-quality ingredients, consistency, and the right support. By focusing on aspects like stretch, flavor, and reheating efficiency, operators can develop a pizza program that not only enhances customer loyalty but also bolsters overall profitability. Operators interested in transforming their pizza offerings can experience the Bacio difference firsthand through product tastings and demonstrations.

About Bacio Cheese

Bacio is recognized for its premium pizza cheese, contributing to the Leprino Foods family of brands based in Denver, Colorado. It offers a mozzarella-style pizza cheese enhanced with a distinctive touch of buffalo milk, delivering an exceptional culinary experience. For further details, explore Bacio Cheese.