When entrepreneurs Deena Fink and her husband, Frank Innusa, decided to bring authentic, New York style pizza to Montgomery County, PA, they didn’t just envision another pizza shop. They imagined a welcoming community hub where families, students, and neighbors could gather over great food. Deena and her husband both had extensive experience in managing restaurants, and decided to make the move from New York to Pennsylvania, knowing it was time to turn their passion into a venture.
The plan was simple: to save some “dough” and buy a pizza shop or a restaurant in the local area. Deena reached out to the Temple SBDC and had a clear recipe for the plan. She worked with business consultant Mark Tucker to research the market, and the entrepreneurs were able to negotiate an agreement where they could bake up a deal to purchase a pizza shop in the local marketplace.
They also needed help with business planning, marketing, financial forecasting, and getting some more “dough.” This is when the Temple SBDC consulting team all got in the kitchen!
Deena worked with Mark to craft a comprehensive business plan. This plan proved instrumental in helping them secure the essential finances they needed. “This pizza place was just a dream before Mark and the SBDC came into the picture. If it wasn’t for their guidance, I never would have been able to secure a loan, make the purchase and open in a 3-month time frame,” said Deena.
Additionally, Temple SBDC’s marketing consultant worked with Deena to develop a grassroots marketing strategy, including leveraging digital marketing, community partnerships, and planning a high-visibility ribbon-cutting event that drew local community members and foot traffic on opening day. According to local Chamber of Commerce members in attendance, it was the largest opening they had seen for a pizzeria.
Thanks to the support of the SBDC, Deena transformed her dream into a thriving small business that feeds both people and community spirit. Her shop is more than a business, it’s a delicious success story fueled by guidance, grit, and a good slice!
