This week MCA takes five minutes with Thom Elliott, co-founder of Pizza Pilgrims. He discusses the brand’s main focus; excellent ad campaigns featuring James Blunt, the genius of Pret A Manger and running Glastonbury.
What’s your main business priority for the coming 12 months?
Our absolute main focus is to keep the pizzerias rocking, the teams happy, the pizzas on point and the customers coming back, specifically whilst we tentatively grow the company. We are really proud (and slightly bewildered) by what we have created in Pizza Pilgrims, and it is most important to us that we don’t lose what we have - ahead of any other more grandiose business plans.
What is the best marketing campaign you have seen this year?
Go Compare! Only kidding. I have a real soft spot for the National Lottery campaigns at the moment - the ad with James Blunt is just excellent.
Assuming this didn’t need to be in the food and drink sector? If so - I think the Pret PR piece around “free coffee if your server fancies you” was absolutely inspired!
Where did you have your best meal this year?
I have to say - I go back to Blacklock in Soho again and again. Food is great, the atmosphere on point and the tunes always have the correct amount of 80s slant (i.e. a lot). The drinks trolley also never ceases to bring a smile to my face.
Which business in the sector provides the best experience?
An obvious one - but I have to say Pret. It does exactly what it needs to do, the team are always on the button, you never wait longer than you need to and to get that consistency across so many locations makes the mind boggle!
What is your main concern for the sector?
I think any concerns we have focus on the people. I will NOT bore on about Brexit - but it is important that all the awesome people who make our industry what it is are told they are able to stay in this country pretty sharpish. It’s just polite.
Which other business (any sector) would you most like to run and why?
Glastonbury Festival. Basically put on the world’s best party for one weekend a year - and then plan it for the other 360 days. What’s not to like?
