8 must-have supplies for opening a pizza shop

Before you open the doors to your new shop, let's talk about the pizzeria equipment and gear you'll need to make your dreams come true. 

Remember, getting the right pizzeria supplies isn't just about having cool kitchen toys, it’s about setting yourself up for success from day one. 

Here’s an initial checklist of must-have supplies for opening a pizza shop.

1. Pizza ovens

First things first – you can't make pizza without an oven! Your pizza oven is going to be the star of your kitchen. You've got a few options here:

- Brick ovens: Great for that authentic, wood-fired taste

- Deck ovens: Perfect for consistent cooking and high volume

- Conveyor ovens: Ideal for quick, assembly-line style pizza making

Choose based on your budget, space, and the type of pizza you want to serve. Remember, your oven can make or break your pizza game!

2. Dough mixers

Consistent dough is key to great pizza. A good dough mixer will save you time and arm strength, plus it'll keep your dough game strong. If you're planning on cranking out a ton of pizzas, you might want to look into a dough sheeter too. It'll help you roll out dough quickly and evenly.

3. Ranges, grills, and stoves

Sure, pizza's your main gig, but you also need a range (gas or electric) plus quality ventilation to keep your kitchen cool, smoke-free, and safe.      

4. Freezers and refrigerators

You need lots of storage to keep your ingredients fresh. Look into:

• Walk-in refrigerators

• Reach-in units

• Prep tables with built-in cooling

Regular maintenance is key here —  a broken fridge can spell disaster for your ingredients and your wallet.

5. Food prep gear

A well-organized prep area will make your life so much easier, enabling you to prep faster and more efficiently. Stock up on:

• High-quality knives

• Cutting boards

• Pizza peels

• Mixing bowls

• Food processors

6. Safety equipment

Safety first! Also, keeping your kitchen safe and clean isn't just good practice — it's the law. Make sure you have:

• Gloves

• Aprons

• First aid kits

• Date labels

• Sani-buckets

• Food-grade cleaning supplies

Don't forget about sinks! You'll need separate sinks for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing, plus hand-washing stations.

7. Restaurant point of sale systems

A good Point of Sale (POS) system can be a game-changer. It'll help you manage orders, track inventory, and keep your kitchen running smoothly.

Beyond that, you want a POS system that actually works for pizzerias. The right system will streamline your order processing, handle complex pizza customizations with ease, and integrate seamlessly with online ordering platforms. A pizza-focused POS can also help you manage inventory, track sales data, and even boost customer loyalty through built-in marketing tools.

8. Service ware

Whether you're doing dine-in, takeout, or delivery, you'll need the right gear to serve your pizza. Think about:

• Plates and utensils for dine-in customers

• Pizza boxes for takeout and delivery

• To-go containers for sides and salads

Don't skimp on your service ware — it's the last thing your customers see before they dig in.

Pick plates and utensils that are built to last. For takeout, choose pizza boxes that'll keep your pies piping hot and fresh. You should also consider customizing those boxes to fit your brand’s style.

Buying your pizzeria supplies

Opening a pizza shop is a big undertaking, but with the right supplies, you'll be set up for success. Remember, it's not just about having fancy equipment – it's about choosing the tools that will help you make great pizza efficiently and safely. 

When it comes to buying gear, be smart about it. Buy new only when it makes sense, like for that all-important pizza oven. For other stuff, don't be afraid to scout out some well-maintained used equipment. It'll save you a bunch of cash, and hey, a slightly dinged (yet clean!) prep table works just as well as a shiny new one.

If you're feeling the pinch in your wallet, leasing might be your new best friend. The payments are often tax-deductible and way easier on your initial budget. Plus, it lets you upgrade your gear as your business grows. 

Whatever route you choose, take your time to research and invest in quality equipment that fits your budget and pizza-making style. With the right setup, you'll be slinging slices that'll have the whole neighborhood lining up at your door.