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On this episode of The Pizza King Podcast, I sit down with Adrion Thomas, the founder of BLK Crust Pizza LA, to hear his inspiring journey from a corporate recruiting career to becoming a full-time pizza entrepreneur. Adrion shares how he turned a layoff into an opportunity, creating a unique brand featuring pizzas with his signature black crust made from activated charcoal. We dive into the value of starting small, building community, and staying true to your vision. This conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone dreaming of building something amazing from scratch.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Adrion transitioned from corporate life to running BLK Crust Pizza full-time.

• The story behind the name "BLK Crust" and the unique use of activated charcoal.

• Why Adrion keeps his menu small and mighty.

• The importance of giving back to your community while building a business.

• Adrion’s plans to scale from pop-ups to a food truck and beyond.

  Key Takeaways

1. Turn Setbacks into Opportunities: Adrion’s story shows how losing his corporate job became the spark for something greater—building a one-of-a-kind pizza brand.

2. Brand Identity is Everything: The name BLK Crust Pizza and its signature black dough have helped Adrion stand out in a crowded market.

3. Community is Key: Adrion has made a conscious effort to build strong relationships by giving back, feeding those in need, and engaging with his loyal customers.

4. Simplicity Wins: Keeping a streamlined menu of three pizzas ensures operational efficiency and high quality, while reducing waste.

Sustainable Growth: Adrion’s vision for BLK Crust includes organic growth, starting with pop-ups, moving to a food truck, and eventually expanding to brick-and-mortar locations.

Give them a follow on IG: @BLKCRUST