Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Dailey.
Daniel, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 1998 at the age of 17, I started washing dishes at a Johnny’s Pizza in Woodstock. I quickly got promoted over my peers. I finished high school, then college, while managing a pizza place and starting a family. I wanted more. In 2007 I got the opportunity to buy into a partnership with two Johnny’s Pizza locations. One in Woodstock and the other in Hiram. I managed Woodstock, and it thrived, Hiram struggled. In 2013, I convinced my partner to sell Hiram to focus on our Woodstock Johnny’s Pizza. We sold quickly. We relocated and added 1200 square feet, a full bar… the first week we opened, we increased revenue 60%.
In 2015 I sold out to my partner to pursue my own location. In 2016 I signed a lease in Roswell. I designed, built, laid tile, painted, poured sweat and tears into making sure we would survive. In mid-2019, I finally felt we were gonna make it. I love Roswell and my family. I am so thankful Johnny’s has made a home here.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a restaurant is not smooth, easy and it’s not for everyone. I opened with big goals. It took three years to reach those goals. I wasn’t willing to give up. I lived on credit cards and downsized. My commitment, hard work and long hours make a personal life very difficult. But I do it to provide for my three kids. I love the work. I love the people and this community.
Johnny’s Pizza – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I love Johnny’s Pizza. I grew up with the company and watched as they grew, I focus on community connections. I work with schools, local foundations. It might not set us apart but I am in the kitchen 5-7 days a week, 10-14 hours a day. I respond to every email, post, comment, complaint I can. I want everyone to know, I am here to stay and I want to be Your neighborhood Pizzeria…
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
So far, my proudest moment has come recently. The overwhelming support, loyalty and patronage from Roswell. The feedback, reviews, kind words. I didn’t grew up with a lot. I was poor. And having a platform to help kids and families in need has been amazing. I am so full of gratitude.
Contact Info:
- Address: 550 W Crossville Road
Roswell, GA 30075 - Website: www.johnnyspizza.com
- Phone: 6788784242
- Email: johnnyspizzaroswell@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @johnnysRoswell
- Facebook: @johnnysNYPizzaRoswell
- Twitter: @JohnnysRoswell
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/johnnys-new-york-style-pizza-roswell#../
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
