Jonathan Traylor and Item9 Pizza are quickly becoming a local favorite in Raleigh, North Carolina, bringing gourmet, hand-tossed pizza directly to the community through their dynamic Pizza Food Truck. What started as a simple passion project for Jonathan and his wife Kellie has evolved into a thriving mobile business, fueled by word-of-mouth and a love for crafting exceptional pizzas.
Their journey began modestly, making flatbread pizzas for friends and neighbors. As demand grew, so did their ambition. They started creating their own dough and sauce from scratch, accepting donations for their increasingly popular pizzas. A pivotal moment came with a gifted pizza oven, which propelled Item9 Pizza into a new realm. Suddenly, they had a long list of eager customers, all craving a taste of their homemade creations.
Transitioning from a hobby to a mobile food business, especially with limited experience, presented its own unique challenges. Securing locations for their pizza food truck proved to be an initial hurdle. Once they navigated the venue logistics, they faced the everyday realities of running a food service operation on wheels. Rising costs for fuel and food supplies, coupled with unexpected setbacks like flat tires and equipment malfunctions, became routine monthly issues. Jonathan even recounts a particularly stressful incident where their brakes failed en route to an event! These experiences, while challenging, have been invaluable learning opportunities, shaping the resilience and resourcefulness of Item9 Pizza.
What truly distinguishes Item9 Pizza in Raleigh’s competitive food scene is their commitment to quality and creativity. Operating from their pizza food truck, they specialize in hand-tossed pizzas made with fresh, house-made sauce and dough. Item9 Pizza has gained a reputation for its innovative and mouthwatering pizza options. Their menu boasts unique creations like Nashville Hot Chicken pizza, Crab Dip pizza, the Big Mac Pizza, and Buffalo Chicken pizza, showcasing their adventurous approach to pizza making. Alongside these inventive flavors, they also take pride in their traditional pizzas, prepared with the same high-quality ingredients and house-made sauce. For Item9 Pizza, quality is paramount. As a family-run business, they understand the importance of pairing exceptional food with outstanding customer service.
The versatility of a pizza food truck allows Item9 Pizza to be accessible across Raleigh and beyond. They are available for bookings at a diverse range of events, from local breweries and community festivals to private birthday parties and wedding celebrations. You might even find their pizza food truck parked in your own neighborhood or apartment complex, bringing delicious pizza right to your doorstep.
Jonathan offers a balanced perspective on operating a mobile food business in Raleigh. He acknowledges that the quality of Item9 Pizza allows them to compete with some of the best pizzerias in the area. However, he also recognizes the challenges. Raleigh’s vibrant culinary landscape means they face stiff competition from a wide array of excellent food options. Additionally, navigating the city with a food trailer and finding suitable parking spots can be a logistical headache.
Despite these challenges, Item9 Pizza continues to thrive, driven by their passion for pizza and dedication to the Raleigh community. For those looking to experience gourmet pizza from a pizza food truck, Item9 Pizza is a must-try.
Contact Info:
- Website: Streetfoodfinder.com/Item9pizzanc
- Instagram: @Item9_pizza
- Facebook: Item9 Pizza food truck
