Sponsored by Ovention
Pizzerias are currently grappling with significant challenges, notably staff shortages and escalating labor costs. As of early 2024, staffing levels remain 3.6 percent below pre-pandemic figures, with approximately 450,000 open positions unfilled, according to an OpenTable labor report. Additionally, a wage report conducted by The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that labor scarcity has driven average hourly wages up by 29 percent between 2020 and 2023, intensifying financial pressures on establishments.
Compounding these issues, 98 percent of operators report higher labor costs are adversely affecting their business operations, according to the National Restaurant Association. These intertwined challenges of workforce shortages and rising labor expenses are compelling restaurants to find innovative solutions to sustain operations and maintain profitability.
For pizza restaurant operators dealing with these challenges, Ovention® ovens provide innovative solutions tailored to their needs. Ovention’s versatile oven line—including the Matchbox®, Shuttle®, and MiLO® ovens—streamlines pizza preparation with advanced technology ensuring consistent, high-quality results with minimal oversight.
These ovens offer precise temperature control, customizable cooking profiles, and ventless operation, making them a game changer for busy pizzerias. “Ovention ovens come with touchscreens that allow recipes to be pre-programmed,” says Chef Joe Arvin, the corporate chef for Ovention ovens. “This reduces the need for highly skilled culinary labor. For example, the oven can be used to cook a pizza perfectly with the touch of a button.”
The pre-programmed recipes offer consistency across daily shifts and multiple locations, delivering the same high-quality results regardless of who is operating the equipment. “Consistency is key,” Arvin says. “Pizza made in Georgia will taste the same as one made in Kentucky. This allows operators to scale their menus without increasing staff. They can prep food in bulk and rely on the Ovention ovens to handle the cooking consistently.”
Customization is crucial in today’s competitive restaurant industry, allowing pizza operators to tailor their offerings to meet diverse customer preferences and stand out in a crowded market. “I offer customized settings for clients based on their specific preferences,” Arvin says. “For example, I can adjust settings to achieve the exact crust texture or cheese caramelization they want. This standardization means anyone can operate the oven with minimal training.”
Ovention ovens are not just designed for exceptional pizza; their versatility extends to a wide range of menu offerings, making them a valuable asset for any pizzeria looking to diversify. From perfectly baked sandwiches to appetizers like wings, Ovention ovens can handle it all. “Our ovens can roast, bake, air fry, and more—all in one unit,” Arvin says. “They save space and energy by keeping heat contained, thanks to the fact they’re 100 percent ventless and don’t require an oven hood.”
In an industry where challenges like staff shortages and rising labor costs demand innovative solutions, Ovention ovens stand out as a game changer for pizzerias. Arvin succinctly summarizes: “Consistency and automation are the future of kitchens, and that’s exactly what we deliver.”
To learn more about Ovention’s innovative technology, visit oventionovens.com.
Abby Winterburn
