Andrew Simmons, the pizza industry disruptor and innovative mind behind San Diego-based Mamma Ramona’s Pizzeria and Pizza Roboto, has signed on as an advisor to PizzaBox AI, a local pizzeria discovery and online ordering platform that generates direct sales using artificial intelligence.

According to a press release, the collaboration “aims to bring advanced yet seamless delivery automation technology to local and independent pizzerias across the country, enhancing efficiency and customer experience.”

Simmons, a past PMQ cover subject, is a featured speaker at PMQ’s upcoming Pizza Power Forum, taking place September 4-5 in Atlanta. In a session titled “Robots! The Present and Future of Automation in the Pizza Industry,” Simmons will explain how he has used pizza-making robots, AI and food automation to grow Mamma Ramona’s from a single store in the San Diego area to five branded locations over the past year, with more set to open in 2024.

Related: How Andrew Simmons is building a smaller, higher-profit pizza concept at Mamma Ramona’s

Simmons has become a leading voice for pizza automation through his account on LinkedIn, where he has been documenting Mamma Ramona’s groundbreaking, tech-driven expansion and his personal journey as a pizza industry innovator. Simmons keeps his followers informed as he successfully tests and integrates robotics into the pizza-making process, dramatically reducing operational costs and setting a new industry standard. His work in restaurant automation technology has demonstrated that cutting-edge solutions can be both affordable and transformative. Additionally, Simmons introduced a pioneering $189-a-year Pizza Passport subscription program at Mamma Ramona’s, potentially revolutionizing customer engagement and retention in the pizza industry.

Simmons and PizzaBox AI are a natural fit. According to the press release, PizzaBox AI enables local independent pizzerias to “instantly plug and connect into an online ordering ecosystem with a range of services and advanced technology required to operate ‘like the big chains’ and increase visibility across all online channels to grow sales, while servicing their customers directly and taking back control from third-party marketplaces.”

Through PizzaBox AI, local pizzerias simply submit a URL link to their menu, and the AI-powered platform creates a branded website, online ordering system, digital marketing tools and customer loyalty programs. It also connects to payment processing and to local delivery drivers “within minutes, without any hidden fees or commissions,” the company says.

“We are thrilled to partner with Andrew,” said Gary Chaglasyan, CEO of PizzaBox (powered by RestoGPT AI). “His visionary approach to the pizza business aligns perfectly with our mission to support local pizzerias. Andrew’s insights, knowledge and expertise in automation technology and operating independent restaurants (knowing the needs and pains from the inside) will be invaluable as we continue to develop and refine our platform.”

Simmons said he’s looking forward to the collaboration. “I’ve watched the evolution of PizzaBox AI, and it’s revolutionizing the pizza ordering landscape. I’m excited to contribute and be a part of this journey. Together, we will bring advanced automation technology to local pizzerias, helping them thrive in an increasingly competitive market.”

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