Pizza is not just food—it’s an emotion, a shared experience that brings people together. In a recent episode of The HJ Show, host Harsh Joshi sat down with the husband-wife duo, Bobby Thakkar & Alka Thakkar, the co-founders of Martino’z Pizza, to explore their journey from a single outlet in Ahmedabad to a rapidly expanding brand in India and now globally.
What started as a bold idea during the COVID-19 pandemic has now grown into a household name in the food industry, with 35+ outlets across India and upcoming expansions in Canada, Dubai & Australia. Their story is an inspiring testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of following one’s passion.
The Birth of Martino’z Pizza: A Pandemic Success Story
The pandemic was a time of uncertainty, but for Bobby & Alka Thakkar, it was the perfect moment to turn their dreams into reality. With 20 years of experience in the food industry, Bobby saw an opportunity to reinvent the pizza experience.
Despite the challenges, the duo launched their first Martino’z Pizza outlet in South Bopal, Ahmedabad—a bold move when the world was shutting down. But their unique approach to pizza-making, combined with a commitment to quality and innovation, quickly won over customers.
What Sets Martino’z Pizza Apart?
Unlike traditional pizza chains, Martino’z Pizza focused on flavors, customization, and quality. Here’s what makes them stand out:
✔ Signature Sauces & Dough – They developed their own signature sauces and hand-tossed pizza dough, ensuring a distinctive taste that customers keep coming back for.
✔ Cheesiest Pizzas in Gujarat – Known for their indulgent, cheesy, and flavorful pizzas, Martino’z gained a reputation as one of Gujarat’s best pizza brands.
✔ More than Just Pizza – Martino’z Pizza isn’t just about pizzas! Their diverse menu includes garlic bread, pasta, tacos, and desserts like choco lava cake—a complete fast-food experience.
✔ A Brand Built on Digital Presence – Understanding the power of social media marketing, Martino’z used Instagram, Facebook, and word-of-mouth advertising to expand rapidly, proving the importance of digital branding in the food business.
The Challenges of Building a Food Brand
Building a successful food business is no easy task. In the podcast, Bobby & Alka Thakkar shared some of the biggest challenges they faced:
🚧 Starting a brand during a pandemic – Launching a business when the world was struggling was a major risk, but they believed in their product and took the leap.
🚧 Scaling while maintaining quality – Expanding to 35+ outlets while ensuring consistent taste and quality required rigorous standardization and training for their staff.
🚧 Balancing Business & Personal Life – As a husband-wife duo, managing both their personal and professional lives presented unique challenges, but mutual respect and a shared vision kept them going.
🚧 Navigating Competition – The pizza market is highly competitive, but Martino’z Pizza carved its niche by focusing on quality, affordability, and exceptional customer service.
Expansion Beyond India: The Dream Goes Global
With 35+ successful outlets in India, Martino’z Pizza is now expanding internationally, with new locations coming up in Canada & Australia. When asked about their global vision, Bobby shared:
“We want Martino’z to be a brand that represents India on the global food map. Our goal is to serve authentic, high-quality pizzas that resonate with food lovers worldwide.”
Their international expansion marks a new chapter, proving that Indian brands can compete at a global level with the right strategy, quality, and customer-centric approach.
The Role of Social Media & Digital Marketing
One of the key factors behind Martino’z Pizza’s rapid success has been their strategic use of social media. Unlike many traditional businesses, Martino’z leveraged Instagram, Facebook, and digital ads to:
📱 Create brand awareness – Engaging with customers online helped them establish Martino’z Pizza as a go-to brand for pizza lovers.
📱 Attract franchise partners – Many of their franchise expansions happened due to strong digital marketing efforts, proving that social media can drive real business growth.
📱 Connect with customers – Engaging directly with customers through reels, food challenges, and promotions helped them build a strong online community.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When asked what advice they’d give to aspiring entrepreneurs, Bobby & Alka Thakkar shared these key insights:
✔ Start Small, Dream Big – Every big business starts with a single step. Believe in your vision and take action.
✔ Adapt & Innovate – The food industry is always evolving. Keep innovating to stay ahead.
✔ Customer Experience is Everything – The success of Martino’z comes from customer loyalty. Keep your customers happy, and they will keep coming back.
✔ Social Media is a Game-Changer – Digital marketing is non-negotiable in today’s business world. Invest in branding, content, and engagement.
Final Thoughts
The journey of Martino’z Pizza is more than just a business success story—it’s an inspiration for entrepreneurs, food lovers, and dreamers. Bobby & Alka Thakkar turned a pandemic challenge into an opportunity, and today, they are taking an Indian pizza brand to the global stage.
What’s next for Martino’z Pizza? As they prepare for their international launch, the future looks incredibly exciting!
If you’re an entrepreneur, food lover, or just someone who enjoys inspiring success stories, don’t miss this amazing conversation on The HJ Show!
Watch the full episode On Youtube
