Pizza Please founder Pietro Giuliani marks 10 years of Roman-style slices in Jamaica

Pizza Please founder and CEO Pietro Giuliani says the business began after he moved from Rome to Jamaica and saw room in the market for affordable pizza sold by the slice. Speaking on TVJ’s Daytime Live, Giuliani said the brand is now marking 10 years since opening its first store in 2016.

Giuliani said Jamaica first drew him through its music, beach culture and weather. After years of travelling to the island, he decided he did not want to wait until retirement to live here. The business idea followed when he wanted a slice of pizza and felt local options were limited and expensive.

Starting a company in a new country, he said, meant learning the market, customer habits, language and culture. Giuliani said repeated visits and conversations with Jamaicans helped him understand the country before settling into the business.

Pizza Please uses a Roman-style rectangular crust, which Giuliani described as light, airy and crunchy. The chain sells slices instead of requiring customers to buy a whole pizza, allowing them to mix different flavours in one box.

The menu combines Italian technique with Jamaican ingredients and customer feedback. Among the options highlighted were ackee and saltfish, jerk chicken with pineapple, barbecue chicken, barbecue pork, beef short rib, bacon, Hawaiian, margarita, vegetarian and vegan selections.

Pizza Please currently operates four outlets: Liguanea, Waterfront and Village Plaza in the Kingston area, along with Island Village in Ocho Rios. Giuliani said most stores open daily, with Village Plaza closed on Sundays. Pizzas are usually ready from about 9:00 or 10:00 in the morning, with closing times ranging from early evening on weekdays to later hours on weekends.

Giuliani said customers have asked for locations in Montego Bay, Clarendon, Manchester and Portmore, and he is trying to respond. He also said the company plans to announce activities connected to its 10th anniversary.