Ben HarrisFROM PIZZA EATER, TO PIZZA MAKER

How Ben Harris Turned His Love of Pizza into a BusinessWhile he is only 32 years old, Ben Harris has seen it all when it comes to small business ownership. The proud owner of two Sarpino’s Pizzeria locations throughout the Kansas City area never intended on getting into the pizza business, in fact, he majored in philosophy and religion while in college. However, on a trip to Chicago, Harris’s life would change forever, and it all started with just one bite.

Ben, along with his sister Anne, had heard about the Sarpino’s concept through mutual friends. The brother and sister duo began to explore the concept more deeply and thought the pizzeria would be perfect for the Kansas City area. “While on vacation in Chicago, I tried the pizza for the first time,” Ben said. “I was hooked.” Ben knew right then and there that he needed to bring this pizza back with him to Kansas City, but as any business owner will tell you, it is one thing to dream of an idea, it is another to bring it to life.

“It was very hard to get the first store open,” said Ben. “We had to build relationships with contractors and vendors, as well as find new ways to reach customers and separate ourselves from the competition. On top of it, I was just 25 years old at the time.” Ben and Anne borrowed money from friends and family, and put in 70-80 hour work weeks in order to get the business up and running. What kept them going was their will and belief that it would all pay off in the long run, “We were strong believers in the Sarpino’s concept and methods,” said Anne, “being part of the Sarpino’s network and family is a huge benefit. We were able to reach out to other Sarpino’s owners for tips, advice, and support.” Ben relied heavily on his experience working for his father, who runs a pasta shop

Jason, Anne & Ben

in Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA. However, it would quickly turn into an all out family affair, once they opened their doors, the rest of the Harris family moved to Kansas City to help in the business. Seven years later, their first location, situated in Overland Park, is still going strong. With a blueprint and methodology for success, Ben decided it was time to open location number two. In January of 2014, Ben opened a second location in the Leawood neighborhood of Kansas City. Since opening, the Leawood location has experienced sales growth of over 30%.

With two successful locations under his belt, one would think the 32 year old pizza maker would be content to sit back, relax, and enjoy. However, Harris has other plans. He intends on opening a total of eight locations, three in Kansas City, and five in Colorado. Ben believes that the Sarpino’s business model that has brought him success in Kansas City is a perfect fit for Colorado, “There are a lot of great pizza places in Colorado, but nobody offers the same combination of great service and amazing food.”

Location, locationlocation!Sarpino’s Pizzeria currently has 46 fully operational locations in eight states across the U.S. They have a total of 65 fully executed franchise agreements. They expect to have 65 locations open by the end of 2014 and 350 locations within five years. Target markets with current store opportunities include Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington DC.

“Being part of the Sarpino’s network and family is a huge benefit.”