Organic white, multi-grain or gluten-free crust? An option Dave Burton, owner of Pizza Fusion, feels every pizza lover should have.
Pizza Fusion is an organic franchise on a mission to make a positive contribution to the world through healthy and delicious food.
An addictive concoction of roasted garlic and organic basil blend make the Four Cheese and Sun-dried Tomato pizza an order that cannot be passed up. If dessert is what you’re craving, the gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are made to order and melt in your mouth, available in a set of three.
The concept first appealed to Burton after being introduced to him by a close friend. Emerging Publix Greenwise and Whole Foods stores convinced Burton the organic life style was worth investing in.
“I felt that Pizza Fusion would be successful because Tampa is a thriving organic society,” Burton said.
Growing up in Tampa under the influence of his father’s firm, Burton has mastered the ingredients to running a successful business.
After graduating from Furman University, Burton took over his father’s company, but sold it to pursue his passion. He realized that he wanted to work for himself, but what he wanted to do was undetermined.
Burton turned to education for the answer, getting his MBA in Marketing Management at the University of South Florida. It wasn’t long before Burton would learn what his mind yearned for, and later find out it would satisfy his taste buds as well.
“I was never a big pizza eater, but the food quality and concept convinced me to capitalize on this organic niche,” Burton said.
Right around the corner from brick oven bliss Pizzaiolo Bavaro and New York-style Eddy’s Pizza, the playful atmosphere of Pizza Fusion immediately differentiates itself from other pizza joints. Neon green abstract chairs and natural hues occupy the small restaurant located beneath SkyPoint.
“It’s all in the taste,” Burton said. “We can be organic, we can carry fresh ingredients, but if the food isn’t good, what’s the point? Our pizza just tastes better, and the added benefit is that it’s better for you as well.”
Pizza Fusion built its foundation on being eco-friendly, using organic produce and catering to vegan and vegetarian appetites. With counter tops and signs made from recycled materials and delivery exported in company-owned hybrid cars, Pizza Fusion is sustainable and energy efficient.
“There have been so many people that have talked to me in the restaurant thanking me for what we provide,” Mike Przybycin, general manager, said. “It’s exciting to be a recognized option for organics in the community.”
Przybycin and Burton have a unique relationship, from being in each other’s weddings to creating a managerial balance in the workplace. Being friends for twenty years is a perk they treasure.
During busy lunches Burton is behind the counter reiterating orders to pizza makers to ensure the best service. Burton knows it’s important for employees to maintain a flowing ambiance, even in hectic situations.
“The employees understand that their attitudes create the atmosphere of the restaurant and the happier that atmosphere, the happier the customer which results in better business,” Burton said.
One of the biggest struggles in building a business can be finding the right personnel for the position.
Pizza Fusion employees must stay true to the green concept at all times, including not smoking in uniform, refraining from littering and always using fresh ingredients. Burton complies with the green life style and is confident in his staff to do so as well.
Calling the shots in a busy restaurant may not seem like the typical dream job, but Burton makes it look like a breeze. With a gluten-free brownie in one hand and pen in the other, he seamlessly records orders for the next supply shipment.
“He handles business, reprimands when needs to but also rewards and offers incentives when good work is done,” Przybycin said.
When Burton isn’t slinging pizzas, he’s monitoring his other businesses. In 2007, Burton established Berryism, a frozen yogurt shop in South Tampa. Last year, he opened another location in Carrollwood. Burton always has something healthy to bring to the table.
Through active promoting, fund-raisers and print like Creative Loafing, Burton has put Pizza Fusion on popular demand. Always being cautious about marketing costs, he knows how to operate efficiently. Developing good relationships with surrounding companies has been essential to the growth of Pizza Fusion.
“I firmly believe in what I’m putting out,” Burton said. “I can proudly say I stand behind the concept and its contribution.”
Burton is confident in Pizza Fusion’s motto, ‘Saving the world one pizza at a time’ as organic food continues to flourish in Tampa.
Melissa Santell can be reached at msantell@spaartans.ut.edu.