PMQ Pizza Magazine Profiles Chef Ben Hoover and Franky's Pizza & Delicatessen
Most people see the pizza. PMQ Pizza Magazine wanted to see everything else.
In a recent national feature, one of the pizza industry's most respected publications took readers behind the scenes with Chef Ben Hoover at Franky's Pizza & Delicatessen, exploring the systems, processes, and people responsible for one of Ohio's most ambitious independent pizza operations.
The feature explores how Franky's blends traditional pizza-making techniques with modern operational discipline, creating a restaurant designed not just to make great pizza, but to make great pizza consistently.
Courtesy: PMQ Pizza Magazine
“The best advice I could offer to another operator is to use systems—you’ll make it impossible for your staff to put out a bad product.”
For owner Ben Hoover, the goal has never been to make great pizza once. The goal is to make great pizza every day.
The article dives deep into the dough program, training systems, and operational philosophy behind Franky's Pizza & Delicatessen—including the development of our national award-winning Sunday Sauce Sicilian, which earned first place in the Sicilian category at the 2026 International Pizza Challenge.
Most days, we're focused on the next batch of dough, the next guest, and the next challenge. It's nice every once in a while when someone from outside our four walls notices what we're building. We're grateful to the editors at PMQ Pizza Magazine for taking the time to tell our story and shine a spotlight on the systems, people, and processes that make Franky's possible.
If you've visited us for a slice, a sandwich, or a family dinner, thank you. You're part of this story, too.
Read the full article from PMQ Pizza Magazine below:
Located in Warren, Ohio, Franky's Pizza & Delicatessen has become known for its award-winning Sicilian pizza, scratch-made Paffuto rolls, and commitment to operational excellence. The PMQ feature offers readers a rare look inside the systems, training, and processes that power one of Northeast Ohio's fastest-growing independent pizza operations.
