The podcast begins with an introduction to Carl Comeaux, the CEO of Crust Pizza Co., and a look at the brand’s origins. Carl shares how his entrepreneurial spirit was present from an early age—he started working for himself as a teenager—and how those early lessons in independence and discipline later translated into running restaurants. His story is framed not only as a business journey but also as a story about leadership, values, and building something bigger than himself.
From there, Carl explains how Crust Pizza began as a local concept and gradually grew into a regional brand. Today, the company has more than 30 stores open or in development, with plans to expand to 250 locations across the Southeast in the next nine years. This growth isn’t positioned as a race for numbers but as a careful process that depends on systems, people, and culture. Carl stresses that scaling the right way—without losing the brand’s heart—is the true challenge of leadership.
A large part of the discussion focuses on what makes Crust Pizza different. Carl highlights that everything is made fresh in-house: dough prepared daily, proprietary cheese blends, and sauces crafted from scratch. This isn’t a marketing slogan but a non-negotiable standard. He argues that customers recognize and return for quality, and that authenticity in product is the foundation for loyalty. He also describes Crust’s hybrid service model, where guests order at the counter but enjoy food brought to their tables, creating an atmosphere that balances convenience with hospitality. For families and groups, this model has become a signature experience.
Technology and innovation receive significant attention. Carl shares how Crust made the bold decision to build its own point-of-sale and operations system instead of relying on third-party vendors. The motivation was simple: the existing tools on the market weren’t designed to support the type of growth and consistency Crust needed. By investing in custom technology, the company gained control over reporting, troubleshooting, and long-term scalability. This decision reflects a recurring theme in Carl’s leadership—solve problems internally, build sustainable systems, and never compromise on standards that affect the customer or the franchisee.
Franchising emerges as another central topic. Carl is clear about the type of people he wants to partner with: hands-on operators who are embedded in their communities. He believes that franchise success comes from being visible, caring about customers, and acting as a local leader. To make this possible, Crust has developed training programs and mentorship systems that guide new owners step by step. Many franchisees are first-time business owners, and Carl emphasizes that supporting them with structure and resources is one of the company’s greatest responsibilities. The goal is not only to make them profitable but also to set them up for long-term success and stability.
Culture is woven throughout the conversation. Carl frames Crust Pizza as more than a restaurant chain. To him, the company is a platform for creating opportunity: building generational wealth for franchisees, career paths for employees, and meaningful connections with customers. He repeatedly returns to the idea of impact—that the brand exists not only to serve pizza but to enrich the lives of the people it touches. Community involvement, consistent support, and values-driven decision-making are presented as the backbone of the business.
As the podcast moves toward its conclusion, Carl reflects on leadership lessons. He talks about the importance of surrounding himself with talented people, the discipline of staying focused on long-term goals, and the challenges of rapid growth. Mistakes and setbacks are acknowledged as part of the process, but he stresses that the key is always to learn quickly and keep moving forward with clarity. He describes leadership as a balance of vision and execution—being able to set big goals while also managing the details that make daily operations work.
The episode closes with Carl returning to the larger message. Crust Pizza’s story is not only about food or franchising—it is about purpose. By holding firm to values of quality, community, and opportunity, the brand aims to grow in a way that has a lasting and positive effect. Carl leaves listeners with the idea that true impact comes when a business becomes more than a transaction and instead becomes a source of prosperity and connection for everyone involved.
