Entrepreneurship is an art, much like crafting the perfect pizza. At a recent exclusive event with EO Melbourne, members had the unique opportunity to blend these two worlds in an interactive and insightful Pizza Masterclass led by Johnny Di Francesco, founder of 400 Gradi and the Gradi Group of restaurants. The setting was intimate, the energy palpable, as participants eagerly gathered around to learn from a culinary master who built a global pizza empire, one slice at a time.
The masterclass kicked off with the essentials: the dough. Lined up in anticipation, participants carefully followed Johnny’s instructions, mixing and kneading their dough with precision. More than just learning how to make the world’s best pizza, they were gaining valuable insights into the art of patience, precision, and the importance of perfecting your craft – qualities that mirror entrepreneurial success.
Johnny, a true embodiment of turning passion into a thriving business, spoke candidly about his journey, connecting his love for food to the foundational values of entrepreneurship. Like many in the room, he started with a dream—except his was in the kitchen, not the boardroom. His early years as a pizzaiolo were rooted in mastering the fundamentals, and from there, he built his now-famous restaurant group. As attendees watched him stretch the dough, it was clear that making pizza, like building a business, requires a deep understanding of the process, resilience, and a touch of creativity.
The highlight of the event was when participants assisted Johnny in making pizzas using the same techniques that won him the title of World Pizza Champion. In between bites of wood-fired pizzas paired with exquisite Italian wines, they engaged in candid discussions about the intersection of culinary mastery and business acumen. Johnny shared that just as a perfect pizza needs the right ingredients, timing, and heat, a successful business needs focus, adaptability, and persistence to grow. The Q&A session allowed everyone to explore the real-life challenges and opportunities that Johnny navigated—from expanding his brand globally to maintaining authenticity in each of his restaurants.
For the entrepreneurs present, it wasn’t just about learning how to create mouthwatering pizzas; it was about mastering the delicate balance between passion and enterprise. Johnny’s experience in growing 400 Gradi into an international brand, while maintaining the integrity of his craft, resonated deeply with those looking to expand their own ventures. His key takeaway? Whether you're making pizza or building a business, staying true to your values and perfecting your core offering is what ultimately leads to lasting success.
As the evening wrapped up, attendees left with more than just pizza dough—they carried with them lessons in entrepreneurship, a renewed sense of purpose, and the secret recipe for creating something that lasts. Just like Johnny’s pizzas, their businesses, too, could be a masterpiece in the making.