513: Hype, Aesthetics, and Very Good Pizza with Chris Hansell (Chrissy’s Pizza) and Brooks Headley (Superiority Burger)
Dec 18, 2024
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Joining the conversation are Chris Hansell, the visionary owner of Chrissy’s Pizza, and Brooks Headley, the innovative chef behind Superiority Burger. They dive into the strong link between food and music, sharing how their punk rock backgrounds influence their culinary creations. Chris narrates his inspiring pizza journey from a pop-up to a hot spot, while Brooks highlights his obsession with fresh, local produce. Expect lively discussions about crafting the ideal pizza sauce and celebrating community through food, all wrapped in a nostalgic vibe.
Chris Hansell's journey to creating Chrissy's Pizza showcases his unique blend of personal experiences and punk rock ethos driving his culinary passion.
The mentorship between Chris and Brooks Headley illustrates the importance of supportive relationships in navigating the challenges of restaurant ownership and operation.
Both chefs emphasize the role of aesthetic and visual identity in their restaurants, reflecting genuine authenticity that resonates with their patrons.
Deep dives
The Journey to Chrissy's Pizza
Chris Hansel's journey to opening Chrissy's Pizza began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he started making pizza in his apartment, fueled by lifelong memories with his late father who introduced him to various pizzerias. His passion for pizza blossomed as he meticulously shared his progress on social media, ultimately amassing a loyal following without any formal marketing strategy. Chris emphasized the importance of learning through experience, taking on different industry jobs where he honed his skills—starting with a pizzeria in Queens and training at renowned establishments like Scars and F&F. This eclectic background of experience merged with the punk ethos he shares with collaborators enabled him to create a unique pizza-making journey that ultimately led to the opening of a successful pizza shop in New York City.
Collaborative Mentorship
The bond between Chris and fellow restaurateur Brooks Headley developed through their shared backgrounds in music and the culinary arts, leading to a unique camaraderie. Brooks initially connected with Chris through a recommendation from a mutual friend and was captivated by the quality of Chris's pizzas from the moment he tried one. Their relationship evolved as they shared insights, with Brooks providing encouragement and Chris benefitting from his perspective as both a chef and business owner. Brooks's mentorship became crucial for Chris during the stressful build-out of Chrissy's, as they both navigated the complexities of restaurant operations while maintaining their personal philosophies and craft.
The Aesthetic Connection
Both Chris and Brooks draw significant inspiration from their punk rock backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of visual identity and a distinct aesthetic in their culinary endeavors. For Chris, the designs and branding of Chrissy's Pizza reflect his personal style and the artistic influences he acquired through years in the music scene. Similarly, Brooks creates a welcoming environment at Superiority Burger, incorporating elements that resonate with patrons on a personal level. This attention to aesthetic detail not only enhances the dining experience but also reflects their commitment to authenticity in their food and atmosphere.
The Heart of the Pizza
Chris's approach to pizza is deeply rooted in quality ingredients and a meticulous process, showcasing his dedication to craftsmanship. He combines domestically produced tomatoes with techniques learned through extensive research and experimentation to create his signature sauce—maximizing flavor while retaining the essence of the ingredients. His dough recipe, which undergoes a 55-hour fermentation process, allows natural flavors to develop without the over-complication of additional pre-ferments. This focus on simplicity and restraint not only enriches the taste but also honors his father's memory by creating pizzas that he believes his dad would love.
The Impact of Community
The sense of community plays a pivotal role in the success of Chris's pizzeria, as he draws customers who appreciate the authentic and dedicated approach to pizza making. Staff camaraderie, coupled with the positive energy surrounding the restaurant, has fostered a loyal following and generated excitement around the opening. With a well-organized flow during service, the team ensures that despite long lines, patrons are informed and engaged—a practice established by key staff members skilled in hospitality. This spirited atmosphere, combined with Chris's personal dedication to each pizza, cultivates a unique dining experience that resonates with locals and visitors alike.
It’s been a very busy year for our two guests, Chris Hansell of Chrissy’s Pizza and Brooks Headley of Superiority Burger. Brooks finally came back on the show! I really, really enjoyed this conversation with two big thinkers and, dare I say, dreamers. As former musicians, each is rooted in the punk-rock ethic and aesthetic, and we talk about how visual identity and dedication to craft dovetail with music and food in a unique way. Chris shares the story of his journey to pizza, from apartment pop-up to one of the buzziest openings in New York this year. And Brooks reflects on two years of Superiority Burger on Avenue A and his continued obsession for finding the highest-quality produce for his cooking in the East Village. What a fun talk!
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