many thanks to john k  and ethan harper for facilitating such an endless pizza treasure!

Groundswell PA (a division of the Great Philadelphia Cultural Alliance) recently asked us to  share how art and culture have influenced our business and our neighborhood. We were honored to be a part of the discussion. If you happen to be walking by the Kimmel Center over the next month, look for this video projected on the big screen outside! Thanks, GPCA!

XOXO, TEAM PIZZA BRAIN

“I’ve got a severe hype allergy. But Brian Dwyer and Joseph Hunter’s partly Kickstarter-funded brainchild—which shares space, and a cockeyed ethos, with Little Baby’s Ice Cream—had me on an EpiPen high…”

In Philadelphia Magazine’s April issue, writer Trey Popp gave us a wonderful 2 1/2 star review. In the Popp universe, that means ‘good to excellent’. We’ll take it! Thanks, Trey! XOXO, Team Pizza Brain

Based on user votes and check-ins, foursquare recently let us know we made their ‘best of’ list for 2012. We’re honored to have such a sticker displayed in our window! XOXO, TEAM PIZZA BRAIN

How a 6 month old pizzeria with only 6 tables and 12 menu items pulled this off is nearly incomprehensible. We’re shocked. We’re emotional. We’re grateful.

We think it had something to do with all our wonderful, wonderful customers.

With the utmost sincerity - thank you, Pizzadelphia. Definitely one for the ol’ scrap book.

Voting ends in just three days, good pizza citizens!

Check out the full video here. Then stop by this month to check out our most recent pizza art installation ‘ALL HAIL THE PIZZA LORD‘ by pizza weirdo ‘GRIMGRIMGRIM’. Totally, totally sauce’some.

xoxo, team pizza brain

Yes – a place called Pizza Brain!

As recently as 5 years ago, one would be hard pressed to see Philly anywhere on a list like this – let alone in the top 5. To be called out by name in one of the world’s best read travel magazines is astounding to us. Once our eyes stop hurting, we’ll definitely go out and celebrate.

Here’s to being a part of Philly’s ever-burgeoning food, art and pizza scene!

XOXO, TEAM PIZZA BRAIN

…and we’re getting huge whiffs of it. we’ve fielded tons of orders for heart-shaped pizzas today. thanks for being so lovesick, pizzadelphia!

xoxo, team pizza brain

Yes, it’s true. We’re now dabbling in the delivery game. Every day of operation from 11am – close. Northern Liberties, Port Richmond, Kensington, Fishtown and other select neighborhoods are in our range. Credit Cards accepted over the phone. Large orders also accepted and encouraged. Call the pizza brain hotline to inquire: 215-291-2965.

This week, Metro Philly included us on their ‘Best of 2012: Food & Drink’ list. The category? ‘Best Job Living Up To The Hype’.

“Considering the amount of buzz Pizza Brain’s “pizza museum” generated, the actual pies had a lot to live up to. But somehow, the inventive thin-crust slices are the actual stars at this charming Fishtown parlor whose phone greeting — “Congratulations! You’ve just called Pizza Brain!” — seems totally warranted.”

We’re flattered, honored and excited to be a part Philly’s food & drink conversation. To end 2012 in such a way is, needless to say, encouraging. Here’s to the adventurous new year that lies ahead!

XOXO, TEAM PIZZA BRAIN

In this December’s issue of Philadelphia Magazine, the cover story reads, ‘Why We Love Philly: The traditions, oddities, foods, sounds, landmarks and characters that make us deliriously happy to call this place our own.‘  The issue then proceeds to list the Philly 76.

We’re pleased to announce that we made it onto said list, right at no. 64.

“A city is characterized by its people—its celebrities and politicians, its businessfolk and proletarian masses. And also by its weirdos: the freaks, the iconoclasts, those who rise above the daily clamor simply by the volume of their crazy…”

To be officially grouped into the weirdos, freaks, iconoclasts category by Philly’s no. 1 magazine is a huge honor – and to be ranked higher than ‘rowhomes’ and the ‘Broad Street Run’? Dang. Finally. Take that, rowhomes!

“…you’ve got the set for a sitcom that could only happen on the border where Kensington meets Fishtown.”

In a very exciting turn of events, our thee-month-old business just got a big write up from Philly food maharishi Craig Laban in last Sunday’s Philadelphia Inquirer. Craig awarded us a very positive ‘TWO BELLS – VERY GOOD‘, while also giving huge nods to our best buddies and neighbors Little Baby’s Ice Cream,

To receive this type of introduction to the Philadelphia food elite, and at such an early stage in the game, is humbling to say the least. The positive observations and constructive feedback are more than welcomed. Here’s to building off it and continuing to refine our process as we grow.

xoxo, team pizza brain.

But even so, we are very sincerely all of those things. Isaiah began work in the backyard after a simple proposition was put forth, and some pizza and ice cream was eaten. Within just a week or so, some beautiful things started to happen.

Since the very start of this project, we envisioned pizza brain to be a nexus for creative people from all over this beautiful city to grow, converse and create together. As we approach our third month of business, it’s wonderful to already see it happening in it’s own way.

Every so often, a journalist comes along and writes an article that completely restores our faith in the medium of writing; like a bright ray of light through a cloudy sky – sort of light Mary Poppins. Recently, writer and art brain Steph Mantis wrote an article for the Museum of Art & Design blog in New York about our grand opening this past September. We highly suggest you read it, and take note of what it feels like to read an article by someone who is actually experiences something firsthand.

It’s rather refreshing to see, compared to the cut-and-paste writing that so many journalists phone-in these days. A shame, truly – but all the more refreshing when the opposite happens.

xoxo, team pizza brain

He’ll be selling some new pizza designs & stickers, as well as posting up hard and putting out tasty pizza vibes to all you boys & girls. Get with it. And read more about his art here.

In addition to that, local illustration wizard maharishi Hawk Krall will be unveiling the ‘Philly Pizzalebrity Wall of Fame‘ tnight in our very own back courtyard! This is Hawk’s first mural. Wowzers! Hands-down the most impressive Philadelphia tribute you’re likely to see this side of the Schuylkill.

You can read about Hawk’s other awesome art projects and love for hot dogs here. Add some pizza and ice cream to the mix, plus the christening of our brand new parklet out front, and bam! you’ve got yourself an old fashioned mind fudge. Truly, too many kinds of awesome to fully comprehend. See you tnight Pizzadelphia! xoxo, team pizza brain

We’re honored to share that Thrillist Philly just announced us as their no.4 draft pick in September’s ‘Best of the Best’ category; sandwiched comfortably between The Mildred and Angry Birds: Eagles Edition no less. We are undoubtedly thrilled, to say the least.

In a shocking turn of events, jeopardy tweeted about us for their ‘question of the day’ on Wednesday. yep. jeopardy.

So just how many levels are we from the almighty Trebek? Who knows. Maybe like 1. Unless a monkey robot runs the jeopardy twitter account – then it’s about 3. Either way, we can now call it quits from the pizza museum/restaurant game and die happy. Yo trivial pursuit – where youse at?!

Next stop, the moon! xoxo, team pizza brain

xoxo, team pizza brain

Hey Pizzadelphia, ZA – Check us out on CBS3 morning news!

hey everybody, over 1,000 people have confirmed on our pizza party invitation! we’ve been really busy getting ready for what is sure to be the PIZZA PARTY OF THE CENTURY. Pretty soon we’ll be posting our menu and store hours so it’s available for online viewing. In the meantime, come on down to our shop at 2313 Frankford Ave, Pizzadelphia, ZA and check it out in person!

PIZZA LOVING CITIZENS OF EARTH! LET’S PARTY!

After a tedious, arduous but absolutely worthwhile journey, the nation’s first pizza museum is finally opening it’s doors to the public. It’s all happening at 5pm on Friday, September 7th, 2012. There will be lots of fun things going on (including a ribbon cutting ceremony just before the doors open), and a limited menu served that weekend (just pizza by the slice for the moment). Be sure to check out all the sauce’some details right here. Let’s make pizza history together!

xoxo, team pizza brain

The kind folks at the today show recently did an interview with us. Again, we can’t stress enough how funny it is that all this press is happening before we’ve opened. Perhaps it’s just a blatant testament to the simple fact that the entire universe loves pizza. We do too, oddly enough, and can’t wait to share that love with the world in just a few short weeks. See you then pizza heads!

Pizza Brain – the museum/restaurant that TIME magazine has deemed “not yet open!” Yes, today we are featured on TIME magazine’s newsfeed. Check out the full interview here, folks. After lots of attention, we feel this is one of the first articles that really taps into the group effort that this project has truly been. Aces!

Yesterday team pizza brain had the pleasure of doing a live interview via facetime with the nice folks of Good Morning Sacramento. Yes, you read right. We did a live interview on morning television right from the comfort of our friend’s basement. You can watch the whole interview in it’s entirety right here.

It’s strange to us that we live in a world where something like this is even possible. Welcome to the future of pizza tech everybody. See youse all real soon.

There are many things out there to consider. As of yesterday, National Public Radio found us worthy of considering. We’re flabbergasted and grateful for such things. Indeed, being featured on such a program is a proud, joyous moment for the pizza brain family. Now all we have to do is get the doors open! Which, by the by, we sincerely believe we’ll be doing by August. In the mean time, here’s the full radio spot from yesterday’s show for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

PS – Our good buddies and nextdoor neighbors Little Baby’s Ice Cream will be opening their world headquarters on August 3rd! Act like you know.

See you all very soon!

It’s like a radio signal broadcasting directly from our pizza brain to your eyes.The free-form, stream-of-consciousness nature of it really makes sense when paired with the boundless reach of pizza culture. It’s a total match made in pizza heaven, if you ask us. In fact, if there were a pizza heaven, we’re pretty sure it would look exactly like our tumblr page. Or maybe it’s pizza hell. You be the judge.

When we started out over a month ago, we never could have guessed that so many amazing, generous people would step forward to help make Pizza Brain a real thing. By the end, we raised a total of $16,587! Wow. Such selflessness makes our brains hurt and our hearts ache.

Now the real work begins: getting the doors open! Until then, stay tuned for more updates as we get closer and closer to opening day.

xoxo, team pizza brain

So what to do in the final hours?

Here’s a thought: If you have any aunts, uncles, cousins, pep-peps, step-peppers, grandchildren, great uncles, grandparents, guidance counselors, friends, enemies, parole officers, and/or oil refinery tycoons out there who might want to help us build our museum…well now’s the perfect time to tell them about this project!

If they have any doubts, just show them the following video. There won’t be a dry eye in the house – maybe.

PLAY BALL! ~ team pizza brain

We feel very loved.

Now, we’d like to continue this update by cluing you in on a little known fact:

When our campaign ends on April 1st – in 4 days – 10% of the donations you’ve given to pizza brain will go directly to kickstarter and amazon. This makes total sense of course, because that’s one of the primary ways they sustain their own businesses – but it’s just another reason why continuing to spread the word is important to us.

As of this post, we’re at $15,638 (which is wonderful), and if we can raise an additional $1,000 in the next 3 days, we’ll actually receive the full $15,000. Moreover, whatever we can raise on top of that will go toward much needed structural improvements to our 19th century storefront.

What your generosity has funded for us so far:

lighting (external and interior)

monitors for the museum

furnishings (handmade tables, chairs, etc.)

cabinetry and shelving (for museum pieces)

the ability to construct a digital museum archive database

What additional funds raised in the next 3 days will help cover:

kickstarter costs

structural improvements (facade work, new flooring)

new plumbing

new electrical system

HVAC (heating, venting & air conditioning)

Every extra dollar raised beyond our goal will be applied toward kickstarter costs and, once those are covered, structural and system improvements to the building itself. Your continued donations will further fund all items needed to help get the doors of the museum open.

Keep spreading the word. We would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks for reading everyone.

~ team pizza brain

WATCH VIDEO HERE

With just 6 days left to go, we feel inspired to keep telling you our story. Hopefully it inspires you to keep spreading the word about our campaign! Friends sending friends sending friends this information is the best thing ever.

While we’ve many more unfunded items to fund, your continued support is heartening and makes us feel like like we just won something very significant.

The fact that 285 individuals have donated thus far to our cause humbles us beyond belief. We wish we could round up each and every one of you to give out the the biggest, most super heartfelt group hug of all time.

Doesn’t Mike look exceptionally good-looking on camera? We happen to think so.

And in other Pizza news, we’re just under the two week mark for our kickstarter campaign! Time to kick things to the next level. In that spirit, we just released this in-depth explanation as to what, exactly, we plan to do with the $15,000 should we successfully raise it.

As of this post, 529 people have liked our kickstarter page. Only 209 have dough-nated. Help fill in the gaps, pizza family. If the remaining 320 people gave just $12 measly dollars, we’d be 100% funded! 

Dough the right thing er’body! Let’s bring it home.

A. It’s the world’s first pizza museum – with an artisan pizzeria attached.

It’s also home to the world’s largest collection of pizza-memorabilia (as certified by Guinness Records).

It’s also right next door to Little Baby’s Ice Cream World Headquarters.

But more importantly, it’s a community-driven business; a pizza shop with a conscience – meaning we strive to do things in a socially, ethically and environmentally responsible fashion. To find out exactly what we mean by this, feel free to contact us or stop in for a visit. Our shop is located at 2313-2311 Frankford Avenue, Pizzadelphia, ZA 19125. We generally enjoy conversing.

From the industrial revolution through World War II, Philadelphia generated the lion’s share of the nation’s industrial output. At that time, greater Kensington was among the most important neighborhoods in America. It’s scores of factories employed thousands and its businesses were a veritable who’s who of American production.  This is the proud history of the neighborhood Pizza Brain calls home.

Yet, Kensington and particularly lower Frankford Avenue was largely void of businesses by the 1980s.  Although nearly 30,000 people live nearby today, the effects of years of flight and abandonment on our business district are only now just beginning to abate.

So, while the bustle of factory workers has long-since ebbed, the area is experiencing an active rebirth.

Artists and artisans are joining longtime residents in their commitment to building a new Kensington.  They are also aiming to achieve a different development aesthetic than “gentrification” typically serves up.

Artist communities, production collectives, urban farms and design studios are being built in the places where factories once operated.

Community organizations such as EKNA, FNA and the NKCDC have been instrumental in declaring lower Frankford Avenue the Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor. In just a few years, several new galleries and cafes have opened.

Restaurants have opened, too.

…some even getting nods from the food network.

And word on the street is, a certain food museum is being built.

Regenerative renewal. That’s a phrase Pizza Brain would use to describe what’s going on right now in Kensington – and we like it. Circle of Hope, our faith-based community, likes it and lives it just a few doors down from us.

Their thrift store, Circle Thrift, provides affordable housewares, baby goods and clothes for surrounding residents. On top of that, 20% of their profits go out the door to help fund other regenerative, positive projects around the world.

We think there’s a lot to borrow from this idea.

Some might struggle to find the connection between a neighborhood, a pizza shop and regeneration. But it’s not that much of a stretch. We love pizza because it’s inherently communal. It makes people happy. When you get right down to it, we’re just facilitating the sharing of this happiness. We’re building a space that takes the American pizza experience back to it’s roots – creating a place where life is celebrated and friends, family and strangers can connect. Increasing the piece, so to speak.

And all this can occur because of a thing so simple, so ubiquitous as pizza.

* To the 181 individuals who have doughnated to our kickstarter page thus far, you have our sincerest thanks. Keep spreading the word! We’re 66% funded as of this post.

Earlier today, Pizza Brain’s youngest known philanthropist ‘Olivia’ gave $4 of her hard-earned allowance toward our kickstarter campaign.

So, yeah, we’re just going to go ahead and let our hearts explode out of our chests now. Ouch.

Thanks to her (and like-minded, pizza-supporting humans like her) we’ve raised an astounding $9415.00 as if this post. That’s 62% of our goal! And we’re only into day 12 of our campaign.

Not sure if you know about things being ‘totally bonkers’, but this is one of those things.

Can we reach $10,000 by Monday? Give what you can, tell your friends and enemies to do the same, and let’s find out.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Thanks to old man winter being a total wimp this year, productivity has been going at a wonderfully satisfactory rate. Needless to say, a lot has happened in the past few days (not to mention we’re 42% funded on kickstarter as of this blog post).

The entire pizza brain crew could really go for a good ol’ fashioned croosh slice crush sesh right about now. it’d be totes perf.

who’s buyin?!

Perhaps pizza brain will someday be a crazy tourist attraction. If so, we better start designing those custom-made postcards and fanny-packs we’ve been talking about.

In addition to that wildness, yesterday Brian was voted ‘the #3 redhead in Philadelphia‘ by Philebrity.com. His pale, white ginger cheeks have been blushing ever since.

The past few days sure have been exciting and fun, but when you get right down to it, the most enjoyable part is trying to open a community-minded pizzeria for the city we love so much. But the only way to do that is to raise the rest of our $15,000 goal on kickstarter.

So help us do it by continuing to spread the word – and by dough-nating, of course.

FACT: If every person who has ‘liked’ our kickstarter page so far (342 folks) decided today to give $30, we would be 100% funded.

So let’s do this. For pizza’s sake!

* being Friday’s lead food story in the Huffington Post

* receiving multiple follow-up articles in media outlets across the US from local NPR and Fox affiliates, to blogs like Uwishunu, Slice & ArtInfo

*ranking amongst the most popular new kickstarter campaigns

*attracting attention from donors around the country

Much was written about our efforts to create the world’s first pizza museum and restaurant. As of today, we’ve received pledges totaling just over 30% of our goal – and only 6 days into the campaign!

Over the next several days, we’ll update you on our progress.  We’re also going to share more about what we mean by being a community-driven, socially-minded pizzeria. As we enter into the critical phase of our fundraising efforts, after the initial attention abates, we’re going to need your help to tell others the full Pizza Brain story.  So stay tuned!

In the meantime, keep spreading the word on our campaign. If you have any money you’d like to dough-nate, we’ll graciously accept it.

We’d like to leave you with a quote from the comments section of the Huffington Post article left by a reader named Sighcology. He writes:

“This is not just about a collection of pizza memorabilia, but also about urban renewal and community. These creative entrepreneurs/artists understand the importance of form leading function. Much like Steve Jobs in his garage—-They are going to do more for the Fishtown community than any dominoes or chain could ever do.”

Thanks Sighcology, we feel the same – and are excited about the greater mission of Pizza Brain.  We’re sure as you learn more, you will be too.

Keep increasing the piece guys.

Love, us

To quoth the late great Ray Arnold…

All this love and support has astounded and confounded us.

Stay tuned, because all this attention has inspired us to tell you a bit more of our story – a story about who we are and what we’re really excited about accomplishing with this whole project (aside from the obvious ‘pizza museum’ aspect).

More details about us coming soon. In the meantime, google ‘pizza museum’ and have fun sorting through the mess!

And the icing on the cake for today’s post? Our kickstarter is getting a lot of super-posi support. We even made it onto the ‘popular this week’ category on kickstarter.com’s projects page.

Pizza is popular. Who knew?!

Being closer than ever to opening our doors this coming spring/summer, we thought it’d be a good idea to ask you, the good and supportive pizza citizens of the world, to help us raise money to finish building the place. So without further ado, here’s how to get involved:

Enjoy the video, peruse the rewards (especially the one where we give you a group hug. or the one with free pizza for a year. or the one where we give you a locket containing locks of our hair), and show your support via physically manifesting digital dollars into our project and then spreading the word to every living soul you come in contact with.

You heart pizza. We heart you. Let’s heart pizza brain together.

Increase the Piece,

XOXO team pizza brain