1 week Ago
Pizza Florence is the brainchild of Harry Williams, 34, after he decided to turn his passion for pizza-making into a full-time job. When the Covid-pandemic hit, the dad-of-two realised his role in healthcare recruitment could quickly become redundant and “went down a rabbit hole” as he purchased and learned how to use a pizza oven. Soon after, he launched Pizza Florence - affectionately named after his youngest daughter - and purchased a small hut which he set up by the road at the former Wyevale Garden Centre in Eastwood Road, Rayleigh.
Now, he has thanked his “nucleus of loyal customers” and is “proud” to have kept his dream alive. He said: “I didn’t want to go back into the city and I wanted to get this business going, whatever it would look like and a few favours happened my way, and I found opportunities that could be good for trade. “I believe that if the product is good, it can be enjoyed anywhere and I am really blessed and fortunate that I had a nucleus of loyal customers, who have since become friends.
“When my daughter was born on remembrance day, which is why we called her Poppy, I had three weeks off and people were constantly asking ‘when are you back’.” The business operates as a takeaway with a twist, as it is collection only, allowing Harry to spare people the experience of waiting in the cold and rain for their pizza, when instead they can book ahead and get it at there own convenience. He added: “I am proud of where we are, I get asked what I think the future is and when you work in food people often say ‘I want a restaurant’, you could give me the keys and say you won’t have to pay and I wouldn’t do that.
“What I want for this business is different, it could be a food truck that is the future.” Among his highlights, Harry has worked weddings, on the HMS Wilton moored off Leigh and at various events around Essex. To order, search Pizza Florence on Facebook.
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