&pizza CEO Michael Lastoria Speaks with Students

In October, Georgetown McDonough’s Undergraduate Office of Professional Development brought together 45 undergraduate students and Michael Lastoria, president and CEO of one of D.C.’s fastest growing boutique pizza chains, &pizza. Lastoria discussed the motives and processes behind his renowned pizza, including sharing advice on growing startups and staying true to one’s mission statement.

Lastoria also talked about how &pizza has combined its branding and food services since the company’s inception. &pizza’s stylistic clothing line lends itself to be another facet of their marketing and fosters company interest outside its restaurants. He also stressed the importance of staying true to one’s ethics in the face of tough decisions, as well as what it means to live and breathe one’s corporation twenty-four hours a day.