Should my pizza business name include 'pizza' or 'pie'?
'Pizza' is clearer for first-time customers and SEO. 'Pie' is more brandable but only works in markets where customers know 'pie = pizza' (Northeast US, parts of UK).
Can I name my pizzeria after myself?
Yes - Tony's, Sal's, Antonio's are pizza-classic and read authentic. Best with Italian-sounding first names. Less effective for chains planning expansion.
Are wood-fire / stone-oven references important in the name?
Yes if it's your core differentiator - 'Wood Fire', 'Stone', 'Forno' signal premium quality and justify $20+ pies. Skip if you're delivery/chain-style.
Can I use famous pizzeria names (Domino's, Papa John's) for inspiration?
No - all heavily trademarked. Even close variations get cease-and-desist letters from their legal teams.