pi00a is an award-winning gourmet frozen pizza company crafting authentic Neapolitan pizzas, from classic Italian to layered Asian-inspired flavors. Founded by Russ and Melody, lifelong foodies and entrepreneurs who are Deaf, pi00a (pronounced pie-oh-ah) was built with intention from the very first dough.
Differing from the larger, sturdier New York slice, Neapolitan pizza is a study in restraint and craft. It’s personal-sized and unsliced, designed to be eaten hot and fresh. The crust is thin and tender in the center, finished with a soft, pillowy rim bubbled with blistered char. Every element matters: fewer ingredients, carefully chosen.
That devotion to authenticity took Melody all the way to Italy. With her mother translating at her side, she enrolled in private culinary classes to master traditional Neapolitan technique firsthand. Even the name pi00a nods to that journey, referencing the ultra-fine “00” flour imported from Italy and essential to a true Neapolitan crust.
pi00a lets you enjoy artisanal quality without the wait. Traditional favorites like Margherita and Quattro Formaggi and Asian-inspired Eggplant Miso are as effortless as they are delicious. Each handcrafted pizza cooks straight from frozen in just 10 minutes.
At its heart, pi00a is about more than pizza. With unemployment affecting more than half of the Deaf community, Russ and Melody built their business as a platform for access, equity, and meaningful work. Engaging their hearing and speaking children, Taysia and Rylan, has only strengthened their belief: inclusive, Deaf-accessible workplaces don’t just function…they flourish.
Recently, we caught up with Melody to learn more about her family’s journey and hear their advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start pi00a?
pi00a began with a simple idea: to combine the craft of true Neapolitan pizza with the bold, comforting flavors we grew up with in Asian cuisine. My family and I wanted to bring something truly new to the frozen aisle: premium, handcrafted, globally inspired pizzas made with real Italian ingredients and techniques. But there was another purpose behind pi00a: creating meaningful employment opportunities for the Deaf community. As a Deaf- and CODA-owned business, we know the barriers Deaf individuals face in the workforce. pi00a is our way of showing what Deaf talent can do and building a company that reflects our values.
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
Building pi00a has involved many challenges, including perfecting a Neapolitan pizza that freezes and bakes beautifully, scaling production with a small team, and raising funds for the business. As a Deaf founder, accessibility is a constant layer in every meeting, partnership, or vendor conversation. We’ve had to advocate for ourselves and educate others along the way. But every obstacle has made us more resilient and more committed to our mission.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Stay focused. There will always be unexpected challenges. Keep your eyes on the mission and the long-term vision. Advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for resources, support, or accommodations.
4. What's on the horizon for pi00a?
We’re focused on expanding into more retailers on both coasts. We’re also refining our operations, strengthening distribution, and building strategic partnerships to scale responsibly. And of course, we’re continuing to innovate. New globally inspired pizza flavors are already in development.
5. How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
Work/life balance is always a challenge as a founder, but I try to make more time for myself and my family. What drives me is our mission. Seeing Deaf employees gain skills, confidence, and opportunities inspires me every day. And seeing customers light up when they try our pizzas reminds me why we started. pi00a is more than a product; we want to send a message that Deaf people are talented and capable, and we’re proud to share that with the world.
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