New Chicago Pizza Eatery Opens in Chicago’s Historic Bronzeville Neighborhood

Feb. 22, 2011 - PRLog -- CHICAGO (February 16, 2011)—Motivated by a passion for entrepreneurism and inspired by a void in the fresh fast food industry, Tanya Durr left a good job in corporate America, liquidated her assets and launched Graffiti Pizza which serves a customizable, 10-inch, individual-size, made-to-order pizza.

Tanya reflects the growing trend in the Black community of entrepreneurism. Black-owned businesses in Chicago metropolitan area jumped 57.8 percent to 101,586 from 2002 to 2007, more than triple the growth rate of all U.S. businesses, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released recently.

Graffiti Pizza, located 700 E. 47th. St in Chicago in the heart of Bronzeville, or as Tanya calls it Obamaville, stands out as one of the most unique businesses recently launched.

“It’s simple and fun. First, you choose your meat, and unlimited vegetable toppings, and next you just sit back and watch as we create your delicious work of art,” said Tanya who has a friendly personality born from a love of people and people handling skills learned from years in the food service industry as a server and bartender. They also offer wraps and salads as well.

The restaurant’s décor includes bright colored 80s style graffiti artwork complete with boom boxes, joy sticks, and two walls covered in chalk paint that allows both children and adults to create their own artwork.

A lifelong resident of Chicago’s historic Bronzeville community Tanya wanted to provide a quick and great tasting alternative in a community that does not have many healthy alternatives.

“I was a fan of Subway and Chipotle because they do serve fresh food. I knew I wanted more fast food alternatives and my customers appreciate that we make their food right in front of them. And if they choose, we offer delivery service as well,” said Tanya.

Without a huge marketing budget, Tanya is enjoying a steady growth of repeat customers and she is using the internet to make a splash. She has an engaging welcome video and commercial on YouTube that is feature prominently on her Graffiti Pizza Facebook page.

Both videos can be view at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Graffiti-Pizza/119513218108...

“We have been getting great feedback from people online via Facebook. Lots of people see the welcome video and our commercial on Facebook and it’s motivating them to come in and try us. We also use that page to inform people of our deals and we post pictures as well. It’s fun to get instant response from people posting pics of their pizza right before they eat it,” said Tanya.

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