Remember my post about Punch Pizza in Highland Park where I blather on about how I was denied permission to take photos of their oven? Perhaps you saw the thread on Flickr regarding the same thing?
Well, Punch co-owner John Puckett emailed me on Monday to let me know that they’re changing their policy in a big way. Today they’re launching a photography contest. Here’s how it works: take photos at Punch, submit them and win a $500 gift certificate. How fun is that? They’ve got about $3000 worth of prizes. I think this is a pretty smart move on their behalf.
Alex Eaton and I decided to stop by, have some pizza and take a photo of the oven. I had the Margherita prepared D.O.C. which was very good. Alex had the Quattro Formaggi and really enjoyed it. He brought up how much he loved the crust a few times. Service was prompt and it only took about 5-7 minutes for us to get seated.
After eating, I went up to the oven and asked if I could take a photo. They resounded immediately with an “absolutely!” After taking a couple quick shots they asked how my pizza was and I told them it was fantastic.
Anyway, check out the photo contest. Right now, looking at everyone who’s submitted entries, it seems like your chances of winning are extremely high.
Disclaimer: I’m in no way affiliated with Punch Pizza, this promotion nor have I received any type of kickback or compensation regarding this. I figured if they’re going to go out of their way to change their photography policy based off blog buzz and my comments, I have no problem helping them spread the word about that.
Comments 10
bravo to Punch for turning a stupid policy into a brilliant marketing move. I haven’t been there in awhile and this def. makes me want to walk in the door with my appetite + camera.
Posted 17 Jan 2008 at 07:45 ¶This is such a great idea and a beautiful cluetrainesque marketing move on Punch’s part. I love it when a business “gets it.”
I am a Pizza lover but I am embarrassed to say that I have not visited Punch even though I’ve only heard good things. I’ve got a Luce down the block, a Davanni’s around the corner and I make my own. But Punch, I will be coming over now, sampling your pizza, and taking pictures. Keep the oven hot, OK?
Posted 17 Jan 2008 at 07:46 ¶I’m sure I could google it but what is D.O.C? I’ve never been to Punch pizza so maybe it will be a good way to spend one of my off days for lunch.
Posted 17 Jan 2008 at 09:30 ¶Scott-
D.O.C., or Denominazione di origine controllata, is an Italian government set of standards, primarily for wine. For pizza, it boils down to standards on how it’s prepared and specifically what ingredients must be used. I believe that there are three types of pizza that have D.O.C. standards but I am not sure how strictly Punch adheres to them. I need to learn more about it but there isn’t much information in English that I’ve found. There’s a tiny bit on Punch’s Menu about it. 2AMYS Pizza in Washington has a blurb on it as well.
Posted 17 Jan 2008 at 09:37 ¶Bravo. I’m glad they jumped the photo bandwagon. This can only help them in the long run.
Posted 17 Jan 2008 at 10:21 ¶It’s great to see them highlight - rather than hide - their differentiator.
I think one big benefit for Punch will be building a closer relationship between customers and employees. That’s powerful stuff.
Posted 17 Jan 2008 at 10:33 ¶they’re still jerks for moving in down the block from Pizza Nea. I’ll never eat there.
Posted 18 Jan 2008 at 12:00 ¶I could give you a long list of places around town that I have been thrown out of when I asked to take pictures. Not unusual at all.
Posted 18 Jan 2008 at 18:30 ¶Good post Aaron. That’s a nice photo. I’d say you have a very good shot right now.
Posted 21 Jan 2008 at 13:14 ¶Robin- I won’t disagree.
Teresa- Interesting. I’ve never had much of a problem.
Black- I’d like to say that’s a compliment but there’s only a couple people that have submitted so far. I haven’t started trying yet!
Posted 21 Jan 2008 at 13:37 ¶Trackbacks & Pingbacks 4
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[...] I do love Punch Pizza, and love taking photos of food, so I’m all over this. Props to Aaron for inspiring [...]
Aaron Landry…
We chose Aaron’s photo of our Margherita DOC as a finalist in the Punch Pizzas category. However, more importantly to us, we want to thank him for his helpful critique (or blast) of our outdated no-photo policy on his blog.
……
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