Doug Ames' Brooklyn Express Pizza is a local favorite in Irmo.
Doug Ames, owner of Brooklyn Express Pizza in Irmo, SC, is set to enhance the local culinary landscape with exciting new ventures, including an axe-throwing venue and a mobile pizza operation. Despite initial challenges, Doug’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas aim to bring both flavor and fun to the community. His experiences as a former minor league baseball player enrich his business journey, as he embraces risks to grow his culinary offerings.
In the charming town of Irmo, South Carolina, local business owner Doug Ames is taking the culinary scene by storm! Co-owning Brooklyn Express Pizza with his wife, Poppy, Doug is ready to step into new territory with a series of ambitious ventures that are set to bring some fun and flavor to the community.
Doug opened his first Brooklyn Express Pizza location in Irmo back in August 2024, while his second venture in the Vista area followed just two months later. Despite entering the food industry without prior experience, Doug has been making strides. With just 12 indoor seats, the Irmo spot primarily serves a take-out model, satisfying cravings for delicious pizza on the go.
While the Irmo pizzeria is thriving, the situation has been a bit more challenging for the Vista location, which has faced low foot traffic. However, the understanding landlord has been a supportive ally during this tricky time. On a brighter note, the catering side of the business has been a resounding success, helping to keep things on track despite the hurdles.
Many may not know that Doug was once a minor league baseball pitcher, drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers back in 1985. After spending years in Los Angeles, Doug returned to South Carolina nearly 23 years ago and took on life as a self-employed marketer and entrepreneur. His journey into the food world is yet another chapter in a book full of interesting moves!
But pizza isn’t the only thing on Doug’s mind! He’s preparing to launch a new concept called Chop House Axe Throwing Room of the Midlands, which is set to open in February 2025, right next door to the Irmo pizzeria. This exciting addition is designed to offer a thrilling experience for locals looking to try their hand at axe throwing. With hopes to connect with ESPN for professional events, Doug envisions a fun and energetic atmosphere where friends and families can enjoy some healthy competition!
Adding to his list of ventures, Doug has recently acquired a bright yellow food trailer for an innovative mobile pizza operation. This fun twist on pizza service will allow him to roll through local neighborhoods on weekdays and participate in events like Columbia’s Soda City Market on weekends. Doug’s motto is quite simple: if you can’t come to them, they will come to you!
When it comes to the journey so far, Doug has embraced the ups and downs that come with owning a restaurant. Despite facing challenges like the pandemic, his enthusiasm remains unshaken. He believes that taking risks is paramount in business ventures—if one idea doesn’t work, it’s all about moving on to the next!
In today’s world, Doug thinks that pizza is a pandemic-proof food concept, especially compared to more traditional sit-down dining options. He is excited to continue serving the local community with great food and experiences, proving that with a little grit and a lot of passion, anything is possible in the culinary world!
Stay tuned, Irmo! Doug Ames is just getting started, and there’s no telling what delicious adventures he has in store for you!
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