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Philip Toth Turns Queens Backyard Experiment Into 10-inch Pizza Empire

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. ckyard-experiment-into-10-inch-pizza-empire.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 15:24 GMT by USA Today

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Summarized Article: “Philip Toth: The entrepreneurial instinct and steady leadership behind Queens Giant”

USA Today’s special‑contributor piece dives into the life, mindset, and business philosophy of Philip Toth, the visionary founder of Queens Giant—a local powerhouse that has taken the New York City food scene by storm. The article, published on December 16, 2025, is a portrait of a man whose instinct for spotting opportunities, coupled with a calm, steady hand at the helm, has turned a humble Queens‑based idea into a celebrated brand.

Early Roots and a Vision for Innovation

Toth’s story begins in the heart of Queens, where he grew up in a neighborhood that celebrated both diversity and entrepreneurship. The article traces his formative years, noting that he attended St. John's University, majoring in Business Administration, before briefly working in a tech startup that taught him the value of lean operations and data‑driven decision‑making.

“It was the tech world that taught me how to iterate fast,” Toth is quoted as saying in the piece. “But the food world taught me how to taste and refine.” This blend of tech‑savvy efficiency and culinary sensibility set the stage for what would become Queens Giant.

The article links to Toth’s LinkedIn profile and a short “about” page on the Queens Giant website. Those links give readers a more granular look at his earlier roles—including a stint as a product manager for a mobile app company—before he decided to pivot entirely to the food industry.

The Birth of Queens Giant

Queens Giant began as a backyard experiment in 2017, when Toth attempted to create a “giant” version of a classic New York slice—one that was both shareable and uniquely sized. The idea resonated quickly with friends and neighbors, prompting Toth to formalize the concept into a full‑time venture.

The article explains that the brand’s flagship product is a 10‑inch pizza that comes in a range of creative flavors, from “Queens Classic” (tomato, mozzarella, and basil) to “Spicy Caribbean” (jalapeño, mango, and pepper jack). Queens Giant is not just about size; it is also about local ingredients, artisanal dough, and a commitment to sustainability. Toth’s team sources cheese from a local dairy that uses free‑range cows, and the dough is fermented for 48 hours to achieve the ideal crust.

Queens Giant quickly moved from a pop‑up to a permanent storefront on 30th Avenue. The article notes that the first year sales surpassed $1.5 million, a figure that has only grown as the brand expanded to three locations across Queens and Brooklyn.

Leadership Philosophy: The “Steady Hand”

A major focus of the piece is Toth’s leadership style, described as “steady” rather than the typical “buzzword‑heavy” corporate hype. Rather than flaunting quarterly earnings, Toth is quoted as saying, “If I’m worried about the numbers, it’s because something isn’t working.” The article highlights his hands‑on approach: from the kitchen to the community outreach program that distributes free meals to homeless shelters during the winter months.

Toth’s steady leadership has fostered a culture of transparency and empowerment. Employees are encouraged to share ideas in weekly “town hall” meetings—an initiative that the article links to a short video on Queens Giant’s YouTube channel. According to staff, the result has been a series of innovations, including a new line of gluten‑free pizzas that debuted last year.

Impact on the Community and Beyond

Queens Giant’s influence extends far beyond the pizza aisle. The article underscores how the brand has become a local economic engine, employing over 100 people, many of whom are residents of Queens. Toth’s partnership with local farmers has created a mini‑food supply chain that supports small‑scale agriculture.

In addition to economic impact, Queens Giant is credited with boosting neighborhood pride. The article quotes a local resident who says, “Every time Queens Giant opens, it feels like we’re celebrating the diversity of our community.” The brand’s social media strategy—centered on community events, “Pizza Fridays” with live jazz, and collaborations with local artists—has helped cultivate a loyal fan base.

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Innovation

The article ends with a look to the future. Toth has announced plans to open a flagship location in Manhattan’s East Village and to launch a line of frozen pizza products for retail distribution across the Northeast. He also hints at exploring a “mobile kitchen” concept, allowing Queens Giant to serve food at festivals and corporate events.

While the expansion is ambitious, the article cautions that Toth’s steady approach will likely guide the growth trajectory. “Scaling is a delicate dance,” he notes. “I’ll never compromise on quality or community values, no matter how fast we grow.”

Key Takeaways

1. Entrepreneurial Instinct – Toth’s knack for spotting gaps in the market, paired with his tech‑savvy mindset, enabled him to launch a niche product that quickly captured consumer interest.

2. Steady Leadership – Unlike many startups that chase hype, Toth emphasizes a calm, transparent leadership style that empowers employees and prioritizes community.

3. Community Impact – Queens Giant is more than a pizza chain; it’s an economic catalyst and a cultural touchstone for Queens and beyond.

4. Future Growth – The brand’s expansion plans are ambitious but grounded in Toth’s core values, promising to bring the “giant” experience to a wider audience.

Through a blend of personal anecdotes, business metrics, and community voices, USA Today’s article paints a vivid portrait of Philip Toth—a man whose entrepreneurial instinct and steady leadership are reshaping not only the food industry but also the fabric of his neighborhood.