Nick is the President/Founder of Caliente Pizza & Draft House. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he opened his first location in fall of 2012 and has grown quickly to his 5 current locations. He started in the industry as a delivery driver in 1996 and fell in love with the team atmosphere and high energy that the pizza business provides. He worked his way through many levels of corporate chain Pizza Company’s always having his eye set on opening his own independent stores. He learned corporate structures and procedures and business financial systems that have helped him to build his company so fast. Nick loves the freedom an independent operation provides for company decision making. He is a motivating leader and team builder and has grown his company to over 150 employees through leading by example.
Caliente and his team members have won numerous awards in the industry including World Championships at the Pizza Expo in 2016, 2017 & 2018. He is also a part of the International Pizza Expo’s family of speakers.
Nick was successful in bringing together pizza and craft beer within his company. Each of his restaurants boast over 24 taps and a bottle selection of over 150 beers. His stores specialize in hard to source craft beers from across the country and around the world. He has also taken a unique approach to craft beer by setting up collaboration brew’s with brewery’s. Nick and his team go to brewery’s where they brew special recipe beers to be served at his locations. He has collaborated with local breweries and world class breweries across the country.
Nick’s goals in the Pizza Industry continue to be met by being committed to excellence with focus and positive vibes. His wife Angie has been his biggest supporter and proud to be a Pizza Wife for Life. His teen aged kids have grown up in the industry and have taken a keen interest in the business. When not in the grind and every day hustle that he craves, he enjoys good quality fun and relaxing with his family.