What's Happening?
The Chocolate Pizza Co., a sweets shop based in Marcellus, New York, experienced a significant surge in online orders after being featured on ABC World News Tonight. The shop, known for its unique chocolate
pizzas and peanut butter wings, was highlighted in the 'Made in America' series, which showcases small U.S. companies. Following the broadcast, the shop's website was overwhelmed with traffic, temporarily crashing due to the influx of visitors. Owner Ryan Novak reported receiving 500 orders through Amazon within two hours of the feature airing. The shop, which typically sees a holiday rush, was on track to receive 1,000 orders in a single night, surpassing normal holiday sales.
Why It's Important?
The feature on ABC News highlights the impact of national media exposure on small businesses, demonstrating how such coverage can significantly boost sales and brand recognition. For small businesses like the Chocolate Pizza Co., this kind of exposure can lead to increased demand and potential growth opportunities. The surge in orders also underscores the importance of digital infrastructure for businesses, as the website's temporary crash indicates the need for robust systems to handle sudden spikes in traffic. This event illustrates the potential for media features to transform business operations and market reach, particularly for niche products.
What's Next?
Following the surge in orders, the Chocolate Pizza Co. has temporarily halted new online orders to manage production and shipping capacities. The company plans to reopen its website for orders after January 5th, 2026. This pause allows the business to fulfill existing orders and prepare for future demand. The shop's experience may encourage other small businesses to seek similar media opportunities to boost their visibility and sales. Additionally, the company may consider enhancing its digital infrastructure to better handle future spikes in online traffic.
