The Man Behind the Dough

Michael Vakneen's journey from real estate to pizza consulting and entrepreneurship is quite impressive. His ability to leverage his skills and experiences to not only launch successful ventures but also to help struggling operators and refresh established brands speaks volumes about his expertise in the industry.

His commitment to elevating the pizza experience with Truly Pizza in Dana Point, CA, and his Neo-Neapolitan style pizzeria in Las Vegas demonstrates his dedication to innovation and quality. Partnering with colleagues like John Arena and Chris Decker adds even more depth to his projects.

Moreover, his venture with his wife Joanna in The Hamsa Brand showcases their entrepreneurial spirit and passion for sharing their Moroccan heritage through food products. The success of their squeezable harissa hot sauce and marinade, along with their expansion into additional product lines and partnerships with distributors, highlights the appeal of their chef-quality condiments to home cooks and gourmet food enthusiasts alike.

It seems like Michael has found his niche in the culinary world, blending his business acumen with his passion for food to create exciting ventures and make a positive impact in the industry.

Accolades / Awards

• Top 50 Pizza list 2024: #42 Truly Pizza (Dana Point, CA)

• Top 50 Pizza list 2024: #45 Double Zero Pie & Pub (Las Vegas, NV)

• 2nd place World Non-traditional category 2024 IPE

• 1st place USA Non-traditional category 2024 IPE 

• 1st place World International Italian sandwich contest 2023 IPE

• 2nd place World Non-traditional category  2023 IPE

• 3rd place World Roman division 2023 PPNE 

• 2nd place World Non-traditional category 2022 IPE

• 1st place USA Non-traditional category 2022 IPE  

• Best Pizza Las Vegas Review Journal

• Thrillist Top Pizza in Las Vegas

• Eater Top Pizza in Las Vegas

• Vegas Weekly Top Pizza