Company: Mattenga's Pizzeria
Company Description: Mattenga's Pizzeria, founded by Matt and Hengam Stanfield in 2014, has been voted Best Pizza in San Antonio for two consecutive years. With 8 units, they are renowned for Texas hospitality and Southwestern flavors like smoked BBQ pizza! Heavily involved in the community, they have received the Small Business of the Year award for three consecutive years.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Products –11 to 2,500 Employees
 Nomination Title: Hengameh Stanfield
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2022 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
A video of up to five (5) minutes
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
Link to Hengam Stanfields Youtube Video:
https://youtu.be/GBX4hhedlJo
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 184 words used.
Hengameh Stanfield's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. An Iranian immigrant, she came to the USA to complete her electrical engineering degree.
After meeting her husband Matt and having their first child, they decided to follow their passion for serving people by opening a pizzeria in San Antonio, Texas. With no prior restaurant experience, they founded Mattenga's Pizzeria in 2014.
Over the past decade, Hengam's leadership has transformed Mattenga's into a local sensation, now boasting eight locations and employing 120 staff members. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Small Business of the Year for three consecutive years, and Best Pizza in San Antonio for 2023 and 2024.
Mattenga's Pizzeria has also been recognized nationally, ranking #37 on the Top Pizzeria Movers and Shakers list by Pizza Marketplace and being named the 3rd Fastest Growing Small Business in San Antonio in 2023. Hengam's commitment to community service, donating over $25,000 to military families and over 3,000 pizzas annually to local schools, first responders, and nonprofits, exemplifies her passion for giving back.
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 222 words used.
Since July 1, 2022, Hengameh Stanfield has continued to set new benchmarks for success and community impact.
Under her leadership, Mattenga's Pizzeria was honored as the Best Pizza in San Antonio for the second consecutive year in 2023 and ranked #37 on the national list of Top Pizzeria Movers and Shakers by Pizza Marketplace.
The business was also named the 3rd Fastest Growing Small Business in San Antonio in 2023. Hengam has made multiple appearances on local TV, further solidifying her brand's reputation.
Her unwavering commitment to community service is evident, with over $25,000 donated to military families and more than 3,000 pizzas given annually to local schools, first responders, and nonprofits. Hengam's innovative strategies and tenacious spirit have driven significant growth, increasing weekly sales from $85,000 in July 2021 to $120,000 since.
Remarkably, during the pandemic, Mattenga's Pizzeria achieved a 20% growth in sales, showcasing Hengam's ability to navigate and thrive in challenging times. As a mother of four, Hengam balances her family life with her professional ambitions, serving as an inspiring example of what's possible through resilience and determination.
Her "Making Dough Show" podcast, now with over 200 episodes, continues to support and inspire fellow restaurant owners, earning her features in Women in Pizza and a cover story in PMQ National Pizza Magazine in June 2024.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 180 words used.
Hengameh Stanfield's achievements are extraordinary, highlighting her resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Her journey from an Iranian immigrant and electrical engineer to a celebrated entrepreneur in the competitive restaurant industry is unique.
While many businesses struggled to survive during the pandemic, Hengam led Mattenga's Pizzeria to a 20% growth in sales, demonstrating her strategic acumen and adaptability.
Compared to others in the industry, Hengam's recognition as #37 on the national list of Top Pizzeria Movers and Shakers and being named the 3rd Fastest Growing Small Business in San Antonio underscores her exceptional performance.
Her ability to balance running a successful business with being a mother of four further sets her apart, showing that with determination and resilience, it is possible to achieve remarkable success.
Hengam's extensive community service efforts, contributing over $25,000 to military families and donating thousands of pizzas annually, highlight her commitment to making a positive impact beyond business metrics. Her achievements serve as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished through hard work, innovation, and a deep commitment to community and family.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 227 words used.
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Best Pizza in San Antonio Awards (2023, 2024). https://www.sacurrent.com/best-of/2023/food-and-drink/best-pizza-32250185
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PMQ Magazine Cover Story June 2024 https://issuu.com/wtwhmedia/docs/pmq-junejuly-book
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Female Entrepreneurs Share Their Stories of Facing Crises
https://herforward.com/female-entrepreneurs-share-their-stories-of-facing-crises/
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Inclusion in the Top 35 Pizzerias to Watch by National Pizza Today Magazine. https://pizzatoday.com/topics/people-pizzerias/35-pizzerias-to-watch-in-2024/
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Mattenga’s Pizzeria Announces Winning ‘Best Pizza in San Antonio 2023’ by SA Current Readers https://herforward.com/press-release/mattengas-pizzeria-announces-winning-best-pizza-in-san-antonio-2023-by-sa-current-readers/
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Mattenga's Pizzeria crowned as San Antonio's best, leaves mark on community with charitable deeds
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/mattengas-pizzeria-crowned-as-san-antonios-best-leaves-mark-on-community-with-charitable-deeds-restaurant-readers-choice-food-eating-culture
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Ranking Certificate for #37 on the national list of Top Pizzeria Movers and Shakers by Pizza Marketplace. https://www.pizzamarketplace.com/resources/2024-pizza-marketplace-top-100-movers-shakers/
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Recognition as the 3rd Fastest Growing Small Business in San Antonio 2023. https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/subscriber-only/2023/12/08/fastest-growing-private-companies-under-12-million-in.html
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Mattenga’s Pizzeria grows to 6 units with tight operations https://www.pizzamarketplace.com/articles/mattengas-pizzeria-grows-to-6-units-with-tight-operations/
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PIE Awards: Best Advertising Campaign; Best Video Short; Pizza Company of the Year Southwest https://pizzatoday.com/topics/industry-news/announcing-the-pie-awards-winners/
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How Businesses Are Catering to Singles on Valentine's Day https://www.inc.com/sydney-sladovnik/how-businesses-are-catering-to-singles-on-valentines-day.html
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Feature article in Women in Pizza. https://www.instagram.com/womeninpizza/p/C77WBa8PGkp/
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Media Appearances: Links to local TV segments and articles featuring Mattenga's Pizzeria and Hengam's interviews.
Hengam's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@makingdoughshow/videos
Making Dough Show with over 500 videos to help fellow restaurant owners.
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