Pizza Rana and the Rise of Independent Hospitality in Blackpool : Conversations with Jack Fitzsimons from Pizza Rana

Nestled in the heart of Abingdon Street Market, Pizza Rana is bringing authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to Blackpool, one perfectly blistered crust at a time. This independent venture, led by Liam Galt, is part of a growing movement of small businesses transforming the town’s food scene.

But this is about more than just pizza. It’s about community, collaboration, and the power of independent hospitality businesses working together to create a unique and thriving food culture. In a town where chains have dominated, a new generation of food entrepreneurs is proving that passion, personality, and quality can win over even the most traditional of customers.  

“Pizza Rana offers Neapolitan-style pizza,” says Jack Fitzsimons, Kitchen Manager at Pizza Rana. “We're taking inspiration Naples itself, with a focus on high-quality ingredients, slow-fermented dough, and traditional techniques, our approach is all about authenticity and flavour. ”  

Neapolitan pizza is known for its thin, airy crust, slightly charred from the intense heat of the oven, and topped with simple yet flavourful ingredients. It’s a style that has gained popularity across the UK, but in Blackpool, it remains a relatively new and exciting offering.  

While there are a few other pizzerias in the area serving a similar style, Fitzsimons sees them not as rivals, but as part of a larger movement that is introducing Blackpool to higher-quality, authentic food experiences.  “How one person does pizza is drastically different to the next,” he explains. “Whilst it may look like all pizza is the same, there's so much more that goes into it. Ingredients, experience, equipment, it all goes hand in hand to creating an incredible final product."

Based in Abingdon Street Market, a recently renovated food hall that is becoming a hotspot for independent businesses. and is home to a mix of permanent food vendors and rotating pop-ups, offering everything from street food to coffee and happy hour cocktails. Unlike a traditional restaurant setting, where customers come in specifically for one type of food, the market environment introduces Pizza Rana’s pizzas to a constantly changing audience.  

“The biggest difference is that we have a flow of multiple demographics through the market daily,” says Fitzsimons. “So there are a lot of mixed opinions. The difference between what the market used to be and what it is now is astronomical. It used to be a traditional market, and now it’s a shopping and food destination. That means we have to introduce our style of pizza to those who might not be familiar with a Neapolitan style.”  

This evolving food scene is part of a broader change happening in Blackpool. Once known primarily for pub food and fast food chains, the town is now seeing more independent food businesses bringing unique and high-quality offerings.  

One of the most remarkable aspects of Abingdon Street Market is the strong sense of community among the independent vendors.  “At first, it was like the first day of high school,” Fitzsimons recalls. “No one really knew each other, and we didn’t know if we were competing or working together. But now, nearly two years later, we’re good friends and we support each other. We’ve realised that we all offer something different, and by working together, we create an environment that’s good for all of us.”  

This spirit of collaboration extends beyond just the permanent vendors. With the introduction of pop-up food traders, Pizza Rana and others in the market are welcoming newcomers into the fold.  

“If you step into this market as a pop-up vendor now, you’re welcomed into a community rather than a competition,” Fitzsimons says. “We know what it’s like to be new here, so we make sure to support and uplift each other.”  

This ethos of independents supporting independents is a stark contrast to the corporate hospitality world, where large chains often operate without personal connections to the community.  “Community over competition is absolutely essential,” Fitzsimons adds. “It’s what gives us individuality versus a big, faceless brand. Customers trust us because they know who we are, what we stand for, and that we genuinely care.”  

Blackpool’s hospitality landscape is evolving, and independent businesses are leading the charge. While the town has traditionally been known for its old-school, familiar food options, there’s a growing appetite for something new and exciting.  

“Alot of people in Blackpool are very traditional,” Fitzsimons acknowledges. “That’s great in many ways, but sometimes it can mean change is slow. What we’re doing at the market is helping people see that new food experiences can be just as enjoyable as the familiar ones.”  

One of the biggest challenges for independent businesses in Blackpool is the lack of local support and training.  “There isn’t enough local training or business education for hospitality entrepreneurs,” Fitzsimons notes. “Sure, you can go online and find a business coach, but that’s not personal enough. Blackpool’s hospitality scene is unique, and what works in other cities doesn’t always apply here. What we need is face-to-face mentorship and real community support.”  

Despite these challenges, there’s a sense of optimism about the future. With new developments, such as Blackpool’s upcoming multi-versity, there’s hope that the town will attract a younger, more diverse crowd—something that could help fuel more independent businesses and a stronger food culture.  

“I’d love to see Blackpool become a hub for food innovation, like Liverpool,” Fitzsimons says. “In Liverpool, you have a huge mix of people from different backgrounds bringing new ideas and experiences. If Blackpool can build on what’s happening at Abingdon Street Market and other independent venues, we could see something really special happen here.”  

Pizza Rana is more than just a pizzeria—it’s part of a larger movement that’s redefining what it means to eat out in Blackpool. With a focus on authenticity, community, and quality, it represents the growing power of independent hospitality businesses in shaping the town’s future.  

The message is clear: supporting small businesses isn’t just about buying a pizza—it’s about investing in a thriving, diverse, and community-driven hospitality scene.  

As Blackpool continues to evolve, places like Pizza Rana are proving that passion and collaboration can transform a town’s food culture—one slice at a time.

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