Farm to Table: Our Fresh Ingredient Philosophy

At Imo's Pizza, we believe that exceptional pizza starts with exceptional ingredients. That's why we've developed a farm-to-table philosophy that guides our sourcing decisions across all our locations in the United States. When you bite into one of our pizzas, enjoy our pasta, or savor our crisp salads, you're tasting the difference that fresh, high-quality ingredients make.

Local Partnerships: The Foundation of Our Ingredient Philosophy

We're proud to work with a network of local farmers and producers across the regions we serve. These partnerships allow us to source many ingredients from within 100 miles of our restaurants, reducing transportation time and ensuring peak freshness. Our local sourcing initiative isn't just good for flavor—it's good for communities and the environment too.

Some of our key local partnerships include:

• Family dairy farms that provide our cheese
• Vegetable growers who supply our fresh produce
• Artisan flour mills that create our custom flour blends
• Local butchers who prepare our premium meats

Seasonal Menus: Embracing Nature's Calendar

While our core menu remains consistent year-round, we've embraced the concept of seasonal specials that showcase ingredients at their peak. This approach allows us to feature the best produce each season has to offer:

• Spring: Fresh herbs, spring onions, and early vegetables
• Summer: Vine-ripened tomatoes, sweet peppers, and zucchini
• Fall: Hearty mushrooms, root vegetables, and specialty squashes
• Winter: Preserved tomatoes, robust greens, and flavor-packed root vegetables

By following nature's calendar, we not only enhance flavor but also reduce the environmental impact associated with growing out-of-season produce in energy-intensive environments or shipping ingredients from across the globe.

Our Quality Standards: No Compromises

We maintain rigorous quality standards for every ingredient that enters our kitchens. Here's what that means in practice:

Produce

Our vegetables are selected for peak ripeness and flavor, not just appearance. We prioritize varieties chosen for taste rather than shipping durability. Whenever possible, we source organically grown produce to reduce chemical residues and support sustainable farming practices.

Dairy

Our signature cheese blend begins with milk from cows raised on family farms with high animal welfare standards. We avoid milk containing artificial growth hormones, and our cheese contains no artificial preservatives.

Meats

From pepperoni to sausage, our meat toppings come from animals raised without routine antibiotics. We partner with suppliers who maintain humane standards and transparent practices. Our Italian sausage is made using a recipe developed specifically for Imo's, with a perfect blend of herbs and spices.

Flours & Grains

The foundation of our famous thin crust is our proprietary flour blend. We work with mills that maintain strict quality control and source grains from farms practicing responsible agricultural methods. For our pasta, we select semolina flour that delivers the perfect texture and flavor.

From Farm to Pizza: The Journey of Our Ingredients

Have you ever wondered how those fresh ingredients make their way to your pizza? Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the journey:

1. Selection: Our sourcing team works year-round to identify the best producers and establish quality standards.
2. Harvest: Ingredients are harvested at peak ripeness, often just days before they'll be used in our restaurants.
3. Delivery: Our distribution network minimizes transit time, with most fresh produce arriving at our restaurants within 48 hours of harvest.
4. Quality check: Restaurant managers inspect incoming ingredients for quality and freshness, rejecting anything that doesn't meet our standards.
5. Prep: Our kitchen staff prepares ingredients daily, washing produce, shredding cheese, and prepping toppings in-house.
6. Creation: Finally, these carefully sourced ingredients come together on your pizza, in your pasta, or in your salad—ready to be enjoyed!

Sustainability: Beyond Great Taste

Our fresh ingredient philosophy isn't just about flavor—it's also about responsibility. By prioritizing local sourcing, we reduce transportation emissions. By supporting sustainable farming practices, we help protect soil health and water quality. And by minimizing food waste through careful ordering and preparation, we reduce our environmental footprint.

Some additional sustainability initiatives we've implemented include:

• Compostable packaging for many of our to-go containers
• Energy-efficient equipment in our kitchens
• Water conservation measures across our operations
• Food donation programs for unused ingredients

The Taste Difference: Why Fresh Matters

You might wonder if all this focus on fresh, quality ingredients really makes a difference. We believe it absolutely does, and here's why:

• Flavor intensity: Fresh ingredients simply taste more vibrant and flavorful.
• Texture: Fresh vegetables maintain their crisp texture, creating a more satisfying eating experience.
• Nutritional value: Many nutrients begin to degrade after harvest, so fresher ingredients often retain more of their nutritional benefits.
• Clean taste: Quality ingredients don't need artificial flavor enhancers or excessive salt to taste good.

We invite you to taste the difference for yourself. Whether you're enjoying our signature thin crust pizza, a hearty pasta dish, or one of our fresh salads, we think you'll notice the quality that comes from our commitment to superior ingredients.