Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe Zmolek.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have a degree in science and played Division I soccer in college, but my career took an unexpected turn when I started working in pizza in Charleston — and completely fell in love with it. When I moved to Bluffton, SC, I knew I wanted to create something of my own. I had a vision and worked endlessly to make it happen.
Over time, I built not just a business, but a team — some of the best people I’ve ever met. Together, we get to make wood-fired pizza for life-changing moments — weddings, birthdays, rehearsal dinners — you name it. It’s incredibly rewarding to bring people together over great food and great memories.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have definitely been challenges along the way — it hasn’t been easy. At one point, the truck’s transmission blew, we’ve gone through staff changes, costs of goods have gone up, and of course, things are always breaking when you rely on a vintage setup.
On top of that, becoming a mom added a whole new layer — it made everything more difficult to juggle, but also a thousand times more meaningful.
The truth is, the struggles never really stop. Something will always break, there’s always another curveball coming — but the party keeps going, and the smiles never stop. That’s what makes it all worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What we do is pretty special — we make wood-fired pizza out of a restored 1953 Chevrolet truck. It’s not only a showstopper to look at, but it turns out phenomenal food. Almost everything we serve is made from scratch — from the dough to the toppings — and we use local ingredients as much as possible.
But what really sets us apart isn’t just the food or the truck, it’s the people. The crew I get to work with are some of the best people I’ve ever met in my life. I feel so lucky not only to employ them, but to be right there alongside them — making pizzas, laughing, and serving people at some of the most memorable moments of their lives.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
What surprises most people is how hands-on I still am. Even as the business has grown, I’m still on the truck, making pizzas, serving guests, and cleaning up at the end of the night. I love every part of it — that’s what keeps it real for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.thesouthernpeel.com
- Instagram: The_southern_peel
