In this energizing episode of Journeys to the Summit, host Ilya Zlotnik sits down with entrepreneur, restaurateur, and founder of Dimo’s Pizza, Dimitri Syrkin-Nikolau. What starts as a story about pizza quickly unfolds into a candid exploration of grit, adaptability, culture, and the entrepreneurial rollercoaster.
Meet Dimitri Syrkin-Nikolau
Dimitri’s entrepreneurial roots stretch back to childhood experiments with DIY inventions and high school kitchen jobs. But his real journey began at Ian’s Pizza in Madison, Wisconsin—where his passion for food and freedom to experiment laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Dimo’s Pizza in Chicago.Dimitri’s mission? To create not just a successful restaurant, but a launchpad for others—one where culture, creativity, and community come before profits.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
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Why he opened his first restaurant at age 22, and how he navigated the 2008 recession as a first-time owner.
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The evolution from franchisee to independent brand—and how culture was the driving force behind his decision to break away.
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How Dimo’s weathered COVID-19 by manufacturing PPE, launching new product lines, and leaning into its tech-savvy roots.
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The philosophy behind Dimo’s growth: empowering employees to become entrepreneurs within the business.
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What’s next for Dimo’s and Dimitri’s latest concept, Southport Betty’s—a Chicago tavern backed by the same values and operational backbone.
Lessons from the Climb
Dimitri’s story reflects the essence of Journeys to the Summit: growth isn’t linear, failure can be fuel, and the summit is often just another base camp for something even greater. Whether he’s leading a team through a pandemic or mentoring future business owners behind the pizza counter, Dimitri’s ethos is clear: empower people, stay curious, and always bet on yourself.
“My job isn’t just to teach people how to make pizza—it’s to teach them how to run their own business.” – Dimitri Syrkin-Nikolau
Watch the full episode above or click here.