Ipswich lad battles back to set up pizza driveway business

Jacob Butler-Wilce, 27, began making Italian-style pizzas during lockdown after struggling with his mental health and realising he wanted to pursue something he truly enjoyed.

Despite battling the council over the foundation of his business, Jacob has turned to driveways to launch JJ's Pizzeria.

Jacob Butler-Wilce, 27, has turned to driveways to start his dream pizza company (Image: Jacob Butler-Wilce)

He said: "I struggled leaving school, didn't really know what I wanted to do, and I fell into mortgages and a career.

"But then Covid hit, lockdown happened and the job changed.

"That's when my mental health struggled with Covid lockdown and I had family stuff going on and I decided then that I'm going to do something I enjoy for a living."

Inspired by a childhood trip to Italy and a lifelong love of pizza, he invested in building a brick oven and outdoor kitchen in his garden in Chantry.

His plan was to sell pizzas to the community, but a neighbour's complaint led the council to shut down the operation due to concerns around traffic and parking.

JJ's Pizzeria has now attended a number of events as the business grows (Image: JJ's Pizzeria)

Many have praised the quality of Jacob's pizza (Image: JJ's Pizzeria)

Undeterred, he shifted to running the business as a mobile events service.

Jacob said: "I realised as an events business, all I need is the landowner's permission to operate."

The 27-year-old received permission from his nan to operate his pizzeria from her driveway in Foxhall Road.

With a five-star food hygiene rating and all the necessary certificates and insurance, he operates with a gazebo and temporary oven.

As time has passed, he has moved to his step-mum's driveway in Martlesham to continue his trade.

Family members have helped out throughout the journey including holding signs to attract customers (Image: JJ's Pizzeria)

Amid the family-affair, his younger brother Jude has also spent time holding signs on streets in a bid to attract more customers.

Jacob now caters for events, private parties, pubs, and nurseries across the area and is working towards buying a horse box to expand the business further.