In the world of Pizza, mastery is a lifelong pursuit, and no one embodies this better than Lars Smith, owner of State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria in California. With over two decades of experience, Lars remains a student of the craft, always learning, evolving, and perfecting his art. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the relentless quest to become a true Pizza master.
The State of Mind: A Brand Rooted in California Culture
Lars, along with his brother and father, founded the State of Mind restaurant group to celebrate the spirit of California. Inspired by a history class at UC Berkeley and the philosophy of professor Kerwin Klein, who famously said, “California is not a place on the map, it’s a state of mind,” Lars wanted his pizzerias to reflect this ethos.
Walking into State of Mind Public House or State of Mind Slice House, customers are greeted with vibrant California art and laid-back tunes, immersing them in an authentic California vibe.
A Pizza Journey That Found Him
Lars’ entry into the Pizza world wasn’t planned; it was a calling he couldn’t ignore. Coming from a family of public educators, he faced some tension over his desire to pursue culinary arts rather than a traditional four-year college path. He started working at a local pizzeria, Pizza My Heart, to earn some time and figure out his next steps.
Though he tried to explore other culinary avenues, Pizza kept pulling him back. By 2008 or 2009, he realized that Pizza was where he belonged — a craft he loved for its casual atmosphere, minimal rules, and endless creativity. This decision led him to fully commit to the Pizza world and eventually start his own place.
Pizza My Heart: The Foundation of a Pizza Master
Pizza My Heart played a pivotal role in Lars’ career, not only as a training ground but also as a community. There, he met lifelong friends Leah Scurto and Tim Silva, as well as his wife. Despite leaving several times to pursue other ventures, he was always welcomed back, reinforcing his deep connection to Pizza and the people behind it.
He credits Pizza My Heart for nurturing his passion and skills, calling it family and a cornerstone of his Pizza journey.
Launching State of Mind: Triumphs and Challenges
When Lars and his family opened State of Mind Public House and Slice House in 2018, they faced the classic hurdles of entrepreneurship. Despite Lars’ extensive experience overseeing 23 locations at Pizza My Heart, opening their own business was a humbling lesson in patience and resilience.
They extended themselves financially, sold personal assets, and lived modestly to bring their vision to life. The good news was that the business took off immediately, with high volume and eager customers from day one. The challenge, however, was managing unexpected success — they had to pause operations briefly to rethink their menu and workflow to handle the demand.
The Philosophy of a Pizza Master
Lars’s approach to Pizza is both straightforward and inspired. At its core, he believes in the limitless possibilities of dough baked on stone or in a pan. This simple canvas allows for endless creativity. Over time, his focus has shifted towards using seasonal and local ingredients, making pizzas approachable yet elevated as an art form.
He emphasizes that Pizza is a craft without rigid rules, inviting experimentation and continuous growth.
Accolades and International Recognition
Before opening State of Mind, Lars made a splash at the 2017 Pizza Expo by winning the Best Nontraditional Pizza award with his wildly inventive “What the Duck” Pizza — a complex creation featuring foie gras, black garlic cream sauce, duck confit, pickled cherries, and a French herb salad.
Though he no longer serves that particular Pizza, it was an important milestone that helped launch his competitive Pizza career.
Since then, Lars has competed internationally, earning fifth place in the world for Pizza alla Paula in Naples, Italy, and second place in both the American and Pizza alla Paula divisions at the World Pizza Cup at Pizza Village in Naples.
These achievements opened doors worldwide, enabling him to connect with the global Pizza community and continually push his boundaries.
Competition as a Showcase, Not Just a Contest
For Lars, Pizza competitions are less about rivalry and more about personal growth and showcasing the craft. He works hard to prepare for each event and uses it as an opportunity to test his limits and improve his skills. His humble attitude reflects the sentiment famously shared by Pizza legend Chris Bianco: “Pizza is something you can never master. If you disrespect it, it’s going to kick your ass.”
Championing California Ingredients
True to his roots, Lars actively supports the California Milk Advisory Board, which promotes California dairy products, including cheeses, butter, and milk. He’s been a finalist multiple times in their Real California Pizza Contest and now collaborates with them on social media and live demos.
His pizzerias proudly feature local California cheeses, meats, and produce, embodying his commitment to local sourcing and quality.
Tips for the Home Pizza Maker
Lars encourages home Pizza enthusiasts with practical advice:
- You don’t need fancy equipment. A home oven equipped with a couple of Pizza stones or a steel baking sheet can yield results very close to professional results.
- Learn to mix dough by hand before using a mixer. This helps develop an understanding of dough strength and extensibility.
- Practice makes perfect. You need to make a lot of pizzas to improve, so don’t get discouraged by mistakes or imperfect shapes — taste matters more than looks.
He reminds home cooks that even master pizzaiolos like himself continue to learn and experiment, so the journey is ongoing and joyful.
Connect with Lars Smith and State of Mind
If you want to follow Lars’ Pizza journey or visit his pizzerias, you can find State of Mind Public House and State of Mind Slice House online at their websites:
On social media, look for @stateofmindpub and @stateofmindslicehouse on Instagram, or find Lars personally as @lboogiesmith.
His story is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and the endless pursuit of Pizza mastery. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional, Lars’ journey inspires us all to keep learning and pushing the boundaries of this timeless craft.
Pizza Therapy Recommended Products
These are products I recommend without hesitation or reservation
Check out Pizza Therapy Dashery Store
