For Ryan Stanhope, building a business wasn’t just about opening a restaurant. It was about carrying forward a mindset shaped by years of service, teamwork and mission-driven purpose.
That mindset is baked into every detail of Task Force Pizza, from its name to its culture and even its logo.
Stanhope, a veteran of Air Force special operations with deep ties to Hurlburt Field, drew inspiration from the concept of a “task force” — a collaborative unit where individuals from different backgrounds come together with a shared goal. “In the military, a task force is about pulling together the right people and resources to accomplish the mission,” Stanhope said. “That idea stayed with me.”
When it came time to name his restaurant, the choice felt natural. With a family legacy rooted in military service, law enforcement and first responders, no other name captured the heart behind the business quite like Task Force Pizza.
The brand’s logo carries special meaning as well, featuring an AC-130 gunship — a nod to moments Stanhope credits with saving his life during his time in service. “Those aircraft saved my bacon many times,” he said. “Including that just felt right.”
But beyond the name and imagery, it’s the operational philosophy that truly sets Task Force Pizza apart.
Stanhope approached entrepreneurship the same way he approached his military career — with strategy, structure and a strong reliance on teamwork. From the earliest stages, he intentionally built a core group of advisers and team members, inviting their insight and buy-in before launching the brand. “As a first-time entrepreneur, I knew I didn’t have all the answers,” he said. “Having a team that’s willing to ask questions, challenge ideas and contribute their knowledge has been critical.”
That collaborative culture continues to define the business today. Nearly three years in, Stanhope remains committed to creating an environment where every team member feels valued and heard. “The goal is for everyone here to feel a sense of success,” he said. “When people know their voice matters, it creates a stronger, more cohesive team.”
Like any entrepreneurial journey, the path hasn’t been without challenges. Stanhope is candid about the lessons learned along the way — and the importance of being proactive rather than reactive. “Building standards, evaluating honestly and being willing to look for areas where we can improve — that’s part of the recipe,” he said. “You have to trust the numbers, stay humble and use the resources around you.”
Those resources have included key relationships within the local business community, particularly through the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Programs like the Small Business Development Center and Emerging Entrepreneurs network have played a valuable role in supporting his growth.
Today, Task Force Pizza has become more than a place to grab a slice. It’s a gathering spot that reflects the spirit of the community it serves — military families, veterans, first responders and locals alike.
Stanhope describes it simply: “We’re taking pizza out of the box and doing it with purpose.”
Located at 1826 Lewis Turner Blvd., Task Force Pizza invites the community to stop in, share a meal and experience the mission behind the brand. “If you haven’t been by yet,” Stanhope said, “we’d love to have you.”
Visit taskforcepizza.com.
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