33% of the positions, 100% of the passion.
For four standout members of PMQ’s U.S. Pizza Team (USPT), this summer’s Real California Pizza Contest isn’t just another pizza competition—it’s a chance to showcase creativity, community and cheese-fueled passion on a national stage.
This year, the California Milk Advisory Board’s prestigious Real California Pizza Contest (RCPC) drew more than 200 entries from chefs across the country, but only twelve were selected to bake it out live in Napa, California, on July 29. Among them are four familiar names to USPT followers: Kira Zabrowski of Much Ado About Pizza; Tore Trupiano of Mangia e Bevi; Sean Dempsey of Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant; and Ray Cullison of Charlie and the Pizza Factory.
While each of these pizzaioli brings a unique story and flavor to the table, Ray Cullison’s milestone is one for the RCPC record books. This marks his fourth appearance in this exclusive final, more than any other competitor to date. “Sometimes the photo shot has to have the same love in it as the pizza does,” Ray said, referring to the entry requirement for images of the pizzas. “This time my comfort level is at an all-time high, knowing the contest and what’s expected. Also, making a very similar pizza to the one that got me in the finals at the Expo. High-end publicity is always a bonus when starting a new business venture, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’m receiving through my love, dedication and hard work.”
For Kira Zabrowski, landing a spot in the final is the culmination of years of determination and heart. “Honestly, it means so much to be named a finalist this year,” Kira shared. “I’ve been trying to be a finalist in this contest since 2022. As a woman in pizza, a small business owner, and someone who built a pizzeria out of pure passion and community spirit, it’s deeply meaningful to have my creativity recognized.”
Sean Dempsey, owner of Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant in Watertown, South Dakota, is riding high on finally breaking into this competition after years of near misses. “It’s wild,” he said. “I have been entering for years, and to finally get chosen is surreal. I actually went as a plus-one in 2021, so I’m excited to actually be competing in the kitchen, not just spectating from the sidelines.”
Dempsey’s entry—a bold Mexican Street Corn pizza—promises to deliver big Cali vibes. “Back home, this pizza slaps, because it all just goes together so nicely,” he noted. “Tajín is a fun post-bake addition for some added zing, but roasted corn with the savory cured bacon, and covered in queso fresco? It just sounds phenomenal. And it lives up to expectations.”
Zabrowski’s focus is equally dialed in as she aims to stand out in The Big Cheese category. “I really want my cheese pizza to stand out by hitting that perfect balance of flavors: creamy, sharp, buttery and a little unexpected,” she said. “It’s all about showcasing the cheese as the star!”
For Zabrowski, Real California Cheese is a cornerstone of her menu and her mission. “We believe in supporting local producers and showcasing high-quality, California-made ingredients. Meeting the cheese makers themselves has led to powerful and meaningful discussions on how to best integrate their cheeses into our recipes.”
Meanwhile, these competitions remain about growth and camaraderie as much as trophies. “Going into the live bake-off in Napa, I see it as both a competition and a personal challenge,” Zabrowski added. “More importantly, I’m competing with myself, pushing to grow and become a better pizzaiola. It’s as much about community and growth as it is about winning.”
The Real California Pizza Contest is known for inspiring pizzaioli to bring bold ideas to the oven. And for the U.S. Pizza Team, it’s another showcase for what happens when passion, skill and a bit of cheese magic come together.
The contest will award $30,000 in prizes across three creative categories—On the Menu, The Big Cheese, and Innovative Wildcard—with a grand prize winner crowned from among the three. Regardless of the outcome, the U.S. Pizza Team’s showing in Napa will reinforce its mission: bringing together America’s top pizza makers to raise the bar for the craft and each other.
So here’s to Ray, Kira, Sean, and Tore—keep that cheese melting, that dough stretching, and show Napa what #PizzaGold really looks like.
#PizzaGold #USPTCompetes #USPizzaTeam
