As Giovanni Labbate’s son Rocco steps into the family trade, his first competition win—at the REAL California Pizza Challenge—becomes a family milestone. Giovanni Labbate knows what it feels like to compete on a big stage. Over the past 15 years, the U.S. Pizza Team member and Tievoli Pizza Bar owner has put his own pizzas in front of judges plenty of times and heard his name … [Read more...] about The Next Labbate Up
Zack Calder and Jimmy Henry claimed top honors at the 2026 REAL California Pizza Contest. More than 200 recipe submissions from pizza makers across the country were narrowed to just eight finalists at the eighth annual REAL California Pizza Contest, where two category champions and one grand champion emerged after a full day of live competition at The Culinary Institute of … [Read more...] about More Than 200 Entered. Eight Reached Napa. Two Left Champions.
USPT member Jon Garland reflects on how he has learned to be a better leader at home and in his pizzeria. Jon Garland, co-owner of the Saccone’s Pizza location in Austin, Texas, recently marked his sixth year in business and took some time to reflect—and to look ahead—in a chat with PMQ. As it turned out, foremost on his mind was, well, his own mindset and how it has … [Read more...] about A Playbook for Personal Growth
Check out a brief rundown of the first day in Parma competition. … [Read more...] about Day 1 – Campionato Modniale della Pizza 2026
Champions, rising stars, and a proven coach head to Parma with purpose. There are pizza competitions, and then there is Parma. For the U.S. Pizza Team, the trip to Italy is never just another event on the calendar. It is a chance to step onto one of the world’s most respected stages for pizza, to test American talent against international competition, and to represent the … [Read more...] about Parma, Pressure, and Pizza Glory: Here’s Who’s Going
