New Leadership, Direction and Energy Drive the USPT Passion

Seven seasoned pizza pros unite as the newly elected U.S. Pizza Team Council, guiding competition, camaraderie, and creativity for years ahead.

We’re proud to announce the newly elected U.S. Pizza Team Council, chosen by the team, for the team. These outstanding members were voted in by their peers to help lead, guide and shape the future of the USPT—both in our industry and in our community.

Meet your new USPT Council:

Team Captain: Tore Trupiano — Mangia e Bevi, Oceanside, CA
Culinary Coach: Vitangelo Recchia — Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Restaurant, Port Charlotte, FL
Athletic Coach: David Sommers — Mad Mushroom, IN & KY
Premiere Member Representatives: George Taylor — Taylors’ Pizza House, Endwell, NY & Sean Dempsey — Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant, Watertown, SD
Competing Member Representatives: Rico Lunardi — Slice on Broadway, Pittsburgh, PA & Mike Pitera — Pizza a Modo Mio, Charleston, SC

As USPT Dir. Brian Hernandez notes, it’s exciting to see such a strong council take shape—a group of industry leaders ready to shoulder responsibility and keep the team moving forward. “I’m grateful we’ve reached this milestone,” Hernandez said. “Having a strong council in place ensures lasting leadership for the team and highlights the incredible talent we have within our ranks. These people are the best ‘pizza people’ I know, but we are always looking for more.”

The Supreme 7 are already proven voices in their restaurants, in our industry, and on the competition floor. Now they bring that same vision, discipline, and creativity to guiding the U.S. Pizza Team as a whole. Each will serve a two-year term—after which they’ll step back into the role of wise pizza sages, always nearby with guidance, but free from the daily battles of cheese and sauce.”

Under this Council’s leadership, we anticipate continued greatness, camaraderie, and inspiration—the kind of energy that makes the U.S. Pizza Team not just a team, but a true family. Stay tuned. Big things ahead.