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🍕 Stay up-to-date with the latest headlines and hottest conversations from the pizza world on Pizza Roundtable, part of the I Need Pizza Club Network! Jim hosts this week's Pizza Roundtable. Chicago's tavern versus thin crust naming fight, a Tombstone candy corn pizza, a Pope Leo pizza box and a filet mignon pie on r/PizzaCrimes. This week's top stories include: 🔪 Tavern Style or Thin Crust? Chicago Fights Over a NameBlock Club Chicago ran John Carruthers' piece on whether Chicago's square-cut thin pizza should be called tavern style or thin crust, including a 172,000-member Facebook group that bans the word tavern. Jim and Billy Z both say tavern style, since thin crust means something different outside Chicago, and refuse to get heated about it (Block Club Chicago). 🥩 Filet Mignon Pizza: Crime or Fair Game?A Brazilian filet mignon pizza with green olives topped the week's r/PizzaCrimes. Both hosts acquit it: Billy says the olive brine balances the rich meat, and both would slice the steak thin and add it after the bake (Reddit (r/PizzaCrimes)). 🎃 Tombstone's Candy Corn Pizza Is a StuntParade.com covered Tombstone's limited candy corn pizza, with more drops on the 9th and 23rd. Jim and Billy Z call it a clickbait stunt, with Billy arguing it is pure sugar with no flavor and Jim saying the brand name already fits Halloween (Parade.com). ⛪ Aurelio's Pope Leo Box Gets a Rare YesBlock Club Chicago reported on Aurelio's Pizza debuting a Pope Leo pizza box for its most famous customer, the Chicago-born pope and White Sox fan. Billy Z, who produced the White Sox World Series, and Jim both love it as one of those rare stories everyone agrees on (Block Club Chicago). 🎟️ New Haven Pizza Lands on a Connecticut ScratcherThe Stamford Advocate reported that New Haven pizza is now on a Connecticut lottery scratch-off. Billy Z likes New Haven's crisp texture and admits he dislikes Neapolitan, while Jim says Pizza Place would be the best pie in town if it were in New Haven (Stamford Advocate). 📚 Pizza Hut Brings Book It Back With Lil Hut LibrariesWFTV reported that Pizza Hut will launch Lil Hut Libraries in October, a nod to the Book It program, with books and personal pan pizza gift cards. Billy Z recalls Book It and the Pizza Hut X-Men arcade game, and the hosts say they back anything that gets kids reading (WFTV). -- Episode Timestamps:00:00 - Intro / Catch-Up16:07 - Tavern Style or Thin Crust? Chicago Fights Over a Name22:54 - Filet Mignon Pizza: Crime or Fair Game?26:32 - Tombstone's Candy Corn Pizza Is a Stunt29:52 - Aurelio's Pope Leo Box Gets a Rare Yes33:29 - New Haven Pizza Lands on a Connecticut Scratcher35:39 - Pizza Hut Brings Book It Back With Lil Hut Libraries -- Connect with the I Need Pizza Club Network► Subscribe for weekly pizza news updates!► Follow I Need Pizza Club on Instagram and YouTube: @Ineedpizzaclub► Follow Jim Mumford: @JimCooksFoodGood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🍕 Stay up-to-date with the latest headlines and hottest conversations from the pizza world on Pizza Roundtable, part of the I Need Pizza Club Network! Jim Mumford and Will Dumas cover Domino's disappointing Detroit-style pie, an AI Ninja Turtle calling customers morons, and London topping the world's best pizza list. This week's top stories include: 🍕 New Jersey Shop Piles Totino's Rolls on a Bar PieMola Lisa Pizza in New Jersey tops a well-made bar pie with Totino's pizza rolls, what Jim calls Inception Pizza, and also sells a Nutella and marshmallow fluff sprinkle pie. Both hosts say they would try it, with Jim wanting ranch on the side. 😬 Washington Post Calls Domino's Detroit Pie a LetdownThe Washington Post reviewed Domino's new single-serve pan pizza, called the Domino, and found the crust spongy and disappointing at eight dollars. Jim argues it should not even be judged as Detroit style since it skips the classic cheese and crust elements, while Will says visually it still reads as Detroit to most people (The Washington Post). 🔢 Scientific American Slices Pizza Into 31 PiecesScientific American explains Moser's circle problem, a 1949 number sequence showing how straight cuts can split one pizza into up to 31 unequal pieces. Jim and Will riff on the puzzle, then argue about cutting styles, from Frank Pepe's rough knife work to their own preference for narrow, even slices (Scientific American). 🐢 AI Ninja Turtles Call Chicago Customers MoronsDexerto reported that a 90s-themed Chicago pizza shop's AI Ninja Turtles phone agent called complaining customers morons and dorks, sparking a wave of review bombing. Will says this is exactly where AI ordering falls apart, while Jim thinks a cheekier, more in-character tone would have kept people from getting so upset (Dexerto). 📍 Domino's Pizza Tracker Started the Tracking TrendNPR's Planet Money traces how Domino's 2008 Pizza Tracker became the template for the delivery and rideshare status updates everyone uses now. Jim and Will agree it was likely the first tracker of its kind and admit they both stared at that screen obsessively back in college, even knowing it was never fully accurate (NPR (Planet Money)). 🏆 Napoli on the Road Tops the 50 Top Pizza ListThe new 50 Top Pizza world rankings, covered via Condé Nast, put London's Napoli on the Road at number one, with Una Pizza Napoletana falling to second. Jim and Will are surprised by how much of the list is non-Italy and non-US, pointing to spots in Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Madrid and Los Angeles cracking the top ten (Condé Nast). -- Episode Timestamps:00:00 - Intro / Catch-Up04:52 - New Jersey Shop Piles Totino's Rolls on a Bar Pie08:18 - Washington Post Calls Domino's Detroit Pie a Letdown12:01 - Scientific American Slices Pizza Into 31 Pieces15:24 - AI Ninja Turtles Call Chicago Customers Morons20:15 - Domino's Pizza Tracker Started the Tracking Trend23:48 - Napoli on the Road Tops the 50 Top Pizza List -- Connect with the I Need Pizza Club Network► Subscribe for weekly pizza news updates!► Follow I Need Pizza Club on Instagram and YouTube: @Ineedpizzaclub► Follow Will Dumas: @FunnieWill► Follow Jim Mumford: @JimCooksFoodGood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🍕 Stay up-to-date with the latest headlines and hottest conversations from the pizza world on Pizza Roundtable, part of the I Need Pizza Club Network! Anna Crucitt, Will Dumas and Jim Mumford welcome Chicago's John Carruthers to Pizza Roundtable for Ohio Valley pizza crimes, a flour fight over Tokyo-style Neapolitan, and Domino's million-dollar giveaway. This week's top stories include: 🚨 Ohio Valley Pizza: Crime or Comfort Food?In the recurring Pizza Crimes segment, the panel looks at a Reddit r/PizzaCrimes photo of Ohio Valley style from a Fayetteville, NC food truck; guest John Carruthers, author of a book on Midwest pizza, says the cold-cheese, room-temperature style is Ohio spreading into West Virginia and Tennessee, citing chain DeCarlo's, which has more locations there than in Ohio (Reddit (r/PizzaCrimes)). 🍶 Anna: Swap the Flour, Drop 'Neapolitan'Covering PMQ's look at Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza, Will says he's excited to see more of it open in New York and John says Chicago eaters haven't caught on yet, but Anna argues that if the dough isn't made with flour milled in Naples, it isn't Neapolitan, and shops should just call it Tokyo style. John agrees, dubbing any flour-swapped version 'sparkling pizza.' (PMQ Pizza). 🗽 NYC's First-Ever Pizza Week Debuts Sept 20Time Out New York previewed the city's first-ever Pizza Week, running September 20 through October 4 with more than 20 shops including Paulie Gee's, Stretch and Slicehaus each running a one-off slice (Time Out New York). 📸 Was This 1976 Photo Chicago's First Slice Shop?PMQ's Pizza Hall of Fame piece asks whether a 1976 photo shows Chicago's first pizza-by-the-slice shop; John loves the yellow-t-shirt, mustache and wallpaper aesthetic in the photo but says it depends on what counts as a 'slice.' Anna counters with her own family stake in the debate, her cousin's Frank's Pizza in Ambridge, PA, which has sold New York-style slices for 67 years and where the founder's wife still makes pizza there in her nineties (PMQ Pizza). 🤖 Papa John's Is 85% Digital Orders NowRestaurant Dive detailed Papa John's turnaround, a new POS system, AI demand forecasting and an AI ordering assistant, with 85% of orders already coming through app, website or third-party delivery. John calls the AI-assistant coverage obvious PR-firm copy but says he's glad to have a machine to blame when an order goes wrong, while Will says he'd welcome a suggestion for a pizza he has never tried, based on his past orders (Restaurant Dive). 💥 Domino's $1M Giveaway Crashed in a DayPMQ Pizza reported on Domino's promo sending customers to buy a Big Mac, Whopper or Crunchwrap Supreme first, then upload the receipt at IsTheDominoWorthIt.com for a free single-serve Domino pizza; the site burned through its $1 million budget and crashed in 24 hours instead of running the planned month (PMQ Pizza). From whether Ohio Valley pizza deserves the crimes label to whether swapped flour disqualifies a pie from being Neapolitan, this one has sides. -- Episode Timestamps:00:00 - Intro / Catch-Up08:41 - Ohio Valley Pizza: Crime or Comfort Food?14:46 - Anna: Swap the Flour, Drop 'Neapolitan'20:40 - NYC's First-Ever Pizza Week Debuts Sept 2029:23 - Was This 1976 Photo Chicago's First Slice Shop?33:45 - Papa John's Is 85% Digital Orders Now39:29 - Domino's $1M Giveaway Crashed in a Day -- Connect with the I Need Pizza Club Network► Subscribe for weekly pizza news updates!► Follow I Need Pizza Club on Instagram and YouTube: @Ineedpizzaclub► Follow Anna Crucitt: @Anna.Crucitt► Follow Mercurio's: @MercuriosPGH► Follow Will Dumas: @FunnieWill► Follow Jim Mumford: @JimCooksFoodGood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🍕 Stay up-to-date with the latest headlines and hottest conversations from the pizza world on Pizza Roundtable, part of the I Need Pizza Club Network! Anna Crucitt, Jim Mumford and Will Dumas break down the week in pizza on Pizza Roundtable: Pizza Hut changes hands, a chain ranking nobody agrees with, a rough Domino's review, pizza donuts and corn on trial. This week's top stories include: 🤝 Yum! Brands sells Pizza Hut for $1.5 billionYum! Brands has offloaded Pizza Hut everywhere except mainland China to Long Range Capital for roughly $1.5 billion. Jim, Anna and Will all want the chain to go back to nostalgia and the sit-down family experience instead of chasing Domino's on speed, and Jim would cut the menu to pan, hand tossed and stuffed crust (PizzaMarketplace.com). 🇦🇺 Pizza Hut Australia bets $10M on going modernLocal investors plan 100 new Australian stores, 3,000 jobs, a new look, revamped menus and more technology, the exact opposite of the nostalgia route the hosts want in the States. Anna does not buy the maths: $10 million does not build 100 restaurants (Inside Retail). 📉 15 pizza chains ranked, and the hosts are furiousFood Republic ranked 15 American chains worst to best, with Marco's at number one, Blaze at two, Jet's at three, and Pizza Hut all the way down at fifteen, three places behind Chuck E. Cheese. Jim called the Pizza Hut placement cold, and Will said no criteria on earth justify Chuck E. Cheese finishing higher (Food Republic). 🟥 The Takeout calls Domino's Detroit a half-baked imposterThe review wanted more cheese, a harder bake and a proper edge on Domino's rectangular pan pie. Jim thought it was harsh for a pizza you eat in the car and would simply order it well done, Anna said it does not need any more cheese, and Will wanted more edge on it (The Takeout). 🐻 Delivery driver walks past a black bear to the doorA California driver strolled past a black bear in the front yard and handed the food over anyway. Anna wants to know why anyone opened the door, Jim wants to know why the customer was filming instead of shouting, and all three end up suspecting the clip is AI (Whiskey Riff). 🍩 Pizza donuts are the new pizza bagelEthos in Austin is topping raised donuts with hot honey pepperoni, wild mushroom and truffle, buffalo chicken, Hawaiian and prosciutto and arugula. Will found them, Jim is going straight for the buffalo chicken, and Anna doubts a raised donut can carry the weight and is already working out how to stuff one (Instagram). 🌽 Pizza crimes: is canned corn on pizza legal?A new closing segment out of Reddit. All three vote corn legal, though Jim draws the line at canned corn on a pepperoni pie and wants it blistered fresh with cured ham and fontina. Anna is not sure she has ever bought canned corn. The verdict: better than grapes (Reddit). Rank the chains yourself, decide whether canned corn belongs anywhere near a pepperoni pie, and tell us where Pizza Hut should go next. -- Episode Timestamps:00:00 - Intro / Catch-Up06:44 - Yum! Brands sells Pizza Hut for $1.5 billion11:39 - Pizza Hut Australia bets $10M on going modern14:25 - 15 pizza chains ranked, and the hosts are furious21:40 - The Takeout calls Domino's Detroit a half-baked imposter26:08 - Delivery driver walks past a black bear to the door30:26 - Pizza donuts are the new pizza bagel36:43 - Pizza crimes: is canned corn on pizza legal? -- Connect with the I Need Pizza Club Network► Subscribe for weekly pizza news updates!► Follow I Need Pizza Club on Instagram and YouTube: @Ineedpizzaclub► Follow Anna Crucitt: @Anna.Crucitt► Follow Mercurio's: @MercuriosPGH► Follow Jim Mumford: @JimCooksFoodGood► Follow Will Dumas: @FunnieWill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🍕 Stay up-to-date with the latest headlines and hottest conversations from the pizza world on Pizza Roundtable, part of the I Need Pizza Club Network! Each week, the hosts break down the biggest pizza stories, emerging trends, regional styles, restaurant technology, and everything happening across the pizza industry. This week's top stories include: 🔥 Think You Know American Pizza? These 5 Regional Styles Might Surprise You America's pizza scene goes far beyond New York and Chicago. We explore five regional styles that might completely change how you think about American pizza. 🌕 Domino's Gives Moon Viewing a Pizza Twist in Japan Domino's Japan puts a new spin on moon-viewing season with Tsukimi dango-inspired tarts. A very different take on pizza culture—and another example of how Domino's adapts to local tastes. 🇮🇹 Napoli on the Road: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Pizza Journey What happens when you turn a pizza tour through Naples into a full-blown culinary adventure? We take a look at Napoli on the Road and the experience behind this unforgettable pizza journey. ⛽ How Casey's Quietly Became America's Fifth-Largest Pizza Chain Casey's may be known as a gas station, but its pizza business is anything but small. We look at how the Midwest convenience-store giant became one of America's biggest pizza chains—and why Gen Z can't stop posting about it. 🤖 Overcooked? Why Robotic Pizza Makers Are Failing Restaurant automation promises faster, more consistent pizza—but what happens when the robots don't actually deliver? We dig into some of the problems facing robotic pizza makers and ask whether automation is really ready for the kitchen. 🍔 Domino's Takes on the Big Mac & Whopper Domino's isn't just competing with other pizza chains. It's going after some of the biggest names in fast food. We look at how Domino's is positioning itself against iconic burgers like the Big Mac and Whopper. 🍕 From regional pizza styles and international menu experiments to restaurant robots and the fast-food wars, this episode has plenty to debate. -- Episode Timestamps 00:00 - Intro / Catch-Up 08:51 - Think You Know American Pizza? These 5 Regional Styles Might Surprise You 15:54 - Domino's Puts a New Spin on Moon Viewing With Tsukimi Dango-Inspired Tarts in Japan 20:52 - Napoli on the Road Review: A Pizza Grand Tour of a Lifetime 25:09 - Casey's Quietly Became America's Fifth-Largest Pizza Chain 27:19 - Overcooked? Why Robotic Pizza Makers Are Failing 31:54 - How Domino's Is Taking on the Big Mac, Whopper & Other Fast-Food Icons -- Connect with the I Need Pizza Club Network ► Subscribe for weekly pizza news updates! ► Follow I Need Pizza Club on Instagram and YouTube ► Follow Jim Mumford: @JimCooksFoodGood ► Follow Anna Crucitt: @Anna.Crucitt ► Follow Mercurio's: @MercuriosPGH ► Follow Will Dumas: @FunnieWill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay up-to-date with the latest headlines and hottest topics from the pizza world on Pizza Roundtable, part of the I Need Pizza Club Network! Each week, hosts Jim Mumford and Will Dumas break down the biggest news stories, fascinating pizza trends, and debates shaping the industry and culture of pizza. This week's top stories and discussions include: 🍺 San Francisco's Pizza, Bagel & Beer Festival Returns The Bay Area's pizza scene comes together for a celebration of three things that belong together: pizza, bagels, and beer. 🎡 Did the Iowa State Fair Break a Pizza Party Record? We look at the Iowa State Fair's massive pizza gathering and whether it managed to set a new record. 🏙️ The Best Detroit-Style Pizza in the Motor City Detroit-style pizza gets the spotlight as we explore where to find the best examples in its hometown. 🥛 Donatos Adds Buttermilk Ranch & Two Permanent Pizzas Donatos expands its menu with fresh buttermilk ranch and two new pizzas that are sticking around. 🇪🇹 Ethiopian Pizza Is More Than a Gimmick What initially sounds like an unusual mashup turns into a deeper look at the culture, flavors, and identity behind Ethiopian pizza in Washington, D.C. 🔥 Jules: The New Slice Shop Taking TikTok by Storm Is the hype around Bensonhurst's newest slice shop actually deserved? We break down what makes Jules worth talking about. 🇬🇧 British-Style Pizza Gets Weird Cheese and onion crisps as a pizza topping? We explore the surprisingly distinctive world of British-style pizza. 🇬🇧 What Can London-Style Pizzerias Learn From America? A look at how London's growing pizza scene compares with American pizza culture and what each can learn from the other. Tune in for your weekly pizza news fix, from regional styles and restaurant trends to unexpected pizza combinations and the stories everyone in the pizza world is talking about. -- Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro / Catch-Up 04:37 - San Francisco Pizza, Bagel & Beer Festival Returns 08:45 - Did the Iowa State Fair Break a Record for the Largest Pizza Party? 12:43 - Where to Eat the Best Detroit-Style Pizza in the Motor City 20:22 - Donatos Adds Fresh Buttermilk Ranch & Two Permanent Pizzas 24:01 - Ethiopian Pizza Sounded Like a Gimmick. It Showed Me the Soul of D.C. 27:51 - Jules, a New Slice Shop in Bensonhurst, Lives Up to the TikTok Hype 30:31 - Cheese & Onion Crisps on Pizza? Exploring British-Style Pizza 31:21 - What 'London-Style' Pizzerias Could Learn From America -- Connect with the I Need Pizza Club Network ► Subscribe for weekly pizza news updates! ► Follow I Need Pizza Club on Instagram and YouTube ► Follow Jim Mumford: @JimCooksFoodGood ► Follow Will Dumas: @FunnieWill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each week, the hosts break down the biggest news stories, fascinating pizza trends, unusual creations, and the stories shaping the culture of pizza. 🎭 New Haven's Next Guinness World Record Attempt New Haven is going after another Guinness World Record, this time with a massive pizza costume party. Find out what they're attempting and why the pizza capital of Connecticut is once again going big. 🐻 Freddy Fazbear's Pizza Is Coming to Life Five Nights at Freddy's is bringing its fictional pizza restaurant into the real world. A Freddy Fazbear's Pizza location is reportedly coming in 2027, turning one of gaming's most recognizable restaurants into an actual dining experience. 🍗 Philadelphia Pizza Celebrates Black Culture Fishtown's newest pizzeria is putting Black culinary traditions front and center with pizzas topped with oxtail and collard greens, jerk chicken, shrimp and grits, and more. 🧀 Milwaukee-Style Pizza Is Having a Moment Think Milwaukee doesn't have its own pizza style? Think again. We dig into what makes Milwaukee-style pizza different and why this regional style deserves more attention. 💰 The $500 Pizza That's Taller Than Sabrina Carpenter A Logan Square pizzeria is serving up what is being called the largest pizza in Illinois. At $500, this enormous pie is definitely not your average Friday night order. 🗼 What Is Tokyo-Style Pizza? Tokyo-style pizza is starting to make waves in the US. We explore what defines the style and why you may be seeing more of it on American pizza menus. Tune in for another round of pizza news, regional styles, wild pizza creations, and everything happening across the pizza world. -- ⏱️ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro / Catch-Up 04:43 - New Haven Attempts Another Guinness World Record With the Largest Pizza Costume Party 08:35 - 'Five Nights at Freddy's' Is Opening a Real Freddy Fazbear's Pizza in 2027 12:43 - Fishtown Pizzeria Celebrates Black Culture With Oxtail, Jerk Chicken & Shrimp and Grits Pizzas 16:39 - Yes, Milwaukee-Style Pizza Is Real. And It's Fabulous 22:01 - The $500 Pizza That's Taller Than Sabrina Carpenter 24:59 - What Is Tokyo-Style Pizza? Why You're About to See It Everywhere in the US 30:15 - Connect With the Hosts / Outro Connect with the I Need Pizza Club Network: ► Subscribe for weekly pizza news, trends, and industry discussions! ► Follow us on Instagram: @Ineedpizzaclub ► Follow Jim Mumford: @JimCooksFoodGood ► Follow Will Dumas: @FunnieWill #PizzaNews #PizzaRoundtable #GuinnessWorldRecord #FrenchPizza #TacoBell #MexicanPizza #PineapplePizza #PizzaCocktail #PapaMurphys #RedBaron #PizzaIndustry #PizzaCulture #PizzaLovers #FoodNews #RestaurantNews #WeeklyNews #INeedPizzaClub #FrozenPizza #PizzaTech #PizzaCommunity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Jim Mumford, Anna Crucitt, and Will Dumas react to a record-breaking pizza marathon, Taco Bell's fan-favorite comeback, a cocktail inspired by pineapple pizza, and perhaps the craziest frozen pizza ever created. 🍕 French Pizza Champion Breaks Guinness World Record A team led by a three-time world pizza champion shattered the Guinness World Record by making 12,800 pizzas in just nine hours. 🌮 Taco Bell Brings Back the $1 Mexican Pizza For one day only, Taco Bell dropped the price of its iconic Mexican Pizza to just $1. 🍍 Pineapple Pizza... as a Cocktail? Celebrity chef José Andrés' Barmini has created one of the year's most unusual drinks—a cocktail inspired by Hawaiian pizza, featuring tomato, pineapple, Parmesan, and even ketchup. 🌶️ Papa Murphy's Unveils the New Hulapeño Pizza Papa Murphy's latest specialty pizza combines pepperoni, pineapple, jalapeños, and Thai sweet chili sauce for a bold sweet-and-spicy flavor combination. 🤯 Red Baron Celebrates 50 Years with a 50-Topping Pizza To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Red Baron created a Supreme Supreme Pizza loaded with an unbelievable 50 different toppings. -- Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro / Catch-Up 04:05 – French Pizza Champion Breaks Guinness Record with 12,800 Pizzas 09:36 – Taco Bell's $1 Mexican Pizza Is Back 12:30 – Barmini Turns Pineapple Pizza into a Cocktail 19:48 – Papa Murphy's Introduces the New Hulapeño Pizza 25:02 – Red Baron Debuts a 50-Topping Pizza for Its 50th Anniversary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, hosts Jim Mumford and Anna Crucitt break down championship-winning pizzas, nostalgic fast-food comebacks, international pizza trends, and the latest collaborations between music and pizza culture. 🍕 Spain Celebrates Its World Cup Victory with New Jersey Pizza After lifting the trophy, Spain's national team celebrated the best way possible... with New Jersey pizza. 🏆 California's Biggest Pizza Competition Crowns Its Champions The Real California Pizza Contest awards thousands in prize money as some of the industry's top pizzaioli compete for one of pizza's most prestigious titles. 🔥 Domino's Introduces S'mores Lava Cakes Campfire season arrives at Domino's with a new dessert inspired by classic s'mores. 🍕 Pizza Hut Brings Back Throwback Pricing Pizza Hut launches a limited-time Throwback Value Menu featuring Personal Pan Pizzas starting at just $3, along with nostalgic favorites that bring back memories of Book It! and classic dine-in Pizza Hut experiences. 🌍 Pizza Dominates the 2026 World Cup of Takeaways New consumer data reveals pizza remains the world's favorite match-day meal across multiple countries during the 2026 World Cup, once again proving pizza's global appeal. 🎸 Prince St. Pizza Teams Up with Avenged Sevenfold & Good Charlotte Rock meets pizza as Prince St. Pizza creates limited-edition pizzas inspired by two iconic bands during their North American tour. 🍕 Pizza Expo Columbus Returns This October Registration is officially open for Pizza Expo Columbus 2026. Anna shares why the Midwest's premier pizza event has quickly become one of the industry's must-attend shows. -- Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro / Catch-Up 01:53 – Spain Celebrated World Cup Victory with New Jersey Pizza 03:59 – Pizzaiolo Wins $7,500 in Prize Money at the Real California Pizza Contest 06:40 – Domino's Launches New S'mores Lava Cakes 11:30 – Pizza Hut Introduces Throwback Value Menu Starting at $3 16:52 – Pizza Tops the 2026 World Cup of Takeaways Rankings 21:29 – Avenged Sevenfold & Good Charlotte Partner with Prince St. Pizza 26:54 – Pizza Expo Columbus 2026 Preview & Why You Should Attend Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Jim Mumford, Anna Crucitt, and Will Dumas dive into the future of pizza technology, the rise of AI-powered ordering systems, experimental crust techniques, and why Pizza Expo Columbus is becoming one of the industry’s fastest-growing events. This week’s top stories and discussions include: 🍕 Pizza Expo Columbus 2026 Returns Pizza Expo Columbus officially announces its 2026 dates, and the crew discusses why the Midwest pizza scene continues to grow with expanded competition categories, regional pizza styles, and stronger community engagement. 🤖 New Jersey’s First Pizza Tech Event A first-of-its-kind pizza technology event in New Jersey showcases robotics, AI systems, automation, and autonomous delivery innovations designed to reshape the future of pizza operations. 📞 Papa John’s Launches AI Pizza Assistant Papa John’s unveils “Lou AI,” its next-generation AI-powered pizza ordering assistant. The team debates whether AI improves convenience or risks removing the human connection from pizza culture. 🍞 The Viral Panko Breadcrumb Pizza A New Jersey pizza shop is gaining attention for pressing panko breadcrumbs directly into the dough for extra crunch and texture. Is this a brilliant innovation or a gimmick? The crew weighs in. 🚁 Little Caesars Achieves Drone Delivery Milestone Little Caesars reaches a major tech milestone with drone delivery capable of transporting full family-sized pizza orders in just minutes. The future of pizza delivery may already be here. 🧀 Pimiento Cheese Pizza Hits Atlanta Atlanta slice shop Glide Pizza is serving slices topped with pimiento cheese, burrata, mushrooms, and scallions. The hosts discuss Southern-inspired pizza experimentation and whether these bold toppings actually work. Tune in every week for your essential pizza news recap from inside the industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Pizza Roundtable, part of the I Need Pizza Club Network, where we break down the latest pizza news, trends, and stories shaping the pizza world. This week, Jim Mumford and Anna Crucitt reunite after Pizza Expo to talk competitions, industry shifts, and the future of pizza from Coachella incident to major chain closures. This week’s top stories and discussions include: 🎡 Coachella Pizza Controversy Goes Viral Festival-goers report illness tied to overpriced pizza slices. We break down what likely went wrong and why high-volume food operations can fail fast under pressure. 📱 When TikTok Fame Turns Into Harassment A viral pizza creator gains massive attention but now deals with daily harassment. A deeper look at the risks of visibility in the creator economy. 💸 Tax Day Deals: Smart Marketing or Noise? From Subway to Krispy Kreme, brands flood the market with promos. Do these campaigns actually convert or just create temporary spikes? 🍯 The Hot Honey Revolution (15 Years Later) The founder behind hot honey continues to expand its impact. We unpack how a simple flavor innovation became a long-term category shift. 📉 Major Pizza & Restaurant Chain Closures Hundreds of locations are shutting down across brands. This isn’t just decline, it’s about realignment, efficiency, and changing consumer behavior. 🔥 Blaze Pizza Ranks Top 4 in 2026 Movers & Shakers Blaze Pizza is back in the spotlight. Can it reclaim its position in a crowded fast-casual market? Tune in weekly for real insights into what’s shaping the future of pizza. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Pizza Roundtable, part of the I Need Pizza Club Network, where we break down the latest pizza news, trends, and stories shaping the pizza world. This week, Jim Mumford and Anna Crucitt reunite after Pizza Expo to talk competitions, industry shifts, and the future of pizza—from AI-powered kitchens to major chain closures. This week's highlight: 🍕 Pizza Expo Recap & Competition Winners Anna shares insights from Pizza Expo, including her gelato demo, standout flavors, and what it’s like being part of the industry at the highest level. Plus, a look at the 2026 International Pizza Challenge winners. ❤️ John Arena Foundation Spotlight How the pizza community is using culinary therapy to support people with Parkinson’s—and how you can get involved. 🤖 AI in Restaurants: What’s Actually Coming From predictive prep lists to smarter kitchen systems, we break down how AI could transform restaurant operations—and what still requires a human touch. 🚗 Domino’s Driver Goes Viral A simple act of customer service turns into a viral moment—and why small gestures still matter in hospitality. 📉 Pizza Hut Closures Explained Pizza Hut plans to close hundreds of locations. We unpack what this means for the industry, rising costs, and whether mid-tier pizza chains are getting squeezed. 🍕 Detroit Pizza Icon Gets a Comeback A legendary pizza brand looks to rebuild under new ownership—can it regain its original neighborhood feel? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Pizza Roundtable, part of the I Need Pizza Club Network, where every Tuesday at 9:00pm Eastern we break down the latest pizza news, industry trends, and wild stories from around the world of pizza. This week, Jim Mumford and Anna Crucitt react to some of the most unexpected headlines we’ve seen all year — from reptile toppings to Michelin ambitions to world-record pizza parties. This week’s stories and discussions include: This Week’s Top Stories & Debates: 🦎 The World’s First Iguana Pizza? A Florida pizzeria claims to have created the first-ever iguana pizza. We unpack the legality, the flavor profile (venison + bacon + ranch?), and whether this is culinary innovation or pure marketing stunt. ⭐ Can Papa John’s Win a Michelin Star? Papa John’s is transforming a Manhattan location into a reservation-only, chef-curated experience in pursuit of Michelin recognition. Is this brilliant marketing, industry ambition, or both? 🍕 Chicago’s Only Pizza on the “Best in the World” List Millie’s Pizza in Chicago earns a global nod alongside Mama’s Too in NYC. We break down Chicago’s pan style, why it’s different from deep dish, and what it means for independent pizzerias. 🎭 New Haven Attempts a World Record New Haven is organizing what could become the world’s largest pizza costume party. Yes, really. We discuss whether this is easier than the world’s largest pizza party — and whether we should attempt one ourselves. 🍕 Former Employee Breaks Into Little Caesars… to Make Pizza A North Carolina man allegedly broke into a Little Caesars — not to steal money, but to make and sell pizzas. We respect the hustle (legally speaking, don’t do this). If you love pizza culture, business strategy, and the occasional absurd headline, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Pizza Roundtable, part of the I Need Pizza Club Network, where every Tuesday at 9pm Eastern we break down the latest pizza news, trends, and debates shaping the industry. This week, Jim Mumford and Anna Crucitt dig into home pizza fundamentals, regional pizza styles, frozen pizza innovation, and why some “weird” ideas might actually be smart. This week’s stories and discussions include: The 5 Golden Rules for Homemade Pizza We react to a viral set of home pizza rules from Chef Wylie Dufresne — including long fermentation, cheese placement, pizza steels, and pre-cooked toppings — and break down what actually matters (and what doesn’t) when making pizza at home. St. Louis–Style Pizza Meets Hot Honey Imo’s Pizza partners with Mike’s Hot Honey, and we debate whether hot honey might be the perfect counterbalance to St. Louis–style pizza’s sweet sauce and Provel cheese. Chicago’s Four Pan Pizza Styles Explained Deep dish, pan, stuffed, and double decker — what’s the difference, how they’re built, and which ones actually eat the best. A masterclass in Chicago pizza taxonomy. Frozen Pizza Gets an Upgrade: Antico at Costco A fast-growing Atlanta pizzeria brings its Neapolitan-style pizza to Costco’s freezer aisle. We talk quality, pricing, and what it actually takes to make frozen pizza taste good. If you love pizza technique, regional styles, and smart industry conversations without the fluff, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catch up on the latest pizza headlines, trends, and debates with Pizza Roundtable, part of the I Need Pizza Club Network! Every Tuesday at 9pm Eastern, hosts Jim Mumford, Anna Crucitt, and Will Dumas break down what’s happening across the pizza world, from industry reports and emerging styles to bizarre innovations that somehow still make us hungry. This week’s top stories and discussions include: Pizza Industry Trends: AI, Tech & the Future of Pizzerias We dig into a major Pizza Today industry report exploring whether AI, automation, and restaurant tech will actually change how pizzerias operate, or if it’s mostly hype (especially for independent shops). Heart-Shaped Pizza Returns (and Why Pizza Makers Hate It) Peter Piper Pizza brings back heart-shaped pies for Valentine’s Day. We talk about why they’re adorable, why they cook unevenly, and why stretching them is a nightmare. Pickle Stuffed Crust Pizza?! A California pizzeria is stuffing whole pickle spears into pizza crust, and we cannot look away. Texture concerns, flavor theories, and whether this is genius or chaos. Szechuan-Inspired Pizzas for Lunar New Year (Hong Kong) Mapo tofu pizza, XO sauce, Szechuan peppercorns, and numbing heat collide in bold Lunar New Year pies that push fusion pizza to the edge. Wisconsin Pizza Baked Potatoes A perfect Midwest comfort food mashup: baked potatoes topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni. We unanimously approve. 7-Eleven’s Big Game Pizza Push BOGO pizza deals, wings, delivery, and bulk pricing, but is convenience-store pizza really where people turn for big events? If you love pizza culture, industry insight, and unhinged food innovation, this episode is for you. -- Connect with the I Need Pizza Club Network: ► Subscribe for weekly pizza news & debates ► Follow on Instagram: @IneedPizzaClub ► Follow Jim Mumford: @JimCooksFoodGood ► Follow Anna Crucitt: @Mercuriospgh ► Follow Will Dumas: @FunnieWill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.