Twenty Years of Challenge, Collaboration and Camaraderie

The U.S. Pizza Team got its start thanks to a friendly challenge from one country to another. In 2000, Italian pizza magazine publisher Enrico Fama invited his American counterpart, PMQ publisher Steve Green, to bring the United States’ best three competitors to Italy and participate in the 9th annual World Pizza Championship.

Green handpicked the members of the first team—Tony Gemignani, known for his unmatched pizza-spinning skills; Dino Ciccone, the only pizzaiolo to win the Canadian and American Pizza Championship in the same year; and Chef Danny Wolf, who was said to have worked in the White House. After its Italian debut, the U.S. Pizza Team went on to produce numerous world champions and represent their country in events across the globe. In the following pages, we look back at some of the team’s most memorable moments as covered by PMQ at the time.

GALBANI | PLATINUM SPONSOR | 2019

Since 1882, the Galbani brand has been providing Italian Inspiration to chefs across the globe with a portfolio of exceptional cheeses created in the Old World tradition. And nothing inspires us more than when pizzaioli step into the spotlight to showcase their creativity and talent. That’s why Galbani, Italy’s No. 1 cheese brand, is proud to be the platinum sponsor of the U.S. Pizza Team. Congratulations on 20 years of leadership and excellence in the industry! 877-522-8254, galbanicheese.com

I’m so proud of the uncountable pizzaioli who have worn the logo of the U.S. Pizza Team over the past 20 years. In the following pages, you’ll see some of the milestone moments in the team’s history—and the competitors who led the team through its first five years (2000-2004). I especially want to thank our sponsors for supporting our team so heartily and for so long. We appreciate your loyalty and your pride in the industry as demonstrated through your support of the U.S. Pizza Team. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

— Linda Green, PMQ CO-PUBLISHER

GORDON FOOD SERVICE

GOLD SPONSOR | 2009

Gordon Food Service has been a proud sponsor of the U.S. Pizza Team since 2009. Our Primo Gusto products provide the foundation for award-winning pizza: high-gluten flour for a dough that can stand up to a heap of your favorite toppings; premium canned tomato products for your signature sauce; and natural shredded cheeses with a silky stretch. Primo Gusto High-Gluten Flour is the official flour of the U.S. Pizza Team. 616-530-7000, gfs.com

CNNCoverageoftheUSPizza TeamTrials,attheInternational FoodserviceShowofNewYork, made the US Pizza Team known internationally,followedbya FoodNetworkSpecialaboutthe USPT later in 2003.

LA NOVA WINGS

GOLD SPONSOR | 2002

La Nova Wings Inc. introduced heat-and-serve chicken wings to the global pizza industry. Without any distribution, La Nova Wings exhibited their new products at the International Pizza Expo in 1994. Reactions to their products were outstanding, and the foodservice industry gained its newest menu items. Since then, La Nova Wings, Inc. has been honored to support the U.S. Pizza Team and their endeavors and wishes them the best of luck. 716-881-3355, lanovawings.com

CALIFORNIA MILK ADVISORY BOARD | GOLD SPONSOR | 2003

Congratulations to the U.S. Pizza Team on 20 winning years! As the No. 1 mozzarella producer in the nation, California and pizza go hand in slice. California’s 1,200 family dairy farms are proud to produce the milk that goes into the quality, sustainable cheese and dairy products used by U.S. Pizza Team champions for years— products represented by the Real California Milk seal. 209-8836455, realcaliforniamilk.com