The International Pizza Expo bills itself as "The World's Largest Pizza Show." The convention, held every year in Las Vegas, attracts over 12,000 independent pizzeria operators to view the myriad array of exhibits and attend the dozens of pizza-related workshops.
One of the most popular aspects of the Expo is "The Pizza Festiva." This is where only FIVE CAREFULLY-SELECTED pizza operators are invited to compete for "Pizza of the Year" honors.
In Feb. 2002, Bob and Shelley were selected to go to Vegas and compete. The Pizza Factory came home with "Best Veggie Pizza of the Year!" for "The Parthenon Pizza." A wonderful White Pizza made with red and green peppers, onions, several different cheeses, olives, a cornmeal crust , spinach and mushrooms.
This was no small feat in one aspect as Bob is deathly afraid of heights and thought he would never, ever have to get on a plane much less go up in the air in one. Thank God for alcohol!
Since then, Bob has been featured on local television and radio and in many newspapers and was even interviewed by ABC's "20/20" and "Good Morning America."
As a result Bob and Shelley can make The Parthenon Pizza with their eyes closed!
As luck would have it, Bob was invited to compete again at The Pizza Festiva in March, 2003. "Mikes Spaghetti Pizza" took home "Most Exotic Pizza of the Year!" Having once again to board a jet, Bob, Shelley, Mike and 3 other people headed to Vegas on Mar. 23.
This is the 1st time that a pizza maker has been invited back to The Pizza Festiva 2-years-in-a-row back-to-back!
The Future....
The Pizza Factory is already looking forward to 2004! A premium Black Angus Steak Pizza and a cool white pizza with crab, chicken and dill are the current frontrunners!
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