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.