Send us Fan Mail

Happy Pizza Expo Week! We hope you are enjoying the best week in PIZZA happening at the Las Vegas Convention Center. While we are focused on connecting in person, and doing MORE podcast episodes from the show floor, we want to share one of our favorite episodes this year.

Listen to Tony Troiano of J.B. Alberto’s Pizza in Chicago, Illinois, on The Hot Slice Podcast with Pizza Today

When most people think of Chicago pizza, they picture a deep-dish behemoth, a cheesy beast you need a fork and knife to conquer. But locals know the real MVP of the region is Chicago Thin – and it’s finally getting the love it deserves.

We sat down with Tony Troiano of J.B. Alberto’s Pizza, a 60-year-old Chicago institution and recent winner of the Great American Pizza Challenge for Best Traditional Thin Pizza. Troiano has been in the game a long time and had some incredible insights about why this crispy, tavern-style pie is taking over.

While tourists line up for deep-dish, Troiano says locals are gathering for game days and family parties around a box of thin crust. “Ninety-five percent of the people in Chicago … they’re eating a thin-crust pizza,” he says.

In fact, our own 2026 Pizza Industry Trends Report reveals that Chicago Thin is now the third most popular pizza style in the country! “I probably wouldn’t have competed with this particular pizza five years ago,” Troiano says. Now, he’s seeing it embraced on a national and even international level.

A key element to J.B. Alberto’s award-winning pies is the hand-pinched, house-made raw sausage. This might sound scary to some, but Tony insists it’s a game-changer. “The flavor difference is so much better,” he says. Pinching nickel-sized pieces ensures it cooks perfectly during a 12-minute bake, releasing just the right amount of flavor into the pie. And if you’re still worried? “Put it on top,” Tony advises. “That makes people feel better.”

To get the full story, listen to the complete Hot Slice episode with Tony Troiano.

Show Notes:

Download an expanded version of the 2026 Pizza Industry Trends Report!

Visit J.B. Alberto’s website, where a “secret menu” item is available only online!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Hot Slice Podcast with Pizza Today, we sit down with Odie O'Connor to explore the dynamic challenges of operating two distinct concepts 1,000 miles apart: Boxcar Pizza in Portland, OR, and Odie's Pizza Company in San Diego, CA.

Odie’s holds a special place for the owner as he returns to his hometown to carryout his pizza vision. Odie shares his deep industry experience and data-driven insights on scaling a business. He breaks down the realities of running a highly systemized vegan Detroit-style shop in the Pacific Northwest alongside a bustling sourdough and New York Grandma-style concept in Southern California.

Tune in to hear our engaging conversation covering these powerful commerce-driven solutions:

• The strategic differences between launching an independent shop versus partnering with a seasoned hospitality group.
• Key operational systems and communication methods required to manage pizzerias remotely.
• Navigating rapid staff growth and scaling workforce operations from a team of 8 to a staff of 45.
• Best practices for incorporating, marketing, and pricing high-quality vegan and gluten-free options to cast a wider net.
• Leveraging professional videography to build a cohesive brand identity and drive social media growth.

It’s our business to help you build yours. Listen to the full episode today to gain actionable intelligence for your own operation, and be sure to subscribe and leave us a review!

Send a text

Ever wonder what it really takes to run a booming pizzeria without losing your mind?! Grab a slice and pull up a chair! This week on The Hot Slice with Pizza Today, we’re joined by Nkem and Kerrel Thompson, the visionary couple behind Bird Pizzeria in Charlotte, NC. Nkem and Kerrel have quickly become industry standouts for their commitment to craft, hospitality, and community—transforming Bird Pizzeria from a humble start into one of Charlotte’s most celebrated pizza destinations. Their creative approach and bold flavors have captured the attention of pizza enthusiasts and national media alike, making Bird Pizzeria a must-visit for both locals and travelers. As operators, they embody the passion and resilience it takes to stand out in today’s evolving food landscape, and their story is as inspiring as the pies they serve.

We dive deep into the real, raw side of the pizza business, sharing the good, the bad, and the chaotic.

Here's a taste of what we cover in this episode:

• Surviving the nonstop, breakneck speed of the make line
• Bringing authentic regional pizza to totally new markets
• Balancing crazy lines and speed of service with top-tier quality

Are you ready to level up your pizza game? Hit play and let’s get into it!

Check out Bird Pizzeria at https://www.birdpizzeria.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/birdpizzeria/