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.