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This week, we catch up with Scott Wiener to chat all things pizza. Scott started Scott’s Pizza Tours in New York City 17 years ago. And his pizza enthusiasm has only grown. As Josh says on the podcast, “no one knows probably more about the pizza business than Scott.”

Scott has been a frequent speaker at Pizza Expo and contributor to Pizza Today. He judges the International Pizza Challenge and other global pizza competitions. Featured on numerous TV shows and media outlets, he also authored Viva La Pizza! and holds a Guinness World Record for his pizza box collection.

We dive into what’s happening right now in the New York pizza scene. He shares how the New York slice is elevating its game.

Find out memorable pizzas Scott had last year and what he’s up to this year.

We talk in depth about judging at the International Pizza Challenge. He offers some advice as a longtime judge.

Show Notes:

Are you a Pizzeria to Watch?

We are looking for standout pizzerias to feature in our 2026 Pizzerias to Watch in our May issue of Pizza Today. If you would like to be considered, complete our questionnaire for inclusion.

https://pizzatoday.com/pizzerias-to-watch-questionnaire/

Countdown to Pizza Expo

As Pizza Expo approaches, we are preparing for the biggest and best Pizza Expo yet. A couple things of note. Competition spots are filling or are on waitlists, signed up now for remaining competition spots.

Register now for Pizza Expo 2026.

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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!

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Join us for this special New Year’s Day edition of The Hot Slice Podcast. The new year is full of new opportunities. The Pizza Today team gathers to commemorate the New Year with 2026 thoughts and reflections.

We highlight goals we have to help the pizza community. Denise highlights priorities in her first full year as Editor in Chief. We look at pizza trends and share our forecasts for the upcoming year.

Don’t miss as we share pizza styles that we are personally excited to perfect and styles we hope gain traction around the country.

Happy New Year, pizza fam!