Craig Jenkins, a three store franchise partner of Romeo’s Pizza, baked a perfect “Butcher Shop” pizza to claim the “Best of the Midwest” title in the Traditional category of 2013 Pizza Pizzazz on February 18. Jenkins’ effort also netted him a $6,000 cash prize. This is the third time in 10 years that Romeo’s Pizza has won this highly coveted and nationally known title.
The contest, operated in conjunction with the annual North America Pizza and Ice Cream Show, was held at the Columbus Convention Center on February 17-18. It featured over 60 of the best pizza makers from over 17 states. Jenkins was the manager at the original Romeo’s Pizza when Sean Brauser, CEO & founder, won the same award in 2002 and 2004 with the Butcher Shop Pizza.
The Butcher Shop is a meat lover’s delight that begins with Romeo’s famous sweet pizza sauce and 100 percent Wisconsin cheese, followed by toppings of pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, and crumbled meatballs.
Romeo’s Pizza finished fourth in the Gourmet category the day before with the Great Ranch & Potato Pizza. That pizza has been previously named Best Gourmet Pizza in America.
“When I didn’t hear my name called for third or second place, I was thinking, ‘Oh, my gosh, it’s either a bomb or I’m getting a trophy,’” Jenkins said. “Romeo’s Pizza was the only pizza place that placed in the finals both days, and that really says a lot about our award-winning gourmet pizzas.”
