Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
The whole gang is back! In this special Pizza Team edition of The Hot Slice, host Denise Greer, editor in chief of Pizza Today, sits down with Kate Lavin, Jeremy White and Josh Cowan for a lively, insider look at what's shaping the pizza business right now. From big news about Pizza Expo's leadership to what's driving independent operators to the top, this one's packed with takeaways you can bring straight back to your shop!
The crew digs into the mindset behind one of the world's most acclaimed pizza makers, previews everything happening at Pizza Expo Columbus and celebrates a shift that puts mom-and-pop shops in the spotlight. Whether you own one location or a handful, there's plenty here to fire you up. Grab a slice and settle in!
Key Talking Points:
Big leadership news: Jeremy White announces he'll step in as the new Pizza Expo show director when longtime director Bill Oakley retires in about six months.
Pizza Expo Columbus is bigger this year: The show moves to Hall B with an expanded show floor and more exhibitors.
Seven competitions: The Great American Pizza Challenge returns with divisions from best dessert pizza to America's best pepperoni slice and Young Pizza Maker of the Year.
Hot Slice goes live: The podcast will broadcast from a quiet suite overlooking the show floor, plus a freshly redesigned Pizza Today booth and a Sunday happy hour with wings and drinks!
Independents are winning: Top distributors report independent pizzerias now outpacing chains at the top of their sales charts.
Value-driven spending: With tighter wallets, customers are choosing local independents for experience, relationships and community connection.
Make your voice heard: Complete the operator survey to help shape Pizza Today content and Pizza Expo education sessions!
Show Notes:
Pizza Expo Columbus: pizzaexpocolumbus.pizzatoday.com
Pizzeria Operator Survey: survey.alchemer.com/s3/8906788/Pizza-Today-s-Pizzeria-Operator-Survey-2026
Pizzeria Industry Excellence (PIE) Awards: pizzatoday.com/pie-awards
The whole gang is back! In this special Pizza Team edition of The Hot Slice, host Denise Greer, editor in chief of Pizza Today, sits down with Kate Lavin, Jeremy White and Josh Cowan for a lively, insider look at what's shaping the pizza business right now. From big news about Pizza Expo's leadership to what's driving independent operators to the top, this one's packed with takeaways you can bring straight back to your shop!
The crew digs into the mindset behind one of the world's most acclaimed pizza makers, previews everything happening at Pizza Expo Columbus and celebrates a shift that puts mom-and-pop shops in the spotlight. Whether you own one location or a handful, there's plenty here to fire you up. Grab a slice and settle in!
Key Talking Points:
Big leadership news: Jeremy White announces he'll step in as the new Pizza Expo show director when longtime director Bill Oakley retires in about six months.
Pizza Expo Columbus is bigger this year: The show moves to Hall B with an expanded show floor and more exhibitors.
Seven competitions: The Great American Pizza Challenge returns with divisions from best dessert pizza to America's best pepperoni slice and Young Pizza Maker of the Year.
Hot Slice goes live: The podcast will broadcast from a quiet suite overlooking the show floor, plus a freshly redesigned Pizza Today booth and a Sunday happy hour with wings and drinks!
Independents are winning: Top distributors report independent pizzerias now outpacing chains at the top of their sales charts.
Value-driven spending: With tighter wallets, customers are choosing local independents for experience, relationships and community connection.
Make your voice heard: Complete the operator survey to help shape Pizza Today content and Pizza Expo education sessions!
Show Notes:
Pizza Expo Columbus: pizzaexpocolumbus.pizzatoday.com
Pizzeria Operator Survey: survey.alchemer.com/s3/8906788/Pizza-Today-s-Pizzeria-Operator-Survey-2026
Pizzeria Industry Excellence (PIE) Awards: pizzatoday.com/pie-awards
