Pi00a’s Victory at the Fancy Face-Off Pitch Competition
LAS VEGAS — The excitement at the 49th Winter Fancy Food Show reached its peak as Pi00a, a unique family-owned venture that proudly represents the Deaf community, clinched victory in the Specialty Food Association’s (SFA) Fancy Face-Off Pitch Competition.
Their standout dish, a frozen miso eggplant pizza with Asian flair, won over the judges and earned the company a grand prize of $10,000 along with additional accolades.
In a similar spirit of innovation, Forca Foods made waves with its refreshing watermelon seed milk brand, Milkish, which was awarded the fan favorite title.
This remarkable brand was founded by Guilherme Maia Silva.
Finalists and Evaluation Criteria
Bill Lynch, the president of the SFA, shared his admiration for Pi00a’s captivating pitch presented by Melody Stein.
He acknowledged the impressive qualities exhibited by all finalists, noting their inspiring narratives, inventive products, and visionary ideas that invigorate the specialty food landscape.
Lynch also expressed appreciation for the contributions of SFA members, judges, and all finalists, which made the event truly memorable.
Throughout the competition, finalists showcased their culinary creations to a panel of discerning judges.
The criteria for evaluation included innovation, quality of ingredients, market potential, and, perhaps most importantly, taste.
Founding and Growth of Pi00a
Founded in 2023 by the entrepreneurial duo Melody and Russ Stein, Pi00a is built upon the legacy of a Neapolitan pizzeria they opened in San Francisco back in 2011.
The company has a strong commitment to hiring Deaf individuals, addressing the barriers they often face in the job market.
Pi00a has seen remarkable growth since its inception.
In 2014, they acquired their first food truck, embarking on a nationwide food truck tour that would expand their reach.
By 2016, they acquired a second food truck to continue the journey.
A heartfelt decision led them to sell their restaurant in 2017 to a Deaf non-profit organization, further strengthening their ties to the community.
The launch of the pi00a brand in August 2023 marked a significant evolution for the company, introducing a line of frozen pizzas that highlight Asian-inspired flavors.
This lineup features traditional options such as margherita and quattro formaggi, alongside their signature miso eggplant pizza.
Reflecting on their recent success at the Fancy Face-Off Pitch Competition, Melody Stein emphasized the victory’s significance.
It heralds increased visibility and potential partnerships with retailers, allowing pi00a to further its mission.
More than just a pizza company, pi00a seeks to empower the Deaf community by creating equitable job opportunities and providing a platform for individuals to showcase their distinct talents.
Their vision centers around fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s abilities are not only recognized but celebrated.
Source: Foodbusinessnews