Pittsburgh Pizza Chain Fares Well In World Pizza Games

PITTSBURGH, PA — In keeping with what has become a tradition, the Pittsburgh-based Caliente Pizza & Draft House chain won several competitions at this year's recent International Pizza Expo & Conference in Las Vegas.

Perry Bogacz, the son of Caliente owner Nick Bogacz, took first place in the World Pizza Games' Pizza Triathlon involving pizza box folding, dough stretching and dough tossing.

“Winning this means everything," Bogacz said. "It’s not just about speed—it’s about skill, efficiency, and a deep love for the craft of pizza-making."

Longtime Caliente crew member and competitor Matt Hickey took home his first gold medal in the pizza acrobatics competition after competing in the event since 2017.

"Winning gold in acrobatics has been absolutely unreal," he said. "It's been one of my biggest goals for the last seven years. I missed first place by only five points last year, so winning this year felt like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders."

Caliente has locations in Bloomfield, Hampton, Mt. Lebanon, Aspinwall, Monroeville, Sewickley and Crafton.