The team behind Slice on Broadway and Lucatino Italian Tavern earns honors in pepperoni and traditional thin pizza.
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Pittsburgh-area team behind Slice on Broadway and Lucatino Italian Tavern brought home multiple national honors from the Great American Pizza Challenge, held October 11–12 at Pizza Expo Columbus.
Owner Rico Lunardi earned second place overall in America’s Best Traditional Thin Pizza and first place in Traditional Thin–Flatbread Style. Pizza maker Alicia Reis earned third place in America’s Best Pepperoni, Best in the Northeast recognition in that category, and third place in Traditional Thin–Flatbread Style.
The competition pizzas brought two local styles to the national stage: Slice on Broadway’s classic pepperoni on its New York-style crust and Lucatino’s tonda romana, a thin Roman-style Margherita pizza topped with pepperoni. Lunardi and Reis competed alongside teammate Tracy Dykeman, who entered the dessert pizza competition.
“These pizzas represent what we do every day in our restaurants,” said Lunardi. “I couldn’t be prouder of Alicia and Tracy and the time they put into competing. And we couldn’t do any of this without everyone back home taking care of our guests and keeping the shops running. This is something our whole team can celebrate.”
For Lunardi, a member of the U.S. Pizza Team, the competition was also an opportunity to celebrate fellow teammates and compete alongside industry friends from across the country.
The team’s success brings national recognition to two locally owned businesses rooted in Pittsburgh-area neighborhoods: Slice on Broadway, with six locations, and Lucatino Italian Tavern in Carnegie.
About Slice on Broadway and Lucatino Italian Tavern
Owned by Rico Lunardi, Slice on Broadway serves Beechview, Carnegie, Wexford, East Liberty, South Side Works and Robinson. Lucatino Italian Tavern serves Roman-style pizzas, house-made focaccia, pasta and Italian favorites. Named after Lunardi’s sons, Luca and Santino, Lucatino brings a family connection to its neighborhood Italian restaurant in Carnegie.
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SOURCE Slice On Broadway
