Fort Myers own Fine Folk Pizza, Awarded Gold at the United States of America Pizzaiolo Caputo Cup Championship for the second year in a row!
Submitted By: Michael DeNunzio
Atlantic City, New Jersey, September 26, 2019: For the past three years, pizzaiolos, pizzeria owners, and pizza & pasta lovers alike have headed to Atlantic City for the Pizza & Pasta Northeast Tradeshow. Showcasing thousands of brands, upcoming products, and useful tools of the trade, this expo, brought to the East Coast by the Nationally renowned Pizza Today Magazine, is also home to The Caputo Cup Pizza Competition. The Caputo Cup showcases five distinct pizza categories; Traditional, Non-Traditional, Pan, Gluten-Free, and Neapolitan. Hundreds of competitors from all over the United States attend each year to submit their best pizza creations to be scored by a prestigious panel of judges. Each pizza is scored based on taste, creativity, and appearance.
Back in 2018, Fine Folk Pizza secured their first National Trophy win while having only two employees compete. Upon reflection on the event, the Fine Folk Team realized they not only left the tradeshow with the large trophy; but also newfound industry knowledge, and comradery built through competition.
“This year we closed the pizzeria for the week of the Pizza & Pasta Northeast Tradeshow. The entire staff had a chance to go compete for the 2019 U.S.A Caputo Cup Pizzaiolo Championship. During that week, our team attended educational seminars, watched demonstrations, and even got to shake hands with some of the industry titans. It’s these types of events that really allows our team to learn and improve our pizzeria and our craft,” said Chris Batties General Manager of Fine Folk Pizza.
Earl Morris, Kitchen Manager of Fine Folk Pizza, was awarded the first place trophy for the 2019 Non-Traditional pizza division. Naming Fine Folk Pizza back to back Caputo Cup champions.
“When they called my name, I was shocked and very excited. I tried to appear calm when I was walking up to accept the trophy, but on the inside, I was so excited and proud. This is a massive accomplishment for me and the team,” said Morris.
Morris’ aesthetically pleasing pie, “The Squeeze,” squeezed right past the stiff competition. The award-winning pizza boasted a base of fresh-made lemon, garlic-herbed cream cheese, topped with mozzarella, sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and slivered almonds, finalized with ricotta-filled squash blossoms.
After several years of planning, Fine Folk Pizza, sister shop of DeNunzio’s Brick Oven Pizza & Grille in Sea Isle City, NJ, brought their New York-style thin crust Pizza to Fort Myers during October 2015. As they celebrate their 4th birthday this week, they will be serving this year’s United States of America Pizzaiolo Championship winning pizza, “The Squeeze.” Whether you prefer the “foodie style,” non-traditional pies, or would rather have a simple pepperoni slice, their hand-tossed dough and fresh ingredients aim to please all pizza-loving palettes.
Fine Folk Pizza is also the home of the “Dinner and a Dough Show Experience.” While dining in, after you place your pizza order, the team performs pizza dough tricks, which occur tableside with kids or upon request for adults. The tables then get to keep the dough. This experience was featured on America’s Funniest Home Videos after a parent submitted a hilarious video of pizza dough ending up on their child’s head.
You can satisfy your Fine Folk Pizza craving by dining in or ordering online and by telephone Tuesday – Sunday. They also offer delivery within close proximity to their shop.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm
Phone: (239) 313-5155
Address:
11300 Lindbergh Blvd #114, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Website: FineFolkPizza.com
