Honoring women leading the pizza industry into the future
Women have been woven into fabric of pizza making since its creation. Napoletana women fried dough to be served as street food. In early America, women were often the backbone of family-owned pizzerias, working behind the scenes. The first women-owned pizzerias in the United States can be traced to the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Today, female business ownership is soaring. Nearly half all restaurants are at least 50% woman owned, the National Restaurant Association reports. Women are reshaping the pizzeria industry through vision, leadership and tenacity.
Legacy Builders of Pizza
Women of influence are thought leaders and educators driving the pizza industry forward.
Throughout the pages of this issue of Pizza Today, seven thought leaders share their knowledge to help other operators and pizza pros achieve success. These are legacy-building operators shaping the future of the pizzeria industry for generations to come. They include:
• Laura Meyer, a 20-year industry veteran industry veteran, often referred to as the pizza queen. Owner of Pizzeria da Laura in Berkely, California, Meyer first broke through pizza’s glass ceiling when she became the first woman and first American to win the Pizza in Teglia division at the Pizza World Championship in Parma, Italy. Her three-time winning streak would continue at Pizza Expo in Las Vegas and the Caputo Cup in Naples, Italy, during her tenure with Tony Gemignani. While pizza-making has earned Meyer a place among industry elites, her leadership also has inspired the pizza community.
• A New Jersey native, Melissa Rickman owns the high-performing Wholly Stromboli in Fort Lupton, Colorado, with her husband Eric. She is known for her straight-forward approach to mentorship. A longtime speaker at Pizza Expo, she is a recognized leader in the pizza industry as a public speaker, educator and writer.
• Audrey Kelly opened Audrey Jane’s Pizza Garage in her hometown of Boulder, Colorado, in 2015 after spending more than five years perfecting her craft with Tony Gemignani. She teaches pizza-making and menu development through Pizza Expo and in the pages of Pizza Today. With her writing background, Kelly has a way of breaking down complex culinary processes and teaching them to even the newest operator.
• Leah Scurto is the founder, managing partner and pizzaiola at PizzaLeah in Windsor, California. Her pizza journey began in 1997, and she honed her craft at Pizza My Heart before branching out on her own in 2018. Leah is a five-time pizza champion who brings fresh innovation to her pizza creations. She also consults and teaches pizza making.
• Melinda Carbajal is the managing member and CEO of Colorado-based Simply Pizza. She has propelled careers in government and education into a unique business model. Her knowledge base includes complex systems and community impact as well as catering and leadership.
• Nicole Bean co-owns two-unit Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana in Houston, Texas, where she’s brought a multiple-style pizza approach to the family business. She continues to rack up pizza competition wins and is a master of marketing and social media.
• Erica Bell is general manager and pizzaiola at ØØ Pie & Pub (Double Zero) in Las Vegas. She has built a reputation for team building, attention to detail, authentic leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Pizzeria Hall of Fame
These women join trailblazers who have set the precedent for pizza excellence. Pizza icons including Nancy Silverton of Los Angeles-based Pizzeria Mozza, Ann Kim of Pizzeria Lola in Minneapolis and Sarah Minnick of Lovely’s Fifty Fifty in Portland, Oregon, revolutionized artisan pizza by introducing innovative approaches. Donatella Arpaia is celebrated for her culinary expertise, innovative approach to pizza-making and role as a judge for high-profile cooking competitions. Ruth Gresser, owner of Pizzeria Paradiso in Washington, D.C., has created a legacy of empowering female chefs and restaurateurs. Jaque Farrell is co-founder and CEO of Tacoma, Washington-based Farrelli’s Pizza; she has become a leader in the hospitality industry and a passionate advocate for growth and opportunity.
These are just a few living pizzeria legends. Many female pioneers have come before. Explore the contributions of the following women who are redefining disciplines in the pizzeria business.
Photo courtesy of Don Antonio
Pizza Master: Giorgia Caporuscio
Don Antonio – New York, New York
Giorgia Caporuscio, a trailblazing pizza maker and 50 Top Pizza’s 2024 Pizza Maker of the Year, has transformed the Michelin-recognized pizzeria, Don Antonio blending tradition with her innovative, seasonal approach. With roots in Neapolitan pizza and a passion for teaching, she continues to inspire a new generation of pizzaioli, proving that simplicity and precision are the keys to lasting success.
Photo courtesy of Mattenga’s Pizzeria
Operational Oracle: Hengam Stanfield
Mattenga’s Pizzeria – San Antonio, Texas
Hengam Stanfield, co-founder of Mattenga’s Pizzeria and Pizza Today’s 2025 Pizzeria of the Year, has revolutionized operations with tools like the Ops Book and Weekly Engineering Dashboard, driving the brand to seven award-winning locations in San Antonio. An “Operational Oracle,” she masterfully balances leadership, innovation and strategy to set new standards in pizzeria management.
Photo courtesy of Tori T’s Pizzeria.
Industry Trailblazer: Victoria Tiso
Tori T’s Pizzeria – Malverne, New York // 914 Pizza – Harrison, New York
Victoria Tiso, owner of Tori T’s Pizzeria and 914 Pizza, is redefining the pizza scene on Long Island with innovative Detroit-style pies and a commitment to continuous growth. As an industry trailblazer, she empowers her staff and inspires future entrepreneurs through transparency, education and impactful social media leadership.
Photo courtesy of Donatos
Technology Tastemaker: Jane Grote-Abell
Donatos – Columbus, Ohio (headquarters)
Jane Grote-Abell, executive chairwoman of Donatos Pizza, is revolutionizing the industry by integrating cutting-edge technology like AI-driven forecasting and robotic pizza kiosks to enhance operations and customer experience. As a technology tastemaker, she continues her mission to elevate quality and hospitality, showcasing innovations that redefine the future of pizza.
Photo by Rory Doyle
Pizza Trendsetter: Marisol Doyle
Leña Pizza + Bagels – Cleveland, Mississippi
Marisol Doyle, owner of Leña Pizza + Bagels and a Best Pizza Chef Awards honoree in 2024 and 2025, is redefining Southern pizza with wood-fired Neapolitan pies, creative weekly specials, and Mexican-inspired flavors. As a pizza trendsetter, she blends global culinary influences with local ingredients, captivating loyal customers and earning international acclaim.
Photo courtesy of Brewability.
Heart of the Community: Tiffany Fixter
Brewability – Englewood, Colorado
Tiffany Fixter, founder of Brewability in Englewood, Colorado, has created an inclusive pizzeria and brewery that empowers individuals with special needs while fostering a sense of belonging. As the heart of the community, she hosts accessible events and celebrations, proving that connection and creativity can transform lives and businesses alike.
