I want to take this opportunity to be the first to congratulate Matt and Hengam Stanfield. The co-founders of Mattenga’s Pizzeria in San Antonio are a pizza power couple like no other. They have steadily grown their Texas-based pizza company into a juggernaut that is so impressive, we named it the 2025 Pizzeria of the Year!

Executive Editor Denise Greer and Design Lead Katie Wilson ventured to San Antonio to sit down with Hengam and Matt to get to the bottom of what makes their company so special. They’ve got quite a story to tell, and I do not want to encroach on it here, so flip to page 34 and enjoy.

Bar Bites

When my family goes out for pizza – or just about any meal, really – we order appetizers. For one thing, we typically show up famished. Secondly, apps are usually the favorite part of my meal for some reason (minus the main event: pizza, of course).

If I ever find myself sitting at a bar, the first question I ask is, “What bourbons do you have?” I like a good Old Fashioned. My second question is always, “What bar bites do you have?”

I don’t want a full meal at the bar, but I usually enjoy a small plate while relaxing with a cocktail.

When a bartender hands me the restaurant’s entire menu, it can feel a bit disappointing. When I am given a lineup of bar bites, however – even if it mirrors the restaurant’s appetizer list – I’m a happy camper.

Check out the article on page 30 to read what’s hot with bar bites.

O-HI-O

Lastly, registration for Pizza Expo Columbus is open, and we are looking forward to a fun and exciting event in the Buckeye state. The show will take place Oct. 26-27 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. We have a fantastic lineup of speakers you won’t want to miss. Head over to PizzaExpoColumbus.com to get registered today. We look forward to seeing you there!

Best,

Jeremy White
Editor In Chief

Read the August 2025 Issue of Pizza Today Magazine

In this issue, we announce Pizza Today’s 2025 Pizzeria of the Year. Find out the owners turned a failing pizzeria purchase into a fast growing pizza business. Learn how it make a sourdough starter.It’s Green Season! Green Chile, that is. Explore menu ideas that add New Mexican flavors to your pizza. Find out which strip mall locations work best for pizzerias – and how to maximize traffic. Discover why pizzerias are going with custom mobile apps to capture sales and return visits. Tap into addictive bar menu options to increase check averages.

Check out the full Digital Edition — Pizza Today August 2025.