Day 11, 2026: Pizza Expo (Columbus, OH)

exterior

DAY 11: OCTOBER 11th, 2026 

LOCATION: Pizza Expo (at Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215)

GUEST(S): Kitzi Taylor, Jay Taylor, Lori Taylor, Scott Wiener, Josh Keown, Aaron Gehrman, Celine Garand

ORDER: 1 slice of Mushroom & Bacon tavern style, and about a dozen other slices

REVIEW: 
Pies on the Prize.

One of the coolest events at the annual Pizza Expo in Columbus is the Great American Pizza Challenge. Produced by trade magazine Pizza Today and the International Pizza Expo, this competition brings together elite pizza makers from across the continent to throw down for cash, glory, and bragging rights.

Just like any other arena, you’ve got your rookies, your seasoned vets, favored contenders, dramatic upsets, officials, and a whole lot of adoring fans. The best part? The adoring fans actually get to eat the entries! After a tense 25-minute window to prep, bake, and plate, competitors hand three pristine slices off to the judges and slice up the rest for the crowd. Naturally, as a dedicated pizza-eating enthusiast, I make it a point to stake out a strategic post just to the left of the competition area, putting myself within arm's reach of the remnant slices.

This year, my friend and stellar Canadian pizzeria owner Aaron Gehrman stepped up to the line in the "Tavern Style" thin crust category. He rolled out an absolute masterpiece: a Mushroom & Bacon pie featuring mozzarella, smoked provolone, locally sourced bacon, apricot jam, spice-infused cremini and shiitake mushrooms, and a post-bake shower of pecorino. It was nothing short of delightful.

While the judges didn't hand him the top trophy this time around, anyone lucky enough to snag a piece walked away having experienced a slice that hit every single taste bud at once. Patrons at Emilio Finatti Pizzerias in British Columbia already know this magic firsthand. Thanks to the Pizza Expo, I get to witness masters like Aaron do their thing—and sample the delicious proof.

PHOTOS:

competing chef: Aaron Gehrman (of Emilio Finatti pizza)

underside

day 11

slice of Mushroom Bacon

Mushroom Bacon pie

Aaron Gehrman prepping his contestant pie

Josh Keown (Pizza Today) & Scott Wiener (Scott's Pizza Tours)

VIDEO:

click to view

MISCELLANEOUS:

Jay Taylor, Kitzi Taylor, Lori Taylor, Sean Taylor

1. This was the first Pizza Expo for my brother, Jay Taylor and his daughter, Lori. Kitzi participated last year.

Lori Taylor, Jay Taylor, Sean Taylor

2. Before we attended the Pizza Expo, we took part in the Spooky Sprint 10K just outside of Columbus. Lori finished first and ran the whole time. Jay and I both overcame calf injuries to walk/run across the finish line. We've been hobbling around Columbus ever since.

3. We all competed in costumes. Lori went as a cat, Jay as a prisoner, and I went as a slice of pizza. 

RATING:

 5/5