Love for the craft of pizza brings operators together for annual workshop

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Two Chef’s in white coat.

In September 2023, General Mills Foodservice and Grande Cheese co-hosted Pizza Professional, the third annual workshop dedicated to the art of pizza making.

Real talk about real back-of-house operations

Gathering select operators from the pizzeria community to connect, discuss challenges, share ideas, ask questions, and participate in hands-on activities, this year’s Pizza Professional included opportunities to validate and elevate current business practices by:

  • Understanding the intricacies of dough and dough formulas, including baker’s percentage
  • Exploring the details and technical nuances of cheese
  • Seeing the functionality of tomato sauce and olive oil in a guest demonstration from Stanislaus Food Products
  • Diving into New York Style pizza to discuss practices, customization, and more
  • Delivering market and commodity insights for running a pizzeria
  • Coming together in small groups to create and present a signature pizza, receiving personalized Wheaties boxes as rewards

Creating a closer pizza community

The idea for Pizza Professional was born at Pizza Expo, when the General Mills Foodservice and Grande Cheese teams thought a collaborative and educational event that brings pizza makers together could show how much care and love to engage with them.

Over the past few years, the two companies have learned that together, we can deliver an impactful and valuable event for pizzeria operators. Chef Curt said, “Because we have built a bond between the companies, we can more easily incorporate new ideas into this annual event.”

“Each company brings something different to the table. The one thing we all have in common is how much we all care about the finished product, and since each company is the cream of the crop, we complement each other well.”
Curt Wagner
Chefs of the Mills

Chef Curt Wagner

Connect to what’s new and next

Throughout the year, General Mills Foodservice shares ideas with the pizzeria operator community. Don’t miss what we’re cooking up next and sign up to receive the latest news! Hungry for more? Check out our full spectrum of Crust Products to make a pizza you're proud to serve.

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