Business & Merchant

Last Updated on Monday, 30 March 2026 23:19

Alex Hvizdos, owner of Danny's Pizza and Hoagies, traveled to Las Vegas at the end of March to compete on an international stage at the prestigious International Pizza Challenge and the Italian Sandwich Competition, held during the world-renowned International Pizza Expo.

The competitions bring together top chefs and pizzaiolos from around the globe, all vying to showcase their craft, creativity, and dedication to traditional and innovative Italian-American cuisine.

Hvizdos will represent the Pittsburgh region as he competes among some of the best pizza makers and sandwich artisans in the industry. His entry into the International Pizza Challenge will highlight the same commitment to quality ingredients and craftsmanship that customers have come to expect at Danny’s Pizza and Hoagies. In the Italian Sandwich Competition, he will present the classic Italian hoagie that has been synonymous with Danny's for decades.

“For me, it’s about representing Pittsburgh and the traditions of our shop,” said Hvizdos. “When I took over from my uncle in 2019, it was to continue what he started, and competing in Las Vegas is an opportunity to showcase the quality and pride that comes from that legacy.”

Danny’s Pizza and Hoagies, located along Route 88 in Bethel Park, has built a reputation for its handcrafted pizzas, hearty hoagies, and dedication to quality ingredients — including high-quality unbleached and unbromated flour as part of the shop’s “Clean Pizza” approach.

The International Pizza Expo attracts thousands of restaurant owners, chefs, and food industry professionals from around the world each year. The competitions are widely regarded as some of the most respected events in the pizza industry, highlighting innovation while honoring the traditions of Italian cuisine.

Hvizdos says the experience is not only a personal milestone but also a way to bring new inspiration back home.

“I competed for the first time last year and learned a lot so I am determined to improve upon last year's performance. Whether we bring home a trophy or just great ideas, the goal is to keep improving what we serve our customers every day,” he said.

About Danny’s Pizza and Hoagies

Danny's Pizza and Hoagies is a family-owned pizzeria serving the South Hills of Pittsburgh since 1960. Known for its traditional pizza, signature hoagies, and commitment to quality ingredients, Danny’s remains a local favorite for classic Pittsburgh pizza shop fare.