To Start things off for year 1 we went to South Bend, Indiana. The pizza scene in SBN offers a surprisingly diverse blend of Midwest comfort and creative flair, shaped by its strong community spirit and local pride. While you’ll find traditional tavern-style thin crusts and hearty Chicago influences just down the road, South Bend’s pizzerias often add their own spin — whether it’s house-made sauces crafted from locally sourced ingredients, inventive toppings that nod to the area’s Polish and Italian roots, or the signature use of stone ovens that create a perfect crispy-chewy balance. From long-standing neighborhood joints to new artisan spots near Notre Dame, South Bend’s pizza culture is all about blending nostalgia with innovation, making it a hidden gem in the Midwest’s growing pizza landscape.

Winners Based on Group Average:

1.Bruno’s

2. Pasquale Rulli’s

3. Rocco’s

4. The Pub

5.Polito’s

6.Barnaby’s

7. Gionetti’s

Attendees: Jim Siegel, Kelly Haney, Tucker Florea, Nick Keim, Kim Yappeli, Alex North, Danny “The Don” Williams and Mike “The Godfather” McKay