This article was inspired by content originally published on CBS News
Introduction
When you think of Pittsburgh, you might picture steel mills and sports teams before pizza. But that perception just got a gooey, glorious update: Slice on Broadway, a beloved local pizza shop, recently took home the “World’s Best Cheese Pizza” title at the 2025 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.
A Slice Above
Slice on Broadway, with four locations across Pittsburgh, has long been a neighborhood favorite. But beating out competitors from pizza capitals like Naples and New York takes more than good sauce it demands relentless dedication to the basics. Owner Ilan Sredni, who took the helm of the business in 2021, says the win is all about respecting the fundamentals.
“Simple doesn’t mean easy,” he explains. “We obsess over our cheese blend, our dough fermentation, our oven temps every detail is dialed in.”
For pizza enthusiasts, this is a reminder that the “plain cheese pizza” is never really plain. It’s the ultimate test of balance, texture, and technique. Next time you make your own pie, channel the pros: invest in a quality pizza stone or steel to replicate that pizzeria crispness at home. And don’t overlook your ingredients a fresh low-moisture mozzarella can elevate your slice from good to unforgettable.
What’s in It for Shop Owners
Beyond the bragging rights, Slice on Broadway’s victory offers a big takeaway for pizza shop owners everywhere: lean into what you do best, and do it better than anyone else.
In an era where novelty toppings and viral pizza hacks dominate social media, this win proves there’s still massive appetite (pun intended) for the classics when done with intention and care.
If you’re running a shop, maybe it’s time to revisit your signature cheese pie. Is your dough recipe consistent? Are you using the best flour you can source? Have you tested how your ovens perform during peak hours? A well-executed cheese pizza can anchor your menu and your brand so it’s worth the investment in the right commercial pizza ovens and quality bulk cheese.
Suppliers, Take Note
This win also shines a spotlight on the supply chain behind the pie. From high-gluten flours to custom cheese blends, consistency and quality are non-negotiable when you’re competing on the world stage.
Suppliers that can help shops maintain top-notch standards whether it’s through reliable sourcing, training, or tech solutions like inventory tracking will find loyal partners among pizzerias aiming to replicate Slice’s success. If you’re a supplier, now is the time to pitch value-adds like ingredient traceability or bulk deals for award-winning cheese blends.
Pizza Pro Tip: Keep It Simple, Make It Shine
We reached out to several pizza pros (hypothetically, for this piece) who all echo the same advice: when it comes to cheese pizza, less is more but the “less” must be flawless.
Use high-protein flour for better chew. Proof your dough longer for more flavor. Stretch by hand, not machine, to protect those airy pockets. And if you want to get that gold-standard browning at home, invest in a home pizza oven that hits at least 700°F.
Why This Matters for Pizza Lovers
For the everyday pizza lover, Slice on Broadway’s win is an invitation to revisit the humble cheese slice with fresh eyes (and taste buds). Next time you’re craving a pizza night, skip the toppings overload or at least start with a base that could stand alone.
Or better yet, make your own at home. Grab a trusted pizza cookbook , order some quality flour and cheese, and channel your inner Pittsburgh champion.
Slice on Broadway’s moment in the spotlight is a reminder that great pizza doesn’t need gimmicks just great people, great ingredients, and a passion for doing the simple things extraordinarily well.
Here’s to the cheese slice: forever the king of the pie
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