This article was inspired by content originally published on Randy Santel.
Introduction
If you think your pizza shop’s reputation is all about your crust or sauce, think again. The secret sauce for Roma’s Pizza and Pasta in Springboro, Ohio, isn’t just tomato-based it’s buzzworthy. Their massive 36-inch Italian Stromboli Challenge recently caught the attention of legendary professional eater Randy Santel, drawing in crowds, social shares, and new customers hungry for more than just cheese and pepperoni.
Why Pizza Challenges Work
In the world of independent pizzerias, standing out takes more than great dough. Roma’s has turned an old-school idea an oversized eating challenge into a modern-day marketing magnet. Randy Santel’s visit wasn’t just a publicity stunt; it was a strategic masterstroke that showcases how food challenges can transform a local pizza joint into a viral hotspot.
Imagine the free press, Instagram reels, TikTok stunts, and repeat visits from customers daring their friends to beat the clock. For pizza shop owners, that’s the type of organic marketing money can’t buy except, of course, you can design it yourself.
Design a Challenge That’s Smart, Safe, and Shareable
Not every pizzeria needs a 6-pound stromboli to get noticed. Consider the unique specialties that already make your shop special. Maybe it’s a 5-topping mega calzone, a “world’s cheesiest slice,” or a double XL dessert pizza.
Before launching your contest, make it official:
✅ Use a high-quality kitchen scale to keep portions consistent this commercial-grade scale is a reliable pick for bulk dough or challenge weigh-ins.
✅ Capture the event with a professional ring light and tripod for TikTok-ready content this video kit works great for filming from the counter.
✅ Post clear rules and offer branded merch as prizes custom pizza shop T-shirts double as wearable advertising!
Bring the Stromboli Challenge Home
For pizza lovers who want to test their appetites in the comfort of their kitchen, why not recreate the 36-inch stromboli at home? It’s a fun twist for family parties or game-day gatherings.
✅ Try a durable pizza stone or baking steel this top-rated option helps keep that giant stromboli crust crispy from edge to edge.
✅ Up your rolling game with a heavy-duty rolling pin this adjustable one makes it easy to get an even stretch.
Supplier Opportunities
Behind every record-breaking stromboli is a mountain of flour, meats, cheese, and time. Local ingredient suppliers can tap into the “challenge trend” by offering special bulk deals for shops experimenting with big-portion menu items.
If you’re a supplier, think about:
✅ Cross-promotions co-sponsor an eating challenge with branded napkins or pizza boxes.
✅ Bundled ingredient packs like “Mega Stromboli Kits” for shops that want to pilot their own version.
For shop owners considering bigger equipment to handle the spike in large orders, a reliable commercial oven with extra capacity can be a game-changer this popular deck oven is highly rated for consistent heat distribution.
Marketing Magic: More Than a Meal
Roma’s didn’t just sell a giant stromboli they sold an experience. And in an era where every diner is an influencer, that experience translates into priceless content.
If you want to replicate their success:
✅ Promote your event on local foodie forums and social media groups.
✅ Reward successful challengers with a place on your “Hall of Fame” wall and a free shirt.
✅ Encourage participants to film and tag your shop in their videos.
Better yet, get your customers to sign a simple video release form to repurpose their clips for your own feeds.
Final Slice
Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast looking to try a home-cooked challenge or a shop owner dreaming up your own viral sensation, Roma’s 36-inch stromboli is proof that pizza is more than a meal it’s an event waiting to happen.
Next time you knead your dough, ask yourself: what experience could you serve up that’s worthy of the next Randy Santel showdown?
Affiliate Disclosure: This article was inspired by content originally published on Randy Santel. This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase them.
