This article was inspired by content originally published on CBS NEWS
Introdcution
What do you get when you mix a riverside craft brewery, a wood-fired oven, and a community of pizza lovers eager to make their mark? For Bloom Brew in West Newton, Pennsylvania, the answer is simple: a pizza contest that’s become so much more than a fun weekend event it’s now a powerful way to bring people together, boost business, and remind us all why pizza is the ultimate connector.
As covered by CBS News Pittsburgh, Bloom Brew’s approach is proof that with a little creativity (and a lot of pepperoni), pizza can be the spark that fuels local economies and builds lasting community ties.
A Pizza Contest That’s All About the People
In West Newton, Bloom Brew didn’t just invite customers to eat pizza they gave them the chance to create it. The brewery’s “Pizza Creator” contest lets locals pitch their wildest pizza ideas, and the winners see their pies featured on the menu. The result? A waiting list of eager pizza fans, a taproom packed with regulars, and a booming word-of-mouth buzz that’s put Bloom Brew on the map.
For pizza enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that your dream pie doesn’t have to live in your kitchen alone your local shop might be the perfect place to test it out. And for home pizza nights, take inspiration from these contest combos: think smoked meats, local veggies, or creative spice blends. Experiment with small-batch toppings just make sure you have a solid pizza peel and baking steel to pull it off like a pro.
Smoked Pizza Toppings
One reason Bloom Brew’s pizzas stand out? They embrace the power of the smoker. If you’re a backyard pizza enthusiast, try smoking your meats or veggies before topping your pies. A simple backyard smoker can add deep, layered flavor that takes your homemade pies to brewpub level.
A Blueprint for Community (and Sales)
What makes Bloom Brew’s contest more than just a gimmick is that it’s rooted in genuine community engagement. By giving customers a stake in the menu, they’ve created a sense of ownership that keeps people coming back.
If you run a pizza shop or even a brewpub, cafe, or food truck this is a playbook worth stealing:
Customer-Driven Menus: Run a “Create a Pie” contest. Make it easy for people to submit ideas online using your restaurant POS system.
Community Voting: Let your guests vote on the finalists. Not only does it drive engagement, it practically guarantees repeat visits.
Event Nights: Host pizza reveal parties pair them with live music or beer tastings to create a full experience.
Branded Merch: Consider limited-edition pizza boards or merchandise that features winning pies or local legends. It’s free marketing every time someone wears your logo.
The Local Angle Pays Off
For suppliers, Bloom Brew’s booming pizza game shows that small businesses crave unique ingredients that tell a local story. Are you helping your accounts stand out? Now’s the time to offer regionally sourced veggies, artisan meats, or creative cheeses that can become the hero of the next “local legend” pizza. And when you pitch it, show operators how your ingredients can be the differentiator that brings customers through the door and keeps them coming back.
Pizza’s Power to Bring Us Together
At its core, Bloom Brew’s success story isn’t really about pizza contests it’s about community, creativity, and the timeless magic of sharing good food and a pint with people you care about. Whether you’re a home pizza maker experimenting with smoked toppings, a supplier helping shops craft signature pies, or an operator looking to stand out in your neighborhood, the lesson is simple: people want to feel connected to the slice on their plate.
So next time you’re brainstorming how to get more folks through the door, remember: the best pizza stories aren’t just made in the oven they’re made with the people who gather around it.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article was inspired by content originally published on CBS NEWS. This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase them.