Local Pizza Pros Sean Dempsey, David Solum Win First Place at U.S. Pizza Team Competition in Anaheim
Northeast Radio SD News – Anaheim, CA - Members of the U.S. Pizza Team delivered standout performances at the California Restaurant Show in Anaheim, with locals Sean Dempsey and David Solum each earning first‑place finishes in their respective divisions.
Dempsey secured 1st Place in Gluten‑Free, adding another top finish to his competitive record. In a post reflecting on the weekend, he said he was “so damn proud,” noting that while he was thrilled with his own result, the highlight was watching Solum “absolutely crush it” in the Three‑Cheese category — earning Solum his first‑ever #1 finish.
The Anaheim Convention Center hosted multiple U.S. Pizza Team events, including traditional, non‑traditional, and acrobatic competitions. Dempsey not only competed but also spent two days running the acrobatic stage, calling the experience a rare opportunity to see “everything it takes to make something like that happen.”
A Weekend of Wins, Milestones, and Team Highlights
Dempsey described the weekend as one of growth and camaraderie, celebrating both veteran competitors and first‑time winners across the team:
· David Solum — First‑place finish in Three‑Cheese; also credited with suggesting a team trip to Star Wars Disneyland.
· Ray Cullison — 2nd Place in Non‑Traditional.
· Giovanni Labbate and family — Took home additional hardware.
· Mark and Kira Zabrowski — Each earned a 3rd‑place plaque.
· Domenico Tedesco — Recognized for earning hardware in the pan division.
· Jimmy Twill — 2nd Place and a competition ring.
· Damiano Trupiano — Celebrated for opening a new shop.
· Juan Robles — Praised for producing “ridiculous amazing pizzas,” including one slice Dempsey said he “had to fight for.”
· Enrico Aguila — Referred to as “everyone’s favorite Uncle.”
· Rudy Waldner — Credited humorously as “the reason I had a hangover.”
Dempsey also received a team plaque — an honor he said he had seen displayed in other members’ shops but had never earned himself.
He called it “one of my favorites” and said it “means the world to me.”
Acknowledgments and Thanks
Dempsey extended thanks to several leaders and partners who helped make the Anaheim event possible:
· Brian Hernandez — For the opportunity to run the acrobatic stage.
· Tore Trupiano, U.S. Pizza Team Captain — For hosting competitors at his Oceanside restaurant, which Dempsey described as serving “stunning food” and his favorite meal of the year.
· REAL CALIFORNIA MILK — Recognized for its support.
· Performance Foodservice — Credited for helping Dempsey attend the event.
· California Restaurant Show — Thanked for hosting and already looking ahead to 2027.
Looking Ahead
Dempsey said the weekend in Anaheim showcased not only high‑level competition but also the dedication required to excel in the craft.
“Doing any of these is crazy difficult,” he wrote, adding that seeing teammates succeed “is the best feeling.”
