Charleston Pizza Maker Wins National Contest, Heads to Italy

Michael Pitera, owner of Pizza a Modo Mio in Charleston, won the 'Pizza in the Pan' category at the 2026 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup in Orlando. The competition took place from October 25 to 27.

Pitera's win earned him an all-expenses-paid trip to represent the U.S. at the Campionate Mondiale della Pizza in Parma, Italy, scheduled for April 2027. This will be his second consecutive appearance at the event.

Pitera's Smoky Jewel pie received a score of 365.99, more than seven points higher than any other competitor. The pizza featured a sesame seed crust, smoked provolone and mozzarella blend, fresh chicken cutlet, vodka sauce, Burrata, and Calabrian chili oil.

Pitera, originally from New York, serves grandma-style pizza at his four Charleston locations. He also owns Pizza a Modo Mio and Cafe in Hollywood, Pizza a Modo Mio and Cafe DI on Clements Ferry Road, and the newly-opened A Taste of Rome inside the Citadel Mall.

Pitera brought his wife, Julie, and a pizza maker from his restaurants, L.J. Kardestuncer, to the Orlando contest. Their Citrus Smoke pie placed second in the Pizza for Two category.

The pair’s pizza included smoked gouda and mozzarella, caramelized onions, butcher-chopped bacon, ricotta cheese with orange dust, and chopped thyme. This was the first time Julie Pitera and Kardestuncer competed in a pizza contest.