The 2026 March Madness-style Sweet 16 bracket of best pizza in Sarasota has been sliced down to the Final Four, with competitors receiving a staggering 40% of votes in Round 2. As the pizza wars heat up, Columbus-style pizza is gaining traction, attracting attention from food enthusiasts nationwide.
Columbus-style pizza, characterized by its thin crust, toppings to the edge, and square cut, has been a topic of debate among pizza lovers. In a 2024 best-of poll conducted by Dispatch, Terita’s emerged as the local favorite among 11 Columbus-style nominees, further solidifying its place in the culinary landscape.
Founded in 1949 by Dan and Jim Massucci, Massey’s is credited with originating Columbus-style pizza. This unique style has recently gained national recognition, with a New York Post article highlighting its rising popularity. Andrea Margolis, a local food critic, noted, “The pizza’s unique characteristics are helping Columbus to gain national recognition … as the city continues to build its reputation among food lovers.”
As the Sarasota pizza bracket progresses, the anticipation builds for the upcoming release of the “Pizza Movie” on Hulu on April 3, 2026. The film features a shy college student and his reckless roommate navigating a chaotic night, promising a blend of humor and chaos. Critics have already chimed in, with one stating, “Pizza Movie is as stupid as it is hilarious, fueled by the comedic gold of Gaten Matarazzo and Sean Giambrone.”
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Columbus-style pizza, some traditionalists remain skeptical. A voice in the debate remarked, “NY style pizza is perfection … all these wannabes trying to improve on it are pathetic numbskulls.” This sentiment reflects the ongoing rivalry between pizza styles, particularly between the Midwest and the coasts.
As the Final Four competitors prepare for the next round, observers are eager to see if Columbus-style pizza can claim victory in Sarasota’s pizza showdown. The outcome could further elevate its status on the national stage, but details remain unconfirmed.
