Uncle Gino’s Pizzeria, a beloved local establishment in Sault Ste. Marie, claimed a decisive victory at the first-ever Pizza Fest held on Saturday. The festival, which drew over 500 attendees, featured four competing pizza restaurants, with Uncle Gino’s emerging as the clear favorite.
The highlight of the event was Uncle Gino’s win in the Best Specialty Pizza category with their meatball parmesan, a recipe rooted in the family’s 40-year-old tradition. They also narrowly edged out Ricardo’s Big Slice Pizza in the Best Pepperoni and Cheese category, further cementing their reputation among local pizza enthusiasts.
Katie Hagerman, a key figure at Uncle Gino’s, reflected on the hard work leading up to their victory. “It was a lot of work but well worth it,” Hagerman told SooToday. “We started with four pizzas, but the demand was so high that we had to rush back and make more just before the event started.”
The festival saw more than 2,500 slices of pizza consumed, with Uncle Gino’s contributing significantly by preparing 30 pan pizzas. Each pan typically holds 24 regular-sized slices, but for the event, they were cut into smaller pieces, sold for a dollar each.
While Hagerman was confident in their specialty pizza’s success, the win in the pepperoni category was a pleasant surprise. “I knew the specialty pizza would do well, but pepperoni is a matter of personal taste. Ours isn’t as sweet as some others, but I’m pleased with the outcome.”
Looking ahead, Hagerman is already planning to defend her titles at next year’s Pizza Fest and is eager for more competition. She issued a friendly challenge to other local pizza establishments, stating, “Until someone takes this title away from me, we’re Sault Ste. Marie’s best pizza. If Mrs. B’s and Aurora’s want to challenge me, I’m ready.”
Despite the competitive spirit, Hagerman expressed deep respect for her local peers. She emphasized the importance of continuing her grandmother’s legacy, which has played a significant role in their success. “Keeping my grandmother’s recipe alive means everything to me. She worked so hard her whole life, and it’s gratifying to receive recognition for what she taught us.”
Uncle Gino’s, known primarily for its homemade pastas and breakfasts, has now firmly established itself as a serious contender in Sault Ste. Marie’s pizza scene. After opening a second location in April 2023, Hagerman is proud to see her restaurant gaining recognition for its pizza offerings.
“We’ve always known our pizza was great, but now we’re standing alongside the other popular pizza places in town,” Hagerman said.