Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show

This week on Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show , Kevin and Frank finally try the viral Trader Joe's Detroit-style pizza that's been all over social media. They also debate whether pizza belongs in the summertime, Frank tells the story of pizza fritta in the '80s, discuss Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton's recent visit to Modern Apizza, and answer listeners' biggest questions about the upcoming Conn...

This week on Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show , Kevin and Frank sit down with Mike Masto, owner of Inferno Apizza in Wallingford. Mike shares how growing up making pizza with his grandfather inspired him to open his own pizzeria and why he's excited to be part of Connecticut's next generation of pizza makers. We also talk about building Inferno Apizza, what makes Connecticut's pizza community so un...

Mackenzie from The Parlor in Stratford, CT joins us again after his first appearance back on Episode 8. In this conversation, we catch up on what the last few years have looked like for him. From running The Parlor and keeping up with busy weekends to expanding his pizza truck catering business and taking on a new business venture outside of pizza. We also preview the upcoming Connecticut Pizza &a...

This week on Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show , Kevin and Frank travel to Frank Pepe Pizzeria in West Hartford to talk with Director of Operations Jen Hart. Jen shares how she got started with Pepe's, what makes the company culture unique, and how the family-focused philosophy continues to shape the business today. We also discuss the West Hartford location's party room, the growing popularity of P...

In Episode 59 of Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show , we cover a little bit of everything happening in the pizza world right now. We talk about the latest updates surrounding Connecticut Pizza & Brew Fest 2026, the frozen pizza people keep demanding we try, and the rise of Connecticut pizza prom-posals. Then Frank explains potassium bromate to Kevin and breaks down why the ingredient has suddenly...

Can you really make brick oven-style pizza at home? In Episode 58 of Charred , Frank shows us how to use fire bricks inside a regular oven to recreate that crispy, charred New Haven-style pizza at home. We break down the full method, what works, and what to watch out for if you try it yourself. Plus, we revisit Frank's viral video that started it all. Reading through some of the best, worst, and f...

Kevin hosted his biggest home pizza night ever… and it didn’t exactly go according to plan. On this episode of Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show , Frank breaks down Kevin’s pizza party—what worked, what didn’t, and the biggest mistakes you should avoid if you’re cooking for a crowd. Plus:  • A coworker unexpectedly ends up in a Dave Portnoy One Bite Pizza Review  • The celebrity shouting out New Hav...

Frank is back from Las Vegas after presenting New Haven-style apizza at the International Pizza Expo, and we get the full recap. In Episode 55 of Charred , we talk about what it’s like bringing New Haven pizza to a global stage, plus break down some of the best (and worst) pizza April Fools pranks. We also dive into updates for this year’s Connecticut Pizza & Brew Fest and get into a very impo...

Does Connecticut water actually make New Haven-style pizza better? In Episode 55 of Charred , Kevin and Frank sit down with water experts Bill and Pat to separate myth from science. We dig into mineral content, dough chemistry, and whether the famous New Haven apizza flavor could truly be replicated somewhere else. If you’ve ever heard someone say, “It’s the water,” this episode is for you. We bre...

Jeff Marini grew up eating Frank Pepe Pizzeria on Wooster Street. Now he runs it. In Episode 54 of Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show , Jeff joins us to tell the story of how a kid who loved Pepe’s became the manager of one of the most legendary pizzerias in America. We talk about working inside the iconic Wooster Street location, the culture of Pepe’s, and what it takes to keep a New Haven pizza ins...

Episode 53 is packed with pizza headlines and real-life pizza stories. Kevin and Frank talk Valentine’s Day pizza gifts, Frank issues a challenge for people visiting local pizzerias, and we react to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles entering the pizza business. Plus, pizza wine is coming to Connecticut, we break down the Super Bowl bet between a New Haven and Seattle pizzeria, and react to the vira...

In Episode 52, Kevin and Frank sit down with Niko from Salty Tomato in West Haven. With a background in fine dining and experience as a celebrity chef, Niko shares how he transitioned into the pizza world and how those high-level techniques shape the pies he’s making today. Plus, he brings out some of his creations for us to try, and we break down what makes them stand out. A great conversation ab...

In Episode 51, Kevin and Frank unleash Pizzavus ! A full eruption of pizza grievances. From wild Facebook comment sections to baffling customer behavior inside pizzerias, nothing is off the table. We dig into topping controversies, the strange things people do to their slices, and the habits that make pizza purists lose sleep at night. It’s honest. It’s heated. It’s probably going to upset someone...

Happy New Year! We are back with all new episodes in 2026. Episode 50 is here and it's delicious. Kevin and Frank recap the holidays with: - The best (and most ridiculous) pizza-themed Christmas gifts - Holiday pizza experiments — Frank goes Detroit style, Kevin fires up New Haven style - The viral “Balloon Pizza” video — genius, crime, or internet nonsense? - Tom Brady’s new Pizza Hut ad — though...

It’s the holiday season, Christmas is next week and Kevin & Frank are here to save you from buying another terrible gift. This episode is our official annual Pizza Gift Guide... packed with practical gifts for home pizza makers and fun, foolproof gifts for people who just really, really love pizza. Pizza merch, tools, decor, and a few fun gifts we’re very excited about. Whether you’re shopping...

In Episode 48, Kevin and Frank tackle the week’s hottest, and weirdest, pizza stories. From the eternal debate over green peppers on New Haven style, to why pizza might actually be the best family-dinner value left, to the viral “pregnancy pizza” that took over the internet. Plus, we break down the fire at Roseland Apizza in Derby and highlight some seriously cool pizza-themed art perfect for holi...

This week on Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show , Kevin and Frank head to one of Milford's most beloved pizza places to sit down with Jimmy and Danielle from Jimmy's Apizza . We dive into the shop’s history, their recent fresh renovation, the Beatles-themed inspiration behind the restaurant’s vibe, and how their family and staff keeps the operation running smoothly. You can find every episode of this...

Frank’s back from Ohio where he judged AND presented at the Pizza Expo  but that’s just the start. In this episode, Kevin and Frank dive into: 🔥 Frank’s Bar-Beetz trademark war with Mattel (yes… that Mattel) 🍕 NYC’s new secret coal-fired pizza spot, could it rival New Haven’s legendary char? 🏈 Colony Grill’s new Buffalo Chicken & Winter Kale pizzas for football season ♨️ The science of eati...

In Episode 45 we found outselves inside the New Haven Police Department (voluntarily of course, not taken in) to talk all things pizza and policing! Officers Christian and Mike share how they’re embracing the city’s world-famous pizza culture, keeping the streets (and pies) safe, recruiting new talent, swapping some of their most memorable stories from years on the force, and they even do a live r...

This week on Charred, Frank surprises us with vintage menus and matchbooks from some of Connecticut’s very first pizzerias. From toppings that would never fly today to pizza prices that seem too good to be true, we’re diving into a slice of pizza history you won’t believe. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Google, Amazon Music and wherever else you get yo...

We're back with a jam packed new episode! Intro. Pizza is hotter than ever Discussing Frank's pizza meme “it doesn’t matter who has the best pizza” - Latest Parking Lot Pizza turnout and recap of the summer - We take a look at the viral "Big Slice Challenge" video. Could we do it? - Our new TikTok and social media strategy - First impressions of the newly renovated Jimmy’s Apizza in Milford, CT -...

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to stretch some dough! In Episode 42 Frank teaches us how to stretch pizza dough the true New Haven way. Learn the tricks, avoid common mistakes, and impress everyone with the perfect thin, chewy crust. Perfect for home cooks, pizza lovers, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of making authentic New Haven Ah-beetz at home. Get ready to get those hands floury! You can f...

We're back in the studio this week recapping the third annual CT Pizza & Brew Fest, talking about the latest famous faces spotted on Wooster Street, and a new pizza oven hits the market with a mind-blowing new feature. - Pizza Fest recap - Frank's Kids Pizza Class Experiment - Kevin is one of the first to get a CT "Pizza State" license plate - The latest famous faces on Wooster Street - Pizza...

One of the highlights of last weekend's CT Pizza & Brew Fest was the pizza panels. In part 2 of our Icons of New Haven Pizza panel, we hear from more of the best in the game of New Haven Apizza 👉 Lou Abate, Abate's Apizza & Seafood restaurant 👉 Pat DeRiso, Owner Ernie's Pizzeria in New Haven 👉 Mike Nuzzo, Owner CEO Grand Apizza Madison, Guilford, & Clinton 👉  Q&A from the crowd...

One of the highlights of last weekend's CT Pizza & Brew Fest was the pizza panels. 🍕 In part 1 of our Icons of New Haven Pizza panel, we sit down with some of the biggest names in the New Haven apizza game: 👉 Jennifer Bimonte-Kelly, granddaughter of Frank Pepe co-owner Frank Pepe Pizzeria 👉 Doug Coffin, Founder of Big Green Truck Pizza 👉 Francesca Messina, Operations Manager of Sally's Api...