PHILIPSBURG:--- Pizza makers from over 1600 locations were judged and timed in local and regional competitions while making three perfect large pizzas; a Large Pepperoni, a Large Mushroom, and a Large Extra Cheese Pizza. The field was narrowed to 10 finalists with the fastest times and best quality; and two of them are proud to call St. Maarten home. Domino's franchisee John Caputo and Domino's General Manager Andrina Ollivierre both traveled to Miami to compete in the finals for the World's Fastest Pizza Maker competition last week and represented St. Maarten.
The 10 finalists (narrowed down from over 1800 competitors from 1600 locations); representing the best of the whole of Latin America, South America, Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, and Hawaii arrived to Miami on Monday where the rules and some speed tips were gone over. Tuesday was a practice day where each competitor had the chance to practice four times and receive feed back from the judges in preparation for the finals and then everyone was taken to a nice dinner to get to know your fellow competitors and of course time for shopping.
On Wednesday, in front of a packed house in Miami, the ten contestants had one practice round and then it was to the main event. The winner ended up being from Mexico with a time for making three perfect pizzas from scratch in just under 50 seconds. Second and Third place were both from Canada. John Caputo came in not far behind having turned in his best time ever in the event. "I was amazed! I don't often make pizzas much any more, but its good to know the old man still has it!" he said. "It was really something to have 2 from St. Maarten finish in the top ten. I am extremely proud of Andrina and how fast she is and that she made it. It really says something about the Domino's team on St. Maarten how we strive for both speed and excellence" Mr. Caputo continued to say.
Andrina Ollivierre did great as well and was notably the region's top female finisher. She said that nerves had gotten the best of her and she ended up having to remake an entire pizza costing her a lot of time in the finals. Her practice times and qualifying times were much faster. After the event she was so charged up to use this experience and compete again next year; which will be held in Las Vegas. "To have finished in the top ten out of 1800 is something I am very proud of. I would have liked my time in the finals to be faster, but its something I can work on for next year. The experience was great and I will be back to win it" said Andrina.
Each finalist got a plaque, a commemorative sauce spoon, a uniform with the Fastest Pizza Maker logo and their name on it, their trip to the finals paid for, and the top three went home with big cash prizes and trophies. A link to the videos from the competition will be posted on Domino's Face Book Page for everyone to view. Find them by liking Domino's Pizza St. Maarten.
