Industry News

2025 Pizza Expo with Burkett

Burkett team members Nathan, Perry, and Crystal in the Burkett booth

Walking into the Pizza Expo was like being hit with a wall of oregano and excitement. This isn’t just a trade show—it’s the Super Bowl of the pizza world. Here, the stars are pizzaiolos, the plays are recipes, and the action happens in blazing deck ovens.

Ovens were cranking, cheese was flying, and the vibe was electric. It felt like a cross between a trade show and a full-blown food fest, all centered around one thing: pizza. From dough-tossing battles to vendors dishing out truffle-drizzled slices. Evidence showed that this wasn’t just a place to talk shop—it was a celebration of everything pizza.

Amid all the delicious chaos, Burkett’s team was there to take it all in by learning, networking, and, of course, eating.

This year, Burkett had a strong presence. Alongside Account Executive, Nathan Buecler, we had 2 first time reps walking the floor.

Our VP of Sales, Perry Lease, and Sales Representative, Crystal Saylor, truly enjoyed their first trips. Their experience provided fresh insights and exciting takeaways. Here's the lowdown on their experience.

Building Connections & Strengthening Partnerships

They came for the pizza, but what surprised Crystal and Perry was the strong network of industry pros they bumped into at every turn. From vendor partners to potential new customers, the event reinforced Burkett’s presence within the pizza industry.

“The energy and team spirit were incredible,” Crystal shared, reflecting on reconnecting with vendor partners. “And being able to connect face-to-face with potential customers made a real difference.”

Walking through the convention center, it was clear Burkett wasn’t a stranger here. Vendors greeted our team like old friends. They reminisced about past deals and swapped industry insights over some fresh 'za.

“It was impressive to see the number of vendors and how specialized they are,” Perry said. “Who knew pepperoni came in so many varieties? One booth showcased them all; thin-sliced, thick-cut, spicy, and curled, each one with its own personality.”

Tools We Didn't Know We Needed

The Pizza Expo is not just a celebration of great pizza, it's also a showcase for the latest advances in pizza-making technology.

One demo in particular stopped Crystal dead in her tracks. "I know it sounds odd, but the cheeser station was a standout for me," she laughed. "Seeing how well it minimizes waste and ensures the perfect portion of cheese every single time, made it genuinely impressive."

The Randell Cheeser Station removes all the guesswork when it comes to topping pizzas. Its integrated motion-sensor scale automatically measures the ideal amount of cheese, ensuring every pizza is perfectly portioned. Designed as a compact, all-in-one unit, it features a grated surface that catches and recycles any excess cheese into a refrigerated holding bin. That means fewer trips to the walk-in, better portion control, and virtually zero cheese waste.

Drawn in by the buzz at the Middleby booth, Perry and Crystal watched as automation took center stage. Their innovative automation kitchen was prepping and baking delicious pies with minimal user interaction.

The Best Pizza at the Expo

No trip to the Pizza Expo would be complete without sampling some amazing pies. Both Crystal and Perry took full advantage of the chance to taste what the industry's best had to offer.

Crystal’s surprise favorite? A slice from the Middleby booth—cooked entirely in an automated oven. "It was a perfect example of how technology can streamline the process without compromising on the final product."

Perry leaned more towards a pizza from one of Fiero's historic brick ovens. “You can taste the tradition in every bite,” Perry said. “The crust had that beautiful crunch on the outside with a soft, airy bite inside. It was exactly what you’d expect from an authentic Italian brick oven.”

Final Thoughts

Late-night brainstorming sessions with vendors and unexpected pizza discoveries gave Crystal and Perry more than just fresh ideas. It filled them with excitement and motivation. “We walked away energized,” Perry said. “Not just about products, but about what’s possible in this industry.”

Curious how these tools could fit into your kitchen? We’d love to share what we learned. Call or email to chat with Crystal or one of our other knowledgeable sales representatives today!

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