Anthony Gilbert, the owner of Melt Pizza Company, shows off an award-winning pizza. Photos: Melt Pizza Company
Anthony Gilbert represented the Stillwater pizzeria at the International Pizza Expo.
From a local kitchen to an international stage, Melt Pizza Company continues to gain global recognition. “This is only my third time competing [at the International Pizza Expo], and to place at this level against the best pizza makers in the world is incredibly rewarding,” says owner Anthony Gilbert. “At the same time, it motivates me to keep refining and come back even stronger next year.”
Anthony Gilbert placed first in his division and fifth overall in the Detroit-style category.
The Las Vegas expo is one of the world’s largest and most competitive pizza competitions. Facing over 780 contestants from around the globe, Gilbert earned a first-place finish in his division and placed fifth overall in the Detroit-style category. He also took a unique approach to optimizing his time—he made the dough ahead of time and transported it across the country, so it could complete the three-day fermentation process while en route.
This latest win continues to build momentum for Melt Pizza Company, which has now seen multiple strong finishes in recent years. Gilbert placed first in 2024, and his sous chef Alyssa Gilbert scored two third-place honors last year.
Gilbert isn’t slowing down any time soon, as he is set to compete again this summer in Naples, Italy. Locally, Melt Pizza Company is serving the same award-winning pizzas from the expo, so visitors can experience a taste of the internationally recognized flavors right in downtown Stillwater.
Melt Pizza Company
Instagram: @meltpizzacompany
