Columbus pizza restaurant named one of country’s “Top 10 Emerging Brands” at International Pizza Expo

One local eatery whose name holds weight here in Columbus has received accolades on a national scale.

Wizard of Za, the unique Clintonville Pizzeria that famously launched with months-long wait lists has been named one of the country’s “Top 10 Emerging Brands” at this year’s International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.

The WIzard of Za was on site making pies for multiple days last week, with the actual award ceremony taking place on March 28.

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They were nominated alongside 99 other American pizza brands across six different categories, which included:

-Top 15 Emerging brands

-Top 15 Growth Brands

-Top 15 tech Innovators

-Top 15 Menu Innovators

-Top 15 Marketing Campaigns

-Top 25 Executives

And while Stephan Harman, co-founder of Paceline Restaurants, the group that now operates the Columbus-born concept, noted the pizzeria is grateful for the acknowledgement, he said the Wizard still gets the most joy out feeding hungry Ohians.

“While it’s totally fun to be recognized by our industry peers, our greatest reward is in the joy of making the best pizza we can, and serving it to others,” Harman said. “That’s the real magic.”

The brand’s award is in line with its recent moves to make Wizard of Za more accessible, namely after adding by-the-slice options and delivery.

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