Domino’s® Virtually Crowns 2020 World’s Fastest Pizza Maker
Pizza makers from around the world competed remotely for the coveted title
Every two years, fast and efficient pizza makers from around the world gather in Las Vegas, Nevada at Domino’s Worldwide Rally to compete in Domino’s World’s Fastest Pizza Maker competition. It is at this event that they vie for the much sought-after title of World’s Fastest Pizza Maker, while more than 9,000 cheering spectators shout their praises.
However, this year’s World’s Fastest Pizza Maker competition looked a little different due to COVID-19. Contestants from all around the world competed virtually. You might think that this impacted their speed, but it didn’t! In fact, a world record was broken!
Werner Lomker, a franchise owner in Canada and the 2018 World’s Fastest Pizza Maker, was able to do it again, making him a two-time world champion! He made three large pizzas in an impressive 47.56 seconds – that’s equal to making each pizza in roughly 15 seconds! Lomker won $3,000 in prize money, a trophy, the world champion belt and the coveted title of World’s Fastest Pizza Maker, virtually presented by Domino’s CEO Ritch Allison.
“I am incredibly humbled to join the small group of repeat champions who captured my imagination as a young pizza maker and competitor,” said Lomker. “Winning this event for a second time provides validation that winning the first time simply wasn’t by chance. I am hopeful that I can play a role in inspiring the next generation of great pizza makers.”
Lomker credits winning due to his dedicated and controlled practice, primarily focused on technique and consistency before speed.
Contestants had to hand-stretch fresh dough, sauce and top three large pizzas – one pepperoni, one mushroom and one cheese – as quickly as possible. While speed was important, it was not the only part of the equation in determining the World's Fastest Pizza Maker. Participants were graded on three criteria: dough/sauce, portioning of toppings and placement. Quality was scrutinized as two judges – who are highly qualified in Domino's standard pizza-making practices – inspected the stretching of the dough, application of the sauce and portioning of toppings during the virtual competition. If the pizza was not perfect, time penalties were added to the time.
“Wearing a mask and making perfect pizzas is tough,” said Lomker. “It was so hard to breathe and to see. I always knew it was difficult, but I have an extra level of appreciation for our exceptional team members in the stores who have to wear a mask at all times.”
Lomker has been a part of Domino’s his entire life, as his father was also a franchise owner. Lomker started spending time at the Domino’s stores his family owned at the age of 8, and could often be seen passing out flyers and helping his parents at special events. Lomker’s first job at Domino’s was working in the stores during rush hour. Lomker now owns 12 Domino’s locations throughout Ontario, Canada.
“The World’s Fastest Pizza Maker competition encapsulates what the Domino’s personality really is – fun, high-paced and competitive,” said Lomker. “Reinforcing these qualities through our core practice of pizza-making makes the Domino’s personality accessible to everyone on the team. It provides immeasurable benefit to our team-building and culture.”
Domino's began the World's Fastest Pizza Maker competition in 1982 to honor pizza makers who best exemplify the company's philosophy of keeping efficiency in the store to allow sufficient time for a safe, timely pizza delivery.
"We are thrilled to award the title of Domino's 2020 World's Fastest Pizza Maker to Werner," said Allison. "Domino's and its franchise owners employ some of the greatest pizza makers in the world. The emphasis is on the quality of the pizza, while also using years of experience in pizza making to get them made quickly. We are known as the delivery experts and our goal for everyone in our stores is to get hot, great-tasting pizzas to customers' doors safely and efficiently. The World's Fastest Pizza Maker competition recognizes the champions that take pizza-making to an entirely different level.”
For more information on this story, contact us.