Women in Pizza History

A Love Letter to the Women Who've Always Made Pizza Happen

International Women's Appreciation Day, the Spinato's way.

If pizza had a family tree, it wouldn't just have branches… it would have hands. Hands that kneaded dough before sunrise. Hands that pinched salt like it was a secret. Hands that kept the ovens hot, the tables set, and the whole operation humming without a spotlight, a title, or a "hey, you crushed it today."

So today, we're gathering around the table to celebrate the women (past and present) who helped shape pizza into the comfort-food legend it is. The ones who built, inspired, innovated, taught, and made every slice feel like home. Let's be honest: pizza history is about the steady heartbeat behind it.

The women behind the "pizzaiolo" story

The word pizzaiolo may be masculine, but the story of pizza has always included women; making flatbreads, feeding families, and passing down the kind of kitchen wisdom you can't learn from a cookbook.

For generations, women have been the keepers of "a pinch of this" and "until it feels right." The ones who passed down recipes by memory and cooking side by side, and not on a recipe card. The ones who made meals happen, again and again, with care and creativity. Turning simple ingredients into something unforgettable.

A quiet legend: Queen Margherita's magic

One of the most famous pizzas in the world is the Margherita Pizza. With its mozzarella, tomato, and basil on olive oil, it is classic, iconic, and instantly recognizable.

And tucked into that story is a detail we love: In 1889, Raffaele Esposito made the margherita pizza to honor Queen Margherita and the unification of Italy, which is why he chose the red, white and green ingredients and named it after her in her honor. It was actually his wife, Maria Giovanna Brandi, who chose the best mozzarella and basil for that legendary pie.

Anyone who's ever made pizza knows: the "little" choices aren't little. The right cheese. The freshest basil. The kind of finishing touch that turns dinner into history.

Rose Totino: the woman who made pizza a weeknight hero

If you've ever loved the idea of pizza whenever you want it, you've got Rose Totino to thank. In the 1950s, Rose helped change the game by introducing frozen pizza, bringing pizza from "special occasion" to "Tuesday night win at home." Later, she sold her company to Pillsbury and became their first female vice president. That's some boss innovation. And honestly? Molto cool.

Modern masters: craft, creativity, and big-time wins

Today, women aren't just part of pizza; they're leading it, elevating it, and teaching the next wave of talent what greatness looks like.

• Laura Meyer made history in 2013 as the first woman to win the World Pizza Championship in Parma, Italy. She's known as a generous educator, sharing the craft and opening doors for others.
• Ann Kim, a James Beard Award-winning chef, has earned national praise for her work (hello, Pizzeria Lola), proving that pizza can be both deeply personal and wildly celebrated.

Different styles, different stories, same magic: heart, skill, and a whole lot of fire.

Making room at the table

One of our favorite things about pizza culture is how it can feel like family, especially when people choose to lift each other up. That's what Women in Pizza is all about. Founded by Alexandra Mortati and Casey Derk, the initiative shines a light on women across the industry, creating visibility, mentorship, and real opportunities. The best tables aren't exclusive. They're the ones where everyone gets a seat, and a slice.

The disruptors: bold ingredients, fresh ideas

And then there are the women who see an old playbook and decide to write a new one. Like Caroline D'Amore, founder of Pizza Girl, who built her brand around organic, high-quality ingredients and a fresh, modern approach. Proof that pizza can honor tradition and keep evolving. We love that energy!

And right here at Spinato's… we've got our own legends

We'd be crazy not to celebrate the women who've shaped pizza history at our own table, too.

Like Gloria, who created our classic Tomato Basil Marinara, the kind of sauce that feels simple in the best way: bright tomatoes, basil that actually shows up, and that cozy, slow-simmered flavor that makes you want to drag a crust through it until the plate is basically sparkling clean. (No judgment. We do it too.)

And then there's Nicole Spinato, one of our own master crafters, who has a gift for taking the "wait… really?" ingredients and turning them into a "where has this been all my life?" slice. She's fearless with flavor, always chasing new combinations with top-notch ingredients, and she lives for that perfect finishing touch, especially a bold little pop of salt that makes everything sing. The result is pizza that feels fresh, unexpected, and totally Spinato's: creative, craveable, and made with a whole lot of heart.

From our family to yours

At Spinato's, we've always believed pizza is more than food. It's a connection. It's a tradition. It's how you say "come sit with us" without needing the words. So today, we're raising a slice to the women who helped build this beautiful pizza world, through quiet influence, big swings, creative leaps, and everyday love.

Happy International Women's Appreciation Day.

With love, with gratitude, and with a little extra basil on top. Con tanto amore. ❤️🍕