The 2026 March Madness-style Sweet 16 bracket of best pizza in Sarasota has been sliced down to the Final Four, showcasing the growing popularity of Columbus-style pizza. This unique style, characterized by a thin crust, toppings to the edge, and a square cut, has captured the hearts of local pizza enthusiasts.
In Round 2 of the bracket, competitors received an impressive 40% of the votes, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for their favorite pizza spots. Notably, Columbus-style pizza has gained national recognition, with a recent article in the New York Post highlighting its rise among food lovers.
Columbus-style pizza, which originated in 1949 by Massey’s founders Dan and Jim Massucci, has been a topic of debate among pizza enthusiasts. Some dismiss it as inferior to the famed New York-style pizza, but many locals are rallying behind it. “Move over, New York and Chicago — a Midwest pizza style is taking over,” one passionate supporter remarked.
In a 2024 best-of poll conducted by Dispatch, Terita’s was voted as the local favorite among 11 Columbus-style nominees, further solidifying its place in the Sarasota pizza scene. Andrea Margolis, a local food critic, noted, “The pizza’s unique characteristics are helping Columbus to gain national recognition as the city continues to build its reputation among food lovers.”
Adding to the excitement, the upcoming release of the “Pizza Movie” on Hulu on April 3, 2026, promises to bring a lighthearted take on pizza culture. The film features a shy college student and his reckless roommate on a chaotic night, with comedic performances from Gaten Matarazzo and Sean Giambrone. Critics have described it as “as stupid as it is hilarious, fueled by the comedic gold of its cast.”
As the Final Four of the pizza bracket approaches, observers are eager to see which local favorite will take home the title. The community’s enthusiasm for Columbus-style pizza continues to grow, and many are hopeful that this unique style will gain even more recognition in the coming years. Details remain unconfirmed on whether the winning pizzeria will be featured in the upcoming film, but the excitement surrounding Sarasota’s pizza scene is palpable.
