A speedy Brit has been crowned the “world’s fastest pizza maker” after making three large ones in just 39 seconds.
Joana Mendes is the first woman to ever bring home the title.
The 28-year-old competed in Domino’s World’s Fastest Pizza Maker competition at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, US.
Joana prepared one pepperoni, one mushroom and one cheese.
Contestants must hand-stretch dough, add sauce and place toppings as quickly as possible.
The Brit set the new record by finishing three pizzas in 39.2 seconds.
Joana has worked at Dominos for nine years.
She started as a customer service representative in 2015 but now works as an assistant manager at Domino’s in Ipswich.
The contest has been going strong for over four decades – with the first event dating back to 1982.
The idea was to honour pizza makers who best exemplify the company’s philosophy of keeping efficiency in the store to allow sufficient time for safe, timely pizza delivery.
However, contestants are not only judged on their time.
Quality is also closely scrutinised by two highly qualified judges in Domino’s pizza-making practices.
They grade participants on three criteria: dough and sauce, portioning of toppings and placement.
Joana not only came home with the new title, but she also scooped up a £3,900 ($5,000) in prize money, a trophy, and championship belt.
She said: “This title means everything to me.
“For the past two years I have been training very hard and became the first female to win the United Kingdom’s Fastest Pizza Maker competition.
“From there, my goal was to take it to the next level and be the World’s Fastest Pizza Maker.
“I had the best people by my side to show me the process and have now achieved one of the biggest goals in my life.”
Frank Garrido, Domino’s executive vice president – chief restaurant officer said: “The World’s Fastest Pizza Maker competition celebrates our Dominoids who have taken their pizza-making skills to unparalleled heights,”
”The awe-inspiring speed and precision these competitors demonstrate is a testament to Domino’s focus on delivering exceptional results.
”Our franchise owners employ some of the greatest pizza makers in the world, and we are so proud to name Joana as our 2024 World’s Fastest Pizza Maker.”
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