Memphis, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The March Madness pizza bracket competition hosted by The Commercial Appeal has successfully narrowed the field to the Sweet 16 local pizzerias. From March 24 to March 27, residents can vote for their favorite restaurants specializing in Italian cuisine and pizza, showcasing the vibrant food culture of Memphis. This competition not only promotes local culinary talent but also strengthens community ties as participants eagerly support their preferred pizzerias.
Memphis is buzzing with excitement as local culinary talents compete in a March Madness pizza bracket competition hosted by The Commercial Appeal. This engaging format highlights 32 Memphis-area restaurants specializing in Italian cuisine and pizza, contributing to the local food scene in a unique way.
As of last week, the competition has reached a significant milestone by narrowing down the original 32 contenders to the “Sweet 16” pizzamakers. This means that half of the participating restaurants have been eliminated through public voting, creating a vibrant atmosphere among food enthusiasts eager to support their favorite pizzerias.
Voting for the bracket is set to take place from Monday, March 24, until noon on Thursday, March 27. During this time, participants can cast their votes once per hour, encouraging frequent engagement and support for local restaurants. The winners of this friendly competition will not only earn bragging rights but will also be featured in a dedicated story that highlights their pizza offerings, further promoting the local dining culture.
To be eligible for the bracket, restaurants were required to be based in Memphis and must have menus focused on Italian cuisine and/or pizza. This restriction intentionally excludes establishments from nearby cities, such as Jackson and Nashville, ensuring that the competition remains a celebration of Memphis’ culinary landscape.
Spotlight on Garibaldi’s Pizza
Among the contenders is Garibaldi’s Pizza, a local favorite that has operated near the University of Memphis for nearly 50 years. Originally opened by Mike Garibaldi, the pizzeria was established in response to a lack of dining options available for students in the area. Garibaldi’s Pizza is on track to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 2025, a testament to its longevity and resilience in the competitive food market.
The initial investment for Garibaldi’s Pizza was a modest $2,500. Despite facing numerous challenges during the first year, Mike Garibaldi’s commitment and hard work led to the businessโs successful expansion into multiple locations across Memphis. The pizzeriaโs innovation also sets it apart in the industry; it has embraced catering trucks and created a proprietary spice blend. In addition, Garibaldi’s Pizza has integrated technology into its operations, offering convenient online ordering for patrons.
The Garibaldi family emphasizes a personalized and hands-on approach to business, maintaining strong connections with customers and investing in community efforts. Mike Garibaldi himself has played an integral role in the restaurant since its inception, illustrating a strong work ethic and dedication that have contributed to the establishment’s ongoing success.
The Importance of Local Competitions
This pizza bracket competition not only serves as an entertaining diversion for residents but also shines a spotlight on the hard-working culinary professionals in the Memphis area. Local contests like this strengthen community ties, promote local businesses, and foster an appreciation for regional cuisine.
As voting progresses and the competition heats up, Memphis residents are encouraged to actively participate and support their favorite local pizzerias. The friendly rivalry and celebration of culinary talent are set to continue, making this event a highlight in the local food calendar.
FAQ Section
What is the March Madness pizza bracket competition?
This competition showcases Memphis area restaurants specializing in Italian cuisine and pizza.
When does voting occur?
Voting is open from March 24 until noon on March 27.
How often can participants vote?
Participants can cast a vote once per hour during the voting period.
Are there any restrictions on participating restaurants?
Only Memphis-based restaurants focusing on Italian and/or pizza were eligible, excluding those from nearby cities such as Jackson and Nashville.
What do winners of the bracket receive?
Winners earn bragging rights and a feature story highlighting their pizza offerings.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition Type | March Madness Pizza Bracket |
| Participation Count | 32 Memphis area restaurants |
| Current Phase | Sweet 16 |
| Voting Dates | March 24 to March 27 |
| Voting Frequency | Once per hour |
| Eligible Restaurants | Only Memphis-based Italian/pizza restaurants |
| Awards for Winners | Bragging rights and feature story |
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Pizza Bracket Round Two
- PMQ: Pizza Hall of Fame – Garibaldi’s Pizza
- WREG: Restaurant Inspection Scores March 11 – March 17
- Local Memphis: Pizza Hut $2 Pizzas
- Commercial Appeal: Garibaldi’s Voted Best Pizza
- Wikipedia: Pizza
- Google Search: Memphis Pizza
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pizza
- Google News: Memphis Dining
- Google Scholar: Pizza Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
