🎓Dough to Diploma: Chef Tommy Pape Earns His Pizzaiolo Certification in Washington🍕

At Grand Central Pizza Station, we believe that great pizza starts with passion—and is perfected through purpose. That’s why we proudly sent our Executive Pizza Chef, Tommy Pape, to the Pacific Northwest School of Pizza in Kingston, WA, for an intensive, hands-on, four-day immersion in the craft and science of pizza making.

Under the mentorship of world pizza champion Will Grant (aka Sourdough Willy), Tommy got personal, one-on-one instruction in both Italian and American pizza styles, working in two of Washington’s top pizza restaurants. From mastering fermentation to understanding the delicate dance of dough temperature (even down to the warmth of his own hands), Tommy left with a deeper understanding—and new fire—for the craft he already loves.

This experience isn’t just a win for Tommy—it’s a win for every guest who bites into a pie here at Grand Central Pizza Station. Because when we say we’re Veteran Crafted, NY Inspired, we mean it. And, we’re Pizzaiolo Certified, too. Tommy’s certification is proudly on display in our dining room. Stop by to check it out, say Hi to Tommy and enjoy a wonderfully crafted pie by Tommy himself  

Here’s to never stopping the pursuit of pizza perfection. 🍕