Competing against some of the finest pizza makers from America and beyond, Ciaran claimed fifth place in the America’s Best Pepperoni Slice category at the Great American Pizza Challenge, held during Pizza Expo Columbus in Ohio.
The remarkable achievement is a major international accolade for the Belfast businessman and marks another milestone for Pizza Crew, the homegrown business he has built into a thriving four-store operation across Belfast and Lisburn.
And there’s even better news for local pizza lovers – the very same pepperoni pizza that impressed the American judges is available at every Pizza Crew store, meaning customers can enjoy a taste of Ciaran's international success right here in Northern Ireland.
The US triumph follows another huge win for Pizza Crew, which was recently crowned NI’s Best Takeaway at the 2026 Just Eat Awards, a UK-wide celebration of independent takeaway businesses that attracted more than 114,000 customer votes.
As part of the award, Pizza Crew received £5,000 in prize money, with Ciaran choosing to share the success. Half was distributed among the company's hardworking staff, while the remaining £2,500 was donated to the Daisy 200 Challenge, a charity cycling fundraiser in aid of Cancer Fund for Children which helped raise more than £80,000.
Ciaran Kelly, founder of Pizza Crew, said: “To travel to America, take on some of the best pizza makers in the business and finish fifth is unbelievable. I'm incredibly proud, not just for myself, but for Pizza Crew and the north of Ireland. We're showing that a local Belfast business can compete on an international stage and hold its own against the very best.”
The pizza that earned Ciaran international recognition features San Michele pepperoni, Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella and extra virgin olive oil, all served on Pizza Crew's signature dough, made fresh in-store every day.
Ciaran continued: “What’s even better is that the pizza I competed with is the same pepperoni pizza our customers enjoy every day. You don't need to travel to America to taste it – we’re serving it right here.
“Then to be named Best Takeaway in the north of Ireland at the Just Eat Awards makes this an incredible few weeks. That award is especially meaningful because it’s down to the support of our customers.
“We've got a fantastic team who work incredibly hard, and these achievements belong to every one of them. We might be a local business, but we've always had big ambitions, and this proves just how far a Belfast pizza business can go.”
Ciaran is also a member of the prestigious World Pizza Champions, an international team of award-winning pizza professionals. The latest achievements add to Pizza Crew's growing list of accolades, including being named Food To Go Franchise of the Year in NI in 2025.
With stores on Belfast's Andersonstown Road, Antrim Road and Ormeau Road, and in Lisburn, Pizza Crew is now celebrating success on both sides of the Atlantic – showing that a homegrown business can compete with the best on the international stage. Visit www.pizzacrew.co for more information.