Ranger Joe wins second in regional division at World Pizza Games
TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years AGO
Ranger Joe's Pizza owner Joe Ledwidge practices his dough stretching ahead of the World Pizza Games in Las Vegas this week. (Taylor Inman/ Daily Inter Lake)
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | April 5, 2023 12:00 AM
Joe Ledwidge of Ranger Joe’s Pizza in south Kalispell did well at the World Pizza Games last week.
His Korean barbecue pork belly pizza did well in the International Pizza Making Challenge, ranking second in the Northwest regional division.
The World Pizza Games are part of the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, where pizza restaurant owners from all over the world show up to network, buy equipment and compete in the many games.
Ledwidge tried his hand at the “Olympics of pizza,” taking part in the dough stretch competition and the International Pizza Making Challenge, opting for the non-traditional division.
Out of 28 people competing in the dough stretching competition, he won the preliminary round. But, alas, his dough tore in the final round.
Ledwidge opened Ranger Joe’s Pizza in 2021 — making Detroit deep dish and Sicilian-style pizzas, calzones, cheese bread and more.
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