As a teenager, Nick Capone got a job as a dishwasher and eventually worked his way up to pizza maker at Annex Pizza, across the street from his childhood home in North Branford. Nick never would have imagined that 20 years later, he would be back in his hometown, at the very same location that launched his pizza career, and be the first place winner of the annual North Branford Pizza Wars.

"It was an honor going up against some of the best pizzerias in town," said Capone. "I am very grateful for all of my loyal customers and the wonderful people in this community."

On Tuesday, April 24, the 9th Annual Pizza Wars to benefit the North Branford Senior Center was held. The evening hosted 250 guests who were eager to sample delicious pizza from Capone's Pizza Bar, Giovanni's Pizzeria & Ristorante, LaMonaco's Pizza & Pasta, Pacileo's Apizza & Pasta, Pasquale's Apizza and Sandy's Deli & Pizza. They ate, they voted and they selected Capone's Pizza Bar to win first place for "Best Cheese Pizza," followed by Pacileo's Apizza & Pasta (second place) and Pasquale's Apizza (third place).

In addition, a panel of judges carefully tasted an array of specialty pizzas and presented Sandy's Deli & Pizzawith the 'Best Specialty Pizza' for the second year in a row for their Chicken Caprese Pizza. The judging panel included Potato & Corn Festival Coordinator Jenn McCulloch, North Branford Intermediate School educator Carrie Sabetta and community guest judge Jon Dotson.

The first place winner will have their names added to the 'Golden Pizza Cutter' plaque that hangs in the entryway of the Stanley T. Williams Community Center.

The evening also included water and soda sponsored by Aquatic Pool & Spa and Foxon Park Beverages.  Delicious desserts were available from Pastry Fusions. Returning DJ Anthony Esposito kept the crowd entertained; James Harriott of Neckbones Photography provided a photo booth; and a raffle of generously donated items from local businesses was available for guests.

This year, instead of having guests serve themselves buffet-style, the North Branford High School (NBHS) girls' softball team waited on the tables. The Senior Center also partnered with NBHS Project Graduation volunteers to offer an additional raffle of gift baskets that helped raise funds for Project Graduation's all-night, substance free party planned for graduating NBHS seniors.

Pizza Wars 2018 was a fantastic event that exceeded expectations so much so that next year, there will be two seating times to choose from! We couldn't have done it without the collaboration of the pizza restaurants, local businesses and the incredible support from our hard working volunteers.