Featured Client: Pizza Leah- Leah Scurto

1. Can you share what motivated you to follow your current career path, and how you began your journey in this industry?

My family has always been deeply rooted in the restaurant business, from family-owned eateries to my grandparents’ careers as bartenders. Despite my father advising me not to go into the restaurant world, the allure was too strong. I got my start in the industry while in high school. In college, at UC Santa Cruz, I discovered a particular affinity for pizza, landing a job at a pizzeria. I’ve been crafting pizzas ever since. My passion has led me on numerous travels, including trips around Italy, and even Naples most recently. As a member of the USA pizza team, I’ve competed in the World Pizza Championship in Parma, Italy, achieving an impressive 7th place in the last competition. My favorite style of pizza to make and eat is Artisanal New York. I also love making dough utilizing the amazing local flour and produce we have available. When in Italy though, my favorite is the Roman style pizza.

2. How has your personal background and experiences influenced your work approach, and what unique perspectives do you bring to your role?

My upbringing in the restaurant business has greatly influenced my approach to work. My parents opened a restaurant in Kings Beach, Tahoe in the 70s, and in the 80s, they opened another restaurant named Tres Hombres in Chico, California. These experiences have ingrained in me a deep understanding of the industry, enabling me to bring a unique and informed perspective to my role. And they have helped shape my management and leadership styles and how I treat my team, which is incredibly important to me.

3. Can you highlight a project or achievement that you’re particularly proud of?

One accomplishment I hold dear is the ‘Women in Pizza’ movement initiated by Orlando Foods, an importer of Italian goods. They offered an open invitation to support women in the pizza industry, an initiative I am honored to be a part of. I was also invited recently to Seoul, Korea, to cook at a food festival. I was able to share this amazing experience with two friends, and it was certainly a highlight of my career.

4. What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work, and how do they influence your professional role?

Away from work, I love snow skiing, a passion that I’ve had since my childhood in Tahoe. I also have fun playing softball in a local beer league. These hobbies instill in me a sense of team spirit, fun, competition, and a drive to constantly improve—traits I try to bring into my professional life.

5. How have you observed changes in the restaurant industry over time?

The restaurant industry has undergone many positive shifts in recent years. It’s becoming a less toxic environment with an encouraging influx of women stepping into leadership positions. The industry norms are certainly changing, and I am excited to be a part of this progressive shift.

Leah Scurto – Co-Owner & Pizzaiola

Leah Scurto is an award-winning pizza chef and a 9-year member of the United States Pizza Team. She was recently featured on Hulu’s original show, Best In Dough. Leah has won multiple awards for cooking pizza. The most recent was 1st place at the 2022 Real California Cheese Pizza Contest. Leah won 2nd place in December 2019 at The West Coast Pizza Cup in San Diego with The Old Grey Beard pizza. In 2018 she took 1st place at the United States Pizza Cup with her Mush-A-Roni Grandma Style pan pizza. This win earned her a trip to the 2019 World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy. There she competed in three different competitions finishing 13th in the world in the Pizza a Due competition. Leah also teaches pizza-making classes and works as a restaurant/pizza consultant.

Check them out at https://www.pizzaleah.com/

To learn more about Pizza Leah’s CPA, Judy Deniz, click here.