Melina Piroso, Pizzaiola

Following the global COVID-19 pandemic, former creative designer, Melina Piroso found herself more inspired than ever to pursue her passion. And during a margarita laden lockdown, she wondered, why isn’t there better pizza around? And why aren't I the one selling it? Having started making pizza decades before founding The Pizza Bandit in 2020, Melina saw an opportunity to turn her love for pizza into something extraordinary. Drawing inspiration from the global food culture in her home town of Miami, and her uncle, Pino Piroso, who founded Pizza Rustica on Miami Beach, she started making pizza, not just for fun, but with the intention of selling it to the masses. 

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The Pizza Bandit opened to a hungry Littleton, Colorado audience, baking under an unbranded tent, in a busy parking lot. The first day was a pop up success, and the pizza family sold every last pie.

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The second year, started operating from a pizza truck, bringing their hot, tasty za all over Colorado.

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Having gained even more enthusiasm pizza, Melina joined the US Pizza team, competing in pizza competitions around the country.

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Today The Pizza Bandit can be found in Avanti food hall, in popular LoHi Denver, and brewery staple, Old 121 (Oak street) as well as doing local Colorado events and caterings.