
New Haven’s Pizza Power Play: From Guinness Records to Pizza Wars
New Haven, CT — America’s Pizza Capital is sharpening its pizza wheels for a fresh record-breaking bid: the world’s largest pizza party on Friday, September 12, 2025.
The attempt unfolds on the historic New Haven Green as the kickoff to the 10th A-1 Toyota Apizza Feast...
New Haven’s Pizza Power Play: From Guinness Records to Pizza Wars
New Haven, CT — America’s Pizza Capital is sharpening its pizza wheels for a fresh record-breaking bid: the world’s largest pizza party on Friday, September 12, 2025.
The attempt unfolds on the historic New Haven Green as the kickoff to the 10th A-1 Toyota Apizza Feast and the New Haven Grand Prix cycling criterium.
The target: 5,000 eaters devouring two full slices each—far beyond Tulsa’s 2023 Guinness mark of 3,357 participants. Mayor Justin Elicker rallied residents: “Our city already makes the best pizza in the world—now let’s prove it with a record no one can touch.”
The Mastermind: Colin M. Caplan
Colin M. Caplan is the founder of Taste of New Haven tours, author of four apizza books, and producer of the award-winning documentary Pizza: A Love Story. In 2024, he co-wrote the musical Family Business (A)Pizza Play, a dough-flipping, song-filled romp through Wooster Street. His walking tours have guided over 50,000 guests to iconic pizzerias like Pepe’s, Sally’s, and Modern, helping elevate New Haven’s apizza to international acclaim.
How Guinness Keeps the Crust Honest
The rules are strict:
- Eat two entire slices (≈11 oz of pizza).
- Stay inside a cordoned 2.5-acre zone from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Be counted in and out by certified stewards and a Guinness judge.
More than 10,000 slices will be served by Big Green Truck Pizza, Abate’s, and other top-tier pizza providers. Participants rotate through pizza corrals every 15 minutes in organized waves.
🎟 Tickets & Logistics
$17.44 for adults, $12.12 for kids 6–17; kids under 5 are free if not eating official slices. Tickets include two slices, a drink token, bottled water, early 3 p.m. entry, and an official wristband synced to Guinness rules.
Beyond the Slice — Culture, Sport & Sound
- 3 p.m. — Guinness check-in opens
- 4–7 p.m. — Pizza Party challenge
- 5 p.m. — Grand Prix races at breakneck speed
- 7–11 p.m. — Public Apizza Feast (40+ vendors)
- All night — 13-ft neon pizza sculpture selfie zone
- Live music — folk, funk, and a 8 p.m. DJ set by Dooley-O
Net proceeds benefit Slice Out Hunger and the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program.
Why New Haven Apizza Is Legendary
New Haven’s signature apizza features a charred crust, San Marzano tomatoes, and light mozzarella. The famous white clam pie invented at Pepe’s in 1963 remains a national legend. Barstool’s Dave Portnoy rated New Haven’s apizza a historic 9.4.
The Marketing Blitz: Pizza Trail, Billboards & TikTok
CT’s new “Pizza Capital” highway signs, Times Square ads mocking NYC pizza, and a free “Pizza Trail” app are fueling the frenzy. TikTok has seen 210 million+ views for #NewHavenPizza in 18 months.
🍕 BISTRO BUDDY & the Rise of Pizza Wars™
BISTRO BUDDY has launched the Pizza Wars™ Portal to track pizza rivalries between New Haven, New York, Chicago, and beyond. It includes a fan-voted leaderboard, live-streamed competitions, and a dynamic “Apizza Index.”
In June 2025, PageRank Kings LLC filed U.S. Trademark Application #99223368 for PIZZA WARS™. The effort revives a lapsed 2013 California concept and now includes gamified contests, national visibility, and cross-town pride.
BISTRO BUDDY is inviting communities to host their own County Pizza Warz™ events, following strict brand guidelines, with full tech and marketing support. Applications open soon.
Explore Pizza Wars™ at BISTRO BUDDY
Economic Impact & Sustainability
City planners forecast $3.8 million in visitor spending and 22,000 hotel nights. Compostable supplies and a Yale waste partnership aim for 85% waste diversion.
How to Secure Your Spot in Pizza History
Only 5,000 tickets will be sold. Ready to make history with two slices and a crowd of thousands?
Join the record attempt. Be legendary.
🎟 Grab Your Ticket Now
Our biggest update yet is here, and it’s all about making BISTRO BUDDY faster, smarter, and a whole lot more fun! Check out everything new in v3.7.1 below.
🔥 Next-Gen Bottom User Menu/Toolbar
- Interactive bottom toolbar: Always accessible at the bottom of every page on all devices! 📱💻
- All your...
Our biggest update yet is here, and it’s all about making BISTRO BUDDY faster, smarter, and a whole lot more fun! Check out everything new in v3.7.1 below.
🔥 Next-Gen Bottom User Menu/Toolbar
- Interactive bottom toolbar: Always accessible at the bottom of every page on all devices! 📱💻
- All your actions, one tap away: Instantly jump to Profile, Edit Profile, Verify Account, Photos, Audio, Videos, Friends, Followers, Conversations, Groups, Events, Pages, Marketplace, Polls, People, and Logout! 🎯
- Now with built-in AJAX search: Find what you need faster than ever—auto-suggestions refresh as you type! Desktop optimized (Mobile fix on the way!)
🌟 Real-Time Trending Searches
- Stay inspired with Top Trending Searches: See what’s hot in the community, updated instantly via AJAX. Click any trending keyword to explore foods, businesses, and services matching the latest buzz! 🚀
- Smart placement: Trending searches now appear at the bottom of every directory and search page, right after the “Load More” button—giving you new ideas just when you think you’ve reached the end! 🕵️♂️🔍
- Keyword links: All trending terms are clickable shortcuts that take you straight to matching listings—find something new with a single tap!
💬 Community Notifications & Messaging
- Friend Requests: See new requests instantly with always-on notification badges—never miss a connection! 👥✨
- Instant Messaging: Real-time message notifications keep you chatting with friends and the community. All available from your persistent bottom menu! 💌
📲 Universal Social Share Bar
- Share any page, any time: Floating social share bar on every page—spread the word with a single click to Facebook, Twitter/X, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, or just copy the link! 🚀🔗
- Boosts visibility: The more you share, the bigger our community grows. Thank you for helping BISTRO BUDDY thrive! 🌎💡
⚡️ Modern Emoji Support is BACK!
🔐 Next-Level Content Safety & Filtering
- User-driven trending searches: Our trending section is based on real user activity, making discovery more authentic—but don’t worry!
- Profanity & inappropriate content protection: Powerful, modern firewalls and AI-driven profanity filters are in place. Only pre-authorized words get through—ensuring a safe, family-friendly community. 🛡️✨
- Constant monitoring: Our systems keep learning, keeping BISTRO BUDDY clean and welcoming 24/7.
🛠️ Tech Upgrades & Performance Gains
- AJAX everywhere: Live search without page reloads—making things lightning fast! 🚦
- Database offloading: We’ve optimized our backend and offloaded select SQL operations to external microservices, keeping your experience smooth, even at peak times. 🏎️🗄️
- Stronger servers: New hardware and caching mean more features (like emojis!) and more users with zero slowdowns.
As always, your feedback drives our progress—try out these new features and let us know what you think!

Paradise Island Food Truck Review – Bringing Puerto Rican Flavor to Manchester Food Truck Festival 2025
Searching for a true taste of Puerto Rico right here in Connecticut? Look no further than Paradise Island Food Truck, which made a huge splash at the Manchester Food Truck Festival 2025 at Buckland Hills Mall. This family-run food truck...
Paradise Island Food Truck Review – Bringing Puerto Rican Flavor to Manchester Food Truck Festival 2025
Searching for a true taste of Puerto Rico right here in Connecticut? Look no further than Paradise Island Food Truck, which made a huge splash at the Manchester Food Truck Festival 2025 at Buckland Hills Mall. This family-run food truck brings authentic island flavors, warm hospitality, and festive vibes to every event they attend.
A Family Tradition on Wheels
Paradise Island Food Truck stands out not just for its incredible food, but for the spirit of family and tradition that’s evident from the moment you walk up. Generations of family members work side by side in the truck, cooking and serving with genuine pride. It’s this love and legacy that make every meal memorable—patrons can truly feel like part of the family with every bite.
The Festival Experience
The energy at the Manchester Food Truck Festival was electric, with the Paradise Island Food Truck serving as one of the central hubs of excitement. Festive music, friendly faces, and the intoxicating aroma of fresh Puerto Rican food made the truck hard to miss. Watching the team work seamlessly together—preparing, plating, and serving generous portions—added to the sense of celebration and authenticity.
What’s on the Menu?
Paradise Island Food Truck is famous for its vibrant selection of classic Puerto Rican dishes, including:
- Perfectly Cheesy Pizza-Style Empanada: A Puerto Rican spin on a festival favorite—crispy, cheesy, and cooked to perfection. Festival-goers raved about the crunch and flavor, with many jumping into the fun “pizza wars” debate on whose slice reigns supreme.
- Pernil (Slow-Roasted Pork): Tender, juicy, and bursting with island seasoning. The pork is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in moist, flavorful bites that melt in your mouth.
- Rice and Beans: No Puerto Rican meal is complete without this comforting staple. The rice is perfectly fluffy, the beans are savory and well-seasoned, and together they make the ultimate side for any main dish.
- Sweet Plantains (Maduros): Caramelized, golden, and sweet, these plantains provide the perfect balance to the savory meats and rice.
Every item is served fresh, hot, and made with genuine care—no shortcuts, just real Puerto Rican comfort food straight from the heart.
Taste Test Highlights
BISTRO BUDDY’s review of Paradise Island Food Truck at the festival was nothing short of glowing. The pizza-style dish was a particular standout—crispy, not soggy, with plenty of melty cheese. The slow-roasted pork was juicy and packed with flavor, and the combination of rice, beans, and sweet plantains brought everything together beautifully. The reviewer emphasized how the food was “as authentic Puerto Rican as it gets” and praised the warmth and hard work of the Paradise Island family.
Why We Love Paradise Island Food Truck
- Authentic Puerto Rican Flavors: Every dish is true to its roots, bursting with rich, bold seasoning and prepared with traditional methods.
- Family-Owned Passion: The truck’s atmosphere is welcoming and joyful, a true extension of Puerto Rican hospitality.
- Festival Favorite: Paradise Island always draws a crowd, and for good reason—the food is delicious, the vibe is fun, and you can taste the love in every bite.
- Freshness and Quality: Dishes are made fresh on the spot, using family recipes and a commitment to quality that shines through.
Final Verdict
Paradise Island Food Truck is a must-try for anyone craving authentic Puerto Rican food at Connecticut’s top festivals. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first visit, you’ll leave with a full belly and a big smile. The reviewer gave it a solid nine out of ten—high praise for a food truck that truly brings the island to you!
Catch Paradise Island Food Truck at the next big event, and don’t forget to check out the full review video on BISTRO BUDDY for all the food, fun, and festival energy!

Manchester Food Truck Festival 2025 at Buckland Hills Mall – Connecticut’s Ultimate Foodie Event
Welcome to the Manchester Food Truck Festival 2025 at Buckland Hills Mall! This is Connecticut’s signature food truck celebration, drawing thousands of food lovers, families, and festival enthusiasts from across the region. If you’re on the hunt...
Manchester Food Truck Festival 2025 at Buckland Hills Mall – Connecticut’s Ultimate Foodie Event
Welcome to the Manchester Food Truck Festival 2025 at Buckland Hills Mall! This is Connecticut’s signature food truck celebration, drawing thousands of food lovers, families, and festival enthusiasts from across the region. If you’re on the hunt for the best food truck festivals, epic eats, or unforgettable summer events, you’re in the right place. BISTRO BUDDY brings you exclusive highlights, immersive drone footage, and everything you need to know about this can’t-miss experience.
Epic Drone Footage: See the Festival from the Sky
This year’s festival is captured like never before—with breathtaking drone footage that soars above Buckland Hills Mall, revealing the full scope and energy of the event. Watch as lines of food trucks, bustling crowds, colorful vendor tents, and live entertainment fill the festival grounds. Our drone gives you a new perspective on the vibrant festival atmosphere and lets you spot your favorite trucks from above. Can you find the most popular ones? Watch the video and comment with what you discover!
Perfect Location: Buckland Hills Mall, Manchester CT
The festival takes place at the spacious and accessible Buckland Hills Mall in Manchester, Connecticut—making it easy for foodies and families from across the state to join in the fun. With plenty of parking, on-site shopping, and a lively backdrop, it’s the ideal spot for a large-scale festival packed with flavor and excitement.
Incredible Variety: Food Trucks for Every Taste
What makes the Manchester Food Truck Festival so unique is the sheer variety of food trucks that gather in one place. This year’s lineup features something for everyone, including:
- Authentic Latin and Caribbean street food – Savor bold flavors, seasoned meats, plantains, and specialty dishes that transport you to the islands.
- Classic American comfort food – Burgers, loaded fries, chicken tenders, and gourmet mac & cheese, all served hot and fresh.
- Wood-fired pizza and Italian favorites – Handcrafted pizzas, savory pasta, and delicious Italian street eats.
- BBQ and smoked specialties – Smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and all the fixings for serious barbecue lovers.
- Asian fusion and sushi – Creative Asian street food, noodles, dumplings, and fresh sushi rolls.
- Vegan and plant-based options – Flavorful, healthy, and inventive dishes everyone can enjoy.
- Dessert trucks – Gourmet cupcakes, artisan ice cream, fried dough, bubble tea, and more to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Global eats – Tacos, empanadas, Mediterranean wraps, and fusion creations from around the world.
Did you spot your favorite style of food truck in the drone footage? Share your discoveries in the comments below and let us know what you would try first!
Festival Atmosphere: Sights, Sounds, and Smells
Step into the festival and you’re instantly surrounded by the sounds of live music, the laughter of families, and the irresistible aroma of food being cooked to order. Food trucks line the perimeter, each with their own specialty and signature flair. Tables and shaded tents provide spaces for guests to relax and sample their festival finds. From high above, our drone footage shows the impressive size of the festival and the joyful crowds making memories together.
This is more than a food festival—it’s a celebration of community, flavor, and summer in Connecticut. Whether you’re here with friends, family, or flying solo, the energy and excitement are contagious!
Family Fun & Community Vibes
The Manchester Food Truck Festival is truly for everyone. Kids enjoy games, face painting, and interactive activities while adults explore diverse cuisines and discover new favorites. It’s a safe, family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community. The festival supports local businesses, showcases culinary creativity, and brings people together from all over the state.
Why This Festival is a Must-See
What makes the Manchester Food Truck Festival at Buckland Hills Mall a must-attend event?
- Incredible food selection: From savory street food to sweet desserts, there’s something for every taste and dietary preference.
- Local business spotlight: Support small businesses and independent chefs from across Connecticut and beyond.
- Live entertainment: Enjoy music, performances, and interactive activities for all ages.
- Easy access and free admission: Buckland Hills Mall offers plenty of parking and a central location.
- Unmatched festival energy: Experience the excitement for yourself, and get a sneak peek in our epic drone video!
Plan Your Festival Adventure
The Manchester Food Truck Festival runs rain or shine and is packed from start to finish with delicious food, fun, and community spirit. Arrive early to sample as many trucks as possible and beat the longest lines. Don’t forget to watch our drone footage to get an aerial preview and spot the trucks and attractions you want to visit first.
Whether you’re a die-hard foodie, a festival lover, or just looking for a memorable day out in Manchester, this event should be at the top of your list for 2025!
Watch and Comment: Can You Spot Your Favorite Truck?
Be sure to check out our epic drone footage, exclusively from BISTRO BUDDY, for a unique look at the entire festival from above. Can you spot the dessert trucks? The ones serving tacos, pizza, barbecue, or bubble tea? Tell us in the comments which food trucks you saw and what you want to try most at next year’s festival!
Join the Fun with BISTRO BUDDY
For more festival coverage, food truck reviews, and Connecticut event highlights, follow BISTRO BUDDY. Don’t forget to share your own photos, tips, and food finds from the Manchester Food Truck Festival. We love seeing your favorite bites and best moments!
See you at the festival—happy eating and food truck spotting!

🚨 BISTRO BUDDY v3.6.9 – Major Platform Update
🎉 The Biggest BISTRO BUDDY Update Ever!
This release is packed with fixes, beautiful new designs, more powerful features, and ways to grow your business or event like never before!
✅ Login Bug CRUSHED!
Login with confidence! Our most annoying bug is gone: no more random logouts or...
🚨 BISTRO BUDDY v3.6.9 – Major Platform Update
🎉 The Biggest BISTRO BUDDY Update Ever!
This release is packed with fixes, beautiful new designs, more powerful features, and ways to grow your business or event like never before!
✅ Login Bug CRUSHED!
Login with confidence! Our most annoying bug is gone: no more random logouts or lockouts. Stay connected on every device—smooth, fast, and secure.
🏪 Business Listing Setup FIRST
No more wasted time. List your business before even registering a user account! Vendors and sponsors can get started and be visible instantly.
🎫 Vendor Passes & Ticket Sales: Your Event, Your Money
- 💸 Sell tickets and vendor passes directly—just connect Stripe. No waiting, no middleman, your money goes straight to you.
- 🎟️ Any kind of ticket: General Admission, VIP, Early Bird, Vendor—just label and launch.
- 🛍️ Add-ons: Merchandise, packages, and bundles right alongside ticketing!
- ⚡ Instant confirmation for buyers. Funds paid direct to your Stripe account.
- 🔢 Non-seated ticketing keeps it simple. Use sections/labels for access levels.
- 🔓 Premium ticketing features (mobile ticket scanning and more) now in beta.
- 🔗 Payment processor request: Want PayPal, Square, or something else? Let us know!
📱 Next-Level Text Messaging
- 📲 Text yourself event info! Enter your number when contacting an organizer and get all the event details in an instant SMS.
- 🔔 Organizers can send reminders, confirmations, and last-minute changes by text to anyone who opts in.
- 🚚 SMS delivery is fast and reliable, using real carrier gateways.
- 🗓️ Event Name & Date
- 📍 Location/Address (with map link if available)
- 🕒 Start & End Time
- 👤 Organizer or Main Contact Name
- 🔗 Quick Link to Full Event Details
- 📝 Special Notes (weather, parking, important updates soon)
- ☎️ How to Contact/Reply to the Organizer (when available)
🎭 Events: Totally Transformed
- 🔎 Fact Checker: Landed on an old event? Instantly jump to the freshest version.
- 🌟 Star ratings for events & vendors—find the best, trust the ratings.
- 🎪 Participating Vendors, Entertainment, Volunteers & Sponsors all showcased up front.
- 💼 Feature your event for just $20—boosted placement and more eyeballs, right away.
- 👩🔧 Post job opportunities right on the event page for staff, crew, or talent!
👷♂️ Event Job Opportunities: Power Your Event, Support the Community
- 💼 Now you can post job opportunities directly on your event page! Need staff, vendors, setup crew, security, volunteers, or performers? Find the talent you need right in our community.
- 🤝 Job seekers can apply instantly through your event listing. It’s the easiest way to connect with people eager to help make your event a success.
- 🛠️ Full control for organizers: Approve applicants, manage your team, and streamline hiring—all from your event dashboard.
- 🌟 Stand out as a top event by building a professional team and giving back opportunities to our community members.
🛒 Search & Secure Your Vendor Booth Pass—Now Easier Than Ever!
- 🔍 NEW: Instantly search and filter events by booth/pass type, price, and availability. No more scrolling—find exactly what you want!
- 💡 See what's open, what's sold out, and what fits your needs:
- Volunteers Wanted: Opportunities for anyone ready to help.
- Vendor Passes Available: See which booths are still up for grabs!
- Sold Out Vendor Passes: Know your options at a glance.
- 💰 Transparent, upfront pricing:
- Artisan / Craft Vendor Booth: $50.00
- Business / Commercial Vendor Booth: $1,200.00
- Food Truck / Concession / Catering Pass: $1,500.00
- 🎯 Book your booth in just a few clicks—before they sell out!
From crafts to concessions, BISTRO BUDDY connects you with the right opportunities. Ready to reserve your spot? It’s never been easier or faster.
🚀 How to Start Building Your Event in Our Community
- 📝 Create your Business Listing (now available before user registration for ultimate speed).
- 🎉 Launch your event page—add all your details, images, and start inviting participants.
- 👥 Add participating vendors, entertainers, sponsors, and volunteers right to your event listing for maximum exposure and collaboration.
- 💼 Post your Event Job Opportunities so local talent and experienced pros can apply directly.
- 🎫 Set up ticketing and vendor passes—customize types, prices, and packages.
- 📲 Enable text message features to keep attendees and team updated with important info and reminders.
- 🌟 Feature your event for just $20 to put it in front of thousands more people!
Everything you need to build, grow, staff, and sell out your event—all in one easy-to-use platform. BISTRO BUDDY is your complete event toolkit, powered by our vibrant community!
📩 Smarter, Safer Messaging
- 🆓 Free users: Organizer gets your email only.
- 💎 Paid users: Organizer gets your message and can reply directly from the dashboard.
- 📲 Text confirmations and info now available to everyone who provides a phone number.
📄 New & Improved Contact Forms
- 👀 All form fields visible—no more dropdown confusion.
- 🔒 Carrier choice locks once picked.
- ✉️ All messages sent in plain text for SMS compatibility.
- 🛡️ Messages also routed to our support team for quality assurance.
💼 Business Listings: All-New, All-Better
- 🎨 Completely redesigned look and navigation for every business listing.
- ☎️ Direct contact tools—let clients reach out in seconds.
- 🚀 Fast upgrades, featured listings, and paid options integrated.
- 🌐 Show off your events, deals, reviews, and media in one easy-to-browse space.
- 📊 All-new reporting dashboard: see your stats, messages, and engagement at a glance.
- 📱 Fully mobile optimized—looks great everywhere.
💰 Enhanced Deals Pages
- 🆕 All the upgrades—cleaner design, easy redemption, and faster checkout.
- 🏷️ Sponsor and time-limited deals—stand out and create urgency.
🖼️ Visuals & User Experience: Beautiful, Modern, Consistent
- ✨ Modern, unified button styles and effects everywhere.
- 🖱️ Improved navigation, hovers, and feedback on mobile and desktop.
- 📋 Streamlined layouts for every page, event, deal, and listing.
⚠️ Exit Warning + Facebook Follow Prompt
- 🔗 Leaving BISTRO BUDDY? Get a friendly popup warning so you always know when you’re exiting the platform.
- 👍 Using an ad blocker? You’ll see a prompt to support us by following on Facebook—built right into the popup.
Thank you for being part of BISTRO BUDDY. This is our boldest, most feature-packed release ever—built for you, with you. Even more is on the way very soon!