Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria in Kennesaw, Georgia offers a legendary food challenge that pushes the limits of pizza consumption. The Carnivore Challenge dares teams of two to devour an 11-pound, 30-inch pizza topped with five different meats in just one hour.
This mammoth pizza experience has gained national attention, featuring on popular TV shows like Man v. Food and Ginormous Food. The challenge has become a regional attraction, drawing in food enthusiasts and competitive eaters from across the country.
Participants who successfully conquer the Carnivore Challenge not only earn bragging rights but also walk away with a cash prize. The combination of size, time limit, and meaty toppings makes this challenge a true test of appetite and teamwork, cementing Big Pie in the Sky’s reputation as a must-visit destination for pizza lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria Overview
Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria in Kennesaw, Georgia is known for its massive 30-inch pizzas and food challenges. The restaurant offers a variety of pizza options along with other Italian-inspired dishes.
History and Popularity
Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria opened its doors in Kennesaw, Georgia, quickly gaining fame for its enormous 30-inch pizzas. The restaurant’s signature Carnivore Challenge has attracted food enthusiasts and competitive eaters from across the country.
Teams of two attempt to devour an 11-pound meat-topped pizza in under an hour. Winners receive a cash prize and bragging rights. This unique challenge has significantly boosted the pizzeria’s popularity and reputation.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and generous portions has helped establish it as a local favorite. Its success led to expansion, with additional locations opening to meet growing demand.
Menu Highlights
Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria offers an extensive menu centered around their famous pizzas. Their 30-inch pies come in various flavors, with the Carnivore being a top seller. It features five different meats piled high on a crispy crust.
For those seeking smaller portions, the pizzeria also serves:
- Quality pizzas in standard sizes
- Subs
- Calzones
- Stromboli
- Fresh salads
The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and preparing dishes to order. Their pizza crust, in particular, receives praise for its delicious flavor and texture.
Customers can dine in to experience the lively atmosphere or opt for takeout and delivery services. The pizzeria caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian options alongside their meat-heavy specialties.
The Carnivore Challenge
The Carnivore Challenge at Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria tests the eating prowess of brave duos. Teams face off against an enormous meat-laden pizza in a race against the clock for glory and cash.
Rules and Guidelines
The challenge involves a massive 30-inch pizza weighing 11 pounds. It’s topped with five meats: pepperoni, ground beef, Italian sausage, ham, and bacon. Teams of two must consume the entire pizza within 60 minutes to claim victory.
Successful teams win a $250 cash prize. The challenge is typically scheduled at 3:30 PM and 8:30 PM Monday through Thursday to avoid peak dining hours. Participants must call ahead to book their attempt.
Big Pie in the Sky enforces strict rules to maintain fairness. Teams cannot leave the table during the challenge. Any visible illness results in disqualification. The restaurant reserves the right to refuse participation for safety reasons.
Successful Attempts
Few teams have conquered the Carnivore Challenge since its inception. Erik Unger and Anthony Reganato from Birmingham, Alabama were the first victors. Their names now grace the pizzeria’s Wall of Fame.
The challenge gained national attention when featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food” program. This exposure brought more ambitious eaters to Big Pie in the Sky, eager to test their limits.
Successful teams often employ strategies like dividing the pizza into manageable sections or focusing on specific toppings first. Proper hydration and pacing prove crucial for those aiming to join the elite ranks of Carnivore Challenge champions.
Pizza Crafting
Big Pie in the Sky’s Carnivore Challenge pizza stands out for its careful preparation and massive size. The pizzeria’s commitment to quality ingredients and traditional baking methods contributes to the challenge’s appeal.
Ingredients and Quality
The Carnivore Challenge pizza features a hearty combination of meat toppings. Ham, pepperoni, ground beef, Italian sausage, and bacon cover the pizza’s surface. Each meat is selected for its flavor and quality.
The pizzeria sources fresh ingredients to ensure the best taste. Toppings are generously applied, creating a protein-packed pizza that lives up to its carnivorous name.
The base of the pizza consists of a hand-tossed dough made daily. This foundation supports the weight of the numerous meat toppings without becoming soggy.
Stone Deck Oven Baking
Big Pie in the Sky employs stone deck ovens for baking their pizzas. This traditional method imparts a distinct flavor and texture to the crust.
The stone deck absorbs and distributes heat evenly, resulting in a crispy bottom crust. This is crucial for the Carnivore Challenge pizza, given its substantial size and weight.
The oven’s high temperature quickly cooks the toppings, melting the cheese and crisping the edges of the meat. This process locks in flavors and creates an appealing texture contrast between the crisp crust and juicy toppings.
Baking time is carefully monitored to achieve the perfect balance of a well-cooked crust and properly heated toppings.
Visiting Kennesaw
Kennesaw, home to Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria, offers visitors a unique pizza experience and other attractions. The city’s welcoming atmosphere and nearby points of interest make it an appealing destination for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Location and Atmosphere
Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria is located at 2090 Baker Road, Suite A-103, in Kennesaw, Georgia. The restaurant’s casual setting provides a relaxed environment for diners to enjoy their meals or attempt the famous Carnivore Challenge.
Kennesaw’s friendly small-town vibe complements the pizzeria’s laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can expect a warm welcome from locals and restaurant staff.
The pizzeria gained national attention after being featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food” show, attracting pizza lovers and food challenge enthusiasts from across the country.
Nearby Attractions
Kennesaw offers several attractions within close proximity to Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria. The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park provides hiking trails and historical sites for nature and history buffs.
The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is another popular destination, showcasing the area’s rich railroad heritage.
For shoppers, Town Center at Cobb mall offers a variety of retail options. Aviation enthusiasts can visit the Museum of Aviation at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.
These diverse attractions allow visitors to plan a full day of activities around their pizza experience, making Kennesaw an appealing destination for both locals and tourists.
