The use of pizza savers, also known as pizza stools or pizza tables, has emerged as a divisive issue among pizza makers in Windsor. These small pieces of white plastic are designed to prevent the pizza box from sagging into the toppings during delivery. However, with Canada moving away from single-use plastics, some question the long-term viability of these contraptions.
Kevork Kalaydjian, owner of Capri Pizza, believes that pizza savers are necessary to protect the pizzas due to their heat, weight, and quantity. He asserts that using a couple of pizza supports keeps the box straight and prevents damage to the pizza. Although the cost of pizza savers is minimal, some pizzeria owners are exploring alternative solutions if single-use plastics are banned. One potential option is the use of dough balls, small baked spheres of dough that also provide support to the center of the box, presenting a tasty additional bite.
On the other hand, Taher Abumeeiz, owner of Arcata Pizzeria, argues that pizza supports are unnecessary if the pizzas are made and timed correctly. He explains that the need for pizza supports arises during delivery when multiple pizzas are stacked on top of each other, generating steam that weakens the box and causes it to sag. Abumeeiz avoids this issue by not stacking the boxes, having the driver wait for the pizzas, and using a warming blanket.
Although opinions differ among Windsor’s pizza makers regarding the use of pizza savers, one thing is clear: Windsor is renowned for its pizza. The city is home to several locally owned and operated pizzerias that serve a distinct combination of Windsor-made cheese, shredded pepperoni, and canned mushrooms, rather than fresh ones.