In The News

The Power of Leadership with Joe Carlucci

In this episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show, Jay and Domenic sit down with Joe Carlucci, a pizza champion and hospitality expert who shares his incredible journey from failure to success.

Meet the Alabama pizzeria run by a Guinness world record holder

Joe Carlucci is passionate about pizza. Working in the business since age 14, the Madison-area restaurateur holds two pizza-related Guinness world records. In competitions, he has multiple World Pizza Champion wins, and last month was named the Best of the Best Pizza Maker at the International Pizza Expo.

World Pizza Champion Joe Carlucci

On his journey, he finally found the right work/life balance while dialing in on the formula that has established Valentina's as a role model for the next generation of pizzeria operators.

Award-winning pizzamaker and restaurant owner mentors staff, now bringing home hardware

“Being across the street from the cornfield four years ago, everybody laughed at us and thought we’d be out of business in a few months, but my team and my staff have created this,” Carlucci said.

Pizza perfection: Inside the mind of north Alabama's lord of the pies

Chorizo was the last topping Joe Carlucci decided to add to “The Godfather,” a marvelous, meat-positive signature pie at his restaurant, Valentina's Pizzeria & Wine Bar.

Valentina's Pizzeria settling into new location

One of Madison's best pizza joints has, by management's own admission, outgrown its current spot and is moving to a new location. Valentina's Pizzeria announced it is moving to a location nearby.

This Restaurant In Madison Might Be The Best-Kept Secret In Alabama

The secret has been getting out about Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar, not only as the place to go for the best pizza in Madison, Alabama, but now in the entire world.

NEW: Madison pizza chef wins international competition for 3rd year in a row

Heads up Huntsville-area residents—we have one of the top pizza chefs in the world right here.

The BEST traditional pizza in the world calls Madison, AL home

Valentina's Pizzeria and Wine Bar competed at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas and took home the title of "Best Traditional Pizza in the World"

Madison pizza shop brings home a win at International Pizza Competition

Owner Joe Carlucci said he prepared for days and even booked a separate hotel room for his pizza dough.

Catering in Madison, Alabama with Valentina's Pizza

Want to spoil your employees or surprise your guests with specialty pizzas at your next event? Consider catering with Valentina's Pizzeria and Wine Bar!

Alabama pizza joint takes top prize at Vegas pizza convention

Congrats are in order for an Alabama pizza joint that ranked very highly at an international conference this week...

North Alabama pizza ranked best traditional style, second-best overall in the world

Joe Carlucci from Madison's own Valentina's Pizzeria & Wine Bar made pizza that was ranked as the best in the International Pizza Challenge's Traditional Division and Southeast Region.

Madison Pizza chef featured on Hulu's "Best in Dough"

MADISON, Ala. (TENNESSEE VALLEY LIVING) - It may not be Jersey, but Madison is making a name for itself in pizza, thanks to Joe Carlucci.

Valentina's Pizza and Wine Bar: All About Madison's Newest Pizza Place

There's a brand new pizza restaurant in a part of Madison that you may not be used to venturing to but will be frequenting more often after you try some of what Joe Carlucci has to offer.

"I'm just the pizza guy trying to change the world," Madison pizzeria owner said

MADISON, Alabama � Valentina's Pizzeria and Wine Bar in Madison has some unusual decor: a large mural on the side of his pizza shop featuring historical figures

Alabama Original: Valentina's World Record Pizza Toss

Joe Carlucci and daughter Valentina make a pizza at their restaurant on Huntsville Brownsferry Road.

Joe Carlucci of Famous Joe's Pizzeria is a 'pizza nerd' who has become a pizza champion

MADISON, Alabama - Famous Joe got his nickname from Bruno, his former business partner.
He and Bruno were making pizza in Connecticut at the time, about to open a new restaurant. They were sitting in Bruno's car one day, wondering what to name their new business.

Local pizza maker receives big awards in Las Vegas

MADISON, Ala. (WAFF) - Valentina's Pizzeria and Wine Bar's owner, Joe Carlucci, won the top prize at the World Pizza Championship in Las Vegas.
Carlucci competed for the best traditional pizza in the Southeast on August 18. The judges gave Carlucci first place, beating pizza makers from eight other states in the region.

Mural in Madison, Alabama: Check Out Valentina's Pizzeria and Wine Bar

For decades, the rural, westward drive along Huntsville Brownsferry Road from Madison to Athens has showcased little more than green fields, extensive farmland, and a few stop signs.But now, this two-lane road is home to one of North Alabama's largest, most colorful, and most detailed murals our area has ever seen, and this visual masterpiece is rapidly grabbing the attention of curious spectators from all over.

Joe Carlucci, local pizza chef, to appear on 'Martha Stewart' Tuesday

HUNTSVILLE, AL. - Joe Carlucci, who holds the Guiness record for the highest pizza tossed and is one of the top pizza chefs in the country, will appear on "The Martha Stewart Show" this morning at 9 a.m. on The Hallmark Channel.

Tossing on 'Today' show

"It was unbelievable," said Carlucci in a phone interview after the show. "It was on another level."Carlucci appeared alongside hosts Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb and guest Mario Cantone , most recognized for his role of Anthony Marantino on "Sex and the City" and guest spots on "Chappelle's Show."

Valentina's Pizzeria & Wine Bar

Enjoy award-winning pizza at Valentina's new location

Mastering the art of the pie at Valentina's Pizza

The Madison pizzeria is owned and operated by multiple award-winning chef Joe Carlucci.

Huntsville-area pizzeria wins top 50 in the U.S. for the 2nd year in a row

On July 1, Valentina’s Pizzeria owner and chef Joe Carlucci traveled to New York to receive a top honor from Top 50 Pizza.

Pizza aficiona-dough: Valentina’s pizzeria continues to roll up national and state awards

The award-winning pizzeria has added another laurel to its collection as the No. 27 Best Pizzeria in the United States.

Valentina’s Pizzeria launches 9/11 Memorial Fundraiser

Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar will host a powerful and heartfelt community event and national fundraiser to honor the victims of 9/11.

Valentina's Pizzeria and Wine Bar 9/11 Special

Valentina's memorial pizzas honor 9/11 with charity fundraiser in Madison; owner responds to criticism

Valentina’s, a Madison pizzeria recently ranked among the Top 30 in the U.S., will host a community fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 11, to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks. Along with thanks and good wishes, owner Joe Carlucci has received criticism about the event and how it's being put on.

Valentina’s launches '$24K in 24 Hours' 9/11 memorial fundraiser

Valentina's by Joe Carlucci will host a memorial fundraiser to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the September 11 attacks today, Sept. 11, according to a press release.

Valentina’s Owner Joe Carlucci Seeks to Raise $24,000 in 24 Hours to Honor 9/11 Victims

Joe Carlucci and his daughter, Valentina, are a father-daughter duo at the pizzeria that bears the teenager's name.

The Hands Down Best Pizza In Every State

Pizza may be an Italian invention, but it's been fully adopted and reinvented across the U.S. The country is home to numerous styles of pizza, from classic Neapolitan pies to Chicago deep-dish pizzas, New York-style slices, square Sicilian pizzas, and California wood-fired pizzas.

Madison pizzeria raises $30k during fundraiser to honor 9/11 victims

Valentina's Pizzeria in Madison surpassed its fundraising goal, raising $27,000 for Tunnels for Towers, which provides homes and services for first responders.

Joe Carlucci, Madison, Alabama -USA

Raised between New York and Alabama, Carlucci has earned numerous international accolades, including “Pizza Maker of the Year” in 2023. His philosophy blends technique, quality ingredients, and community dedication. Founder and leading figure of the World Pizza Champions.