#USA #St. Louis #Italian Food #Frozen Pizza #Katie's

Katie's Triumph in the Frozen Pizza Landscape

The rapidly evolving Italian food scene has welcomed a new star, Katie's, an independent brand that is making waves across the nation with its delicious, handmade frozen pizzas. Breaking through in the crowded marketplace, Katie's has become a go-to for frozen pizza lovers, now featured in every Target store in the country. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and authenticity.

The Journey of Katie Lee

At the helm of this culinary venture is Katie Lee, a chef with a compelling story. A former high school dropout who has faced her fair share of challenges, including homelessness and addiction, Lee’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Today, as a sober single mother and restaurateur, she leads a team that takes pride in crafting every pizza by hand, without the assistance of automation, thus ensuring each pie maintains its artisanal quality.

Lee explains, "When I was homeless, I could fit everything I owned into a shopping bag. Now, I have made it to the shelves of Target with Katie's pizzas. This is proof that no matter the odds, you can create something special."

Her brand's philosophy centers around the idea that food should be real and nourishing, both physically and emotionally. With a clear mission to provide convenient yet high-quality meals for busy families, Katie's pizzas are designed to satisfy and reconnect people with the art of gourmet dining at home.

Innovation through Adversity

The pandemic played a pivotal role in Katie's growth. Facing the potential closure of her restaurants, Lee pivoted towards creating a line of frozen pizzas inspired by her popular restaurant offerings. This strategic move allowed her to keep her staff employed and her business afloat during challenging times.

By embracing the art of handmade pizza-making, Katie's found a sweet spot in the market. Starting with a unique 48-hour naturally leavened dough and cooking at 800°F in wood-fired ovens, the pizzas maintain a high standard of quality. Each recipe is crafted using fresh ingredients and house-made sauces, ensuring that every bite delivers an extraordinary taste experience.

Raving Success and Nationwide Distribution

Since Katie's inception, the brand has seen explosive growth, boasting a remarkable 100% year-over-year increase since 2021 in the competitive frozen pizza category. The partnership with Target marks a significant milestone in the brand’s evolution, elevating its presence to a national level.

The pizzas are available in several exciting varieties including:

• - Burrata Margherita: Featuring hand-stretched crust, house-made sauce, rich Burrata, Mozzarella, and fresh basil.
• - Pepperoni Stracciatella: Loaded with cup-and-char pepperoni and drizzled with wildflower honey, accompanied by creamy Stracciatella cheese.
• - Hand-Rolled Meatball: This pizza is topped with Katie's renowned hand-rolled meatballs, Fontina cheese, and house-made sauce.
• - Black Garlic Burrata: A unique offering with black garlic impasto and Pecorino Romano cheese for a rich umami flavor.

These carefully crafted pizzas not only fill a gap in the frozen food aisle but also give consumers an authentic Italian experience reminiscent of fine dining.

Looking Ahead

As Katie's brand continues to grow, it remains grounded in its foundation of quality and authenticity. Lee's commitment to her craft and her community inspires both her team and consumers. "We’re redefining grocery aisles with artisan products that elevate home cooking. At Katie's, we’re not just about creating pizzas; we’re about nourishing bodies and souls, transforming how we view convenience in modern dining."

Katie Lee’s journey is a source of inspiration, reminding us that with passion, dedication, and a strong work ethic, it’s possible to overcome life's challenges and realize one's dreams. Visit Katies.com for more information and explore the exciting world of Katie's frozen pizzas.