Pizza Prowess: Who Really Makes the Best Pizza in Burnsville?

For the third year in a row, Red’s Savoy took top honors in Burnsville’s Best Pizza contest.

The defending champion won the popular vote in a taste bud challenge on Friday that pitted the pizzeria against three competitors — Figaro’s, Godfather’s and Little Caesars.

For $5, contest participants received a ballot ticket, a cold can of soda and free pass to taste all four restaurants’ entries. Approximately 80 people participated in the contest, said Danielle Waldschmidt of the Burnsville Jaycees, the sponsoring organization.

The verdict: Red’s Savoy was once again the victor.

What’s the secret to pizza primacy? Jason Blomquist, one of the owners, described their pizza-making philosophy as “old school,” a thin crust pie that’s heavy on the toppings, undergirded by a zesty sauce with a bold flavor.

“We pile on the toppings. There’s no need for extra cheese with us,” Blomquist said on Sunday. “We use only the freshest ingredients. We’re known for our sausage. We use only raw sausage, not the pre-cooked stuff most places use, so it cooks on the pizza.”

Blomquist said the pizzeria enjoys the bragging rights.

“It feels great. We put a lot of pride into it,” Blomquist said.

There is an additional benefit to the rest of Burnsville, however. All of the proceeds from the contest will go to the 360 Communities Foodshelf.

“This event is focused on getting the community out for a good cause,” Waldschmidt said.