Washington DC Local
June 10
Washington DC Local
Pizza, Pairings & Professional Connections
Join fellow SHFM members and industry peers for an evening of networking and culinary discovery. Let's Talk Pizza! Explore the story and evolution of pizza and its role in the US pizza industry. Our program will be led by Francesco Marra. Enjoy a live demo, guided tasting of traditional and modern styles with wine and beer. Whether you’re connecting with colleagues or expanding your culinary knowledge, this event offers a perfect blend of flavor and professional engagement. Our charitable efforts will support the Food Now, who will be featured during our Hunger Games charitable event at National Conference.
When
Tuesday, June 10th
4:00 - 7:30 p.m.
4:00 – 4:30 p.m. - Registration
5:00 p.m. - Educational Program
Where
Marra Forni
10310 Southard Drive
Beltsville, MD 20705
Registration
Member - $50
Non-Member - $60
Student - $30
Thank You to Our DC Local Sponsors
Aramark Workplace Experience Group
The Coca-Cola Company
Compass Group
Guckenheimer
Marra Forni, Pizza University & and Culinary Arts
PepsiCo
Sodexo
Interested in sponsorship?
Download the 2025 Local Event Sponsorship Form and return your completed form to Michelle Romero at mromero@hqtrs.com.
Francesco Marra, Marra Forni
Francesco Marra is an Italian-American entrepreneur and chef who began his culinary journey after immigrating to the United States in his early 20s. Starting as a prep cook with limited English, he quickly rose through the ranks to become an executive chef, earning recognition in Washingtonian magazine as one of D.C.’s top emerging culinary talents. His passion for food and relentless work ethic laid the foundation for a dynamic career in the hospitality industry.
Francesco is the co-founder and CEO of Marra Forni, a leading U.S. manufacturer of handcrafted brick pizza ovens serving clients like Whole Foods, Hyatt, and Hilton. He also co-founded The Pizza University to train aspiring chefs, and leads Oro Catering, the exclusive caterer for the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C. In addition, he oversees Oro Pizza, an authentic Neapolitan concession featured at major sporting events nationwide. Francesco’s work reflects his deep dedication to culinary excellence, innovation, and community service.