By the time the flour settled, there were smiles everywhere.
Three local kids – Asher, Cayde and Ava – transformed balls of fresh dough into handcrafted pizzas. There was laughter, some friendly competition, plenty of flour in unexpected places – and the pride that comes from creating something with your own hands.
That's exactly what owner Mike Spineti envisioned when he introduced interactive pizza-making classes at Oven 360 in Troy, the first U.S. location for the Canadian-based restaurant.
For an hour, as the children were tutored by a real pizza chef, pepperoni pies became more of an experience than just dinner.
"We wanted to create something people could do together," Mike says. "It’s a great way to have fun while learning something new."
Leading the lesson was Mosabb "Moose" Alttabab, who has worked eight years with Oven 360 in Canada, launching new stores while teaching guests the art of authentic pizza making.
His easygoing personality and endless patience quickly put the kids at ease, as he showed them how to stretch dough, spread sauce and sprinkle cheese.
Then he let them experiment and discover techniques for themselves.
"Kids create topping combinations we never would have thought of,” Moose laughs. “We learn from them."
Ava's favorite part was working the "squishy" dough. Asher had fun playing with (and eating) toppings, while Cayde was intently focused on placing each item carefully in place.
After all that creativity, the payoff came fast. In about 90 seconds, each pizza baked on a stone crafted from the volcanic rock at Italy's Mount Vesuvius, where intense 900-degree heat and constant rotation produce a crispy artisan crust.
"They were fascinated by the oven," says mom Karen. "Later at home, Cayde was all excited, explaining to his dad how the stone spun around while cooking. He was amazed by how hot the oven was."
The best part, of course, was eating their cheesy creations. As they walked out after, Ava did her "happy skip" and declared, "Mom, that was so much fun!"
Classes aren't just for children. Couples book date nights. Businesses schedule team-building events. Sports teams celebrate together with a DIY pizza party. Birthday parties become hands-on experiences instead of simply ordering pizza.
"We've had groups of 14 or more," Mike says. "Everyone gets covered in flour and cheese, and then they sit down to enjoy what they created together."
Pizza is the perfect dish for those who have never made food from scratch. That's why Oven 360 sells its dough, so families can recreate pizza night in their own kitchens.
“We can even put together sauce and topping packets if you want, so you’ll have a complete pizza to make together when you get home,” says Mike. “Cooking creates memories."
Of course, it all starts with exceptional ingredients. The restaurant's commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional techniques is what first attracted Moose to the company.
"The dough is everything," he says. "That's what makes the pizza unique."
Because Oven 360 has all its ingredients put out in front of customers, you can make your own pizza just by stopping by for lunch or dinner. Choose a size, tell Oven 360's professional pizza-makers which toppings you prefer and walk out minutes later with hot pizza. Don't forget the salads, sides and the amazing gelato.
This summer, guests will also discover an expanded menu featuring artisan pizzas, fresh bread-bowl pastas and salads, panini sandwiches, additional gelato flavors and a decadent Nutella-pistachio dessert pizza.
But for groups that book a pizza-making class, the flour-covered experience becomes a favorite memory.
“I want to own a pizza place when I grow up,” said Asher. “Now I know how, because they showed me.”
Watching the kids eagerly try each other’s creation, it’s clear this wasn't simply about making pizza.
It was about making memories.
Editor's Note: Oven 360's pizza-making classes can be customized for children, families, couples, birthday parties, sports teams and corporate groups. Online scheduling is expected to launch soon, although private classes can already be arranged directly through the restaurant. Don't forget to call for dinner or catering.
1711 Crooks Road (just north of Maple) | (248) 731-7874 | Oven360.com