Old Shaunie Pizza in Italian Kitchen — Review by Randy Santel

The Dishes

The challenge featured a massive 29-inch pizza split between two contestants with different topping combinations. Kina chose the Farmers Market half, loaded with fresh vegetables including artichoke hearts, olives, mushrooms, green peppers, red onions, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Randy opted for two quarters featuring different chicken pizzas. The Tuscan chicken quarter included garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, fresh tomatoes, chicken, and mozzarella, while the chicken parm bianca quarter came topped with zesty marinara sauce, crispy chopped chicken, parmesan, mozzarella, caramelized onions, creamy ricotta, and fresh basil. The Tuscan chicken proved particularly memorable with its pronounced olive oil flavor and fresh herbs, while the chicken parm bianca delivered a satisfying combination of crispy chicken and creamy ricotta. The Farmers Market side impressed with its abundance of fresh, healthy vegetables that didn't feel heavy despite the large quantity.

The Experience

The restaurant was packed with supporters and friends who came out for the challenge event. The atmosphere was festive and encouraging, with the challengers feeding off the energy of the crowd. The Lanexa location is notably the larger of Old Shaunie Pizza's two locations and can accommodate more people. The challenge had a one-hour time limit, and the casual, relaxed vibe made for an entertaining experience. The cracker-style crust lived up to its reputation, though it did create considerable crumbs on the floor by the end of the meal.

Value & Pricing

The challenge cost $100 for the base pizza, with additional charges for specialty toppings. Upon winning, the contestants received $100 in gift cards to return to the restaurant, though t-shirts were unfortunately unavailable that day. For regular menu items, the restaurant offers standard pizzeria pricing with options ranging from simple to specialty pizzas, plus pasta, sandwiches, and bar services with extensive beer and liquor selections.

Notable Moments

This is my mom's favorite pizzeria. When I lived in Kansas City, every time my mom and dad came to visit, she made sure that we went to Old Shiny Pizza because she loves their cracker style crust.

We finished together again with our time. This challenge has been around a while and their original big 18-in pizza obviously started many many years ago.

Randy noted that he had previously beaten Old Shaunie's 18-inch pizza challenge as his 24th competitive win approximately 15 years ago, demonstrating the restaurant's long history of hosting eating challenges. The cracker-style crust's flakiness created so many crumbs that Randy humorously compared the floor aftermath to the aftermath of a past breakfast eating contest.

The Verdict

Old Shaunie Pizza in Lanexa is highly recommended for anyone seeking quality pizza with fresh ingredients and specialty options. Even those not attempting the challenge should visit for standard-sized portions. The restaurant has successfully expanded its specialty pizza offerings beyond its original barbecue and buffalo chicken specialties to include Nashville hot chicken, St. Louis style, and many other creative combinations. The cracker-style crust remains a signature feature that sets it apart. The Lanexa location is larger and more equipped to handle crowds. This establishment is perfect for casual diners, challenge enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates Italian cuisine with a full bar experience.