On Wednesday evening, the sidewalk in Chinatown was filled with several mobile pizza ovens. Cardboard boxes of all colors and designs shuffled in and out of La Sorted's, where the pizzeria once again served as a drop-in center, offering food assistance to anyone in need. Some of the region's most famous chefs came together to prepare pizzas, sandwiches and tiramisu cups, which then spread to all corners of the city. The LA Pizza Alliance was back and twice as big as last year.
In response to the January 2025 fires, about two dozen local pizzerias banded together to form a coalition that could feed Los Angeles in times of need. The free meals were coordinated and delivered by a team of volunteers.
Chefs prepare batches of pizzas for delivery during the LA Pizza Alliance's second food relief event at La Sorted's in Chinatown.
(Stephanie Breijo/Los Angeles Times)
On Wednesday, it returned, sending free pizzas to those affected by the Altadena and Palisades fires as well as immigration raids or other disasters last year. The message was simple: If you need a hot meal, LA Pizza Alliance is the place to go.
“This is not an anniversary, this is not a celebration,” said organizer David Turkell. “This is just a commitment to the promise we made to the people of Los Angeles a year ago. … We just want to make sure that the public knows that we have their back no matter what happens in light of events.”
Turkell said the event delivered more than 1,000 whole pizzas last year. This year there were more than 1,800, plus desserts, bagels, salads and other products.
“I need 36 cakes, y’all, 36!” a voice called out to the ovens on the sidewalk. The chefs took action. Off to the side, Taqueria Frontera owner Juan Carlos “JC” Guerra al Pastor cut from a trompo and helped cheer up the participating pizzaiolos.
After the success of the first LA Pizza Alliance event, Chefs asked Turkell about participating later in the year. He assumed that the free pizza evening would be bigger in 2026, but did not expect it to double. Last year, more than two dozen participants volunteered to provide food. This year there were around 75.
The imaginary event occurred in 48 hours, which Turkell described as pure chaos. This year, he and host Tommy Brockert, owner of La Sorted's, planned the event in a week.
Joe Iverson of Cliq Claq Pizza throws dough during Wednesday night's event.
(Stephanie Breijo/Los Angeles Times)
“It’s twice as big,” Brockert said, “but twice as well organized.”
The extra days helped them optimize a system for using the ovens.
In the adjacent Mandarin Plaza garage, delivery drivers lined up waiting for their stacks of pizza boxes.
A new vendor, Jeffrey Vance of Los Feliz's Old Gold Tomato Pies, called the event a good excuse for camaraderie and networking within the pizza community. But the most important factor, he said, is providing community assistance.
“It’s a tough place to live, it’s expensive and the housing is rough,” Vance said. “Seeing what these guys did after the fires last year was pretty inspiring, so it was a no-brainer for us to say yes as David [Turkell] outstretched.”
Other new entrants included William Joo, chef and owner of Pizzeria Sei, a highly acclaimed pizzeria on the LA Times 101 Best Restaurants list. Joo set up a table in the corner of La Sorted's kitchen and baked flatbreads for sandwiches in the oven, some spread with his pesto and mortadella, others with marinated meat from the Korean destination Soban.
Cooks and volunteer drivers prepared stacks of pizzas for delivery.
(Stephanie Breijo/Los Angeles Times)
Legendary pizzaiolo Chris Bianco wanted to attend last year but was out of town. This year, he prepared dozens of pieces from his Arts District restaurants, Pizzeria Bianco and Pane Bianco.
“The dining community, in this case the pizza community, is a very tight-knit group,” Bianco said. “This is one of the friendliest groups of people. They are there when people are in need. They show up. They don't ask questions. Part of me just came here to come together and interact with humanity and just make sure we don't give up.”
In 2025, restaurants traveled from San Diego. This year Bettina from Montecito and Fat Lip Pizza and Beer from Corona were there.
Almost every vendor from 2025 returned this year, including Lupa Cotta chef and owner Ines Glaser.
LA Pizza Alliance organizer David Turkell (right) stands with Lupa Cotta chef and pizzaiola volunteer Ines Glaser on Wednesday.
(Stephanie Breijo/Los Angeles Times)
“Last year I was sitting in a dark hole looking at my phone and the news,” Glaser said. “[Now] Everyone seems to be in a better place and happier. I think everyone is just ready to make pizza and feel good. … It will be interesting to see how it changes over the years and what other community efforts they might put this into. “If we can all connect and be there for each other, then I think we can all strengthen each other.”
Brockert and Turkell are planning several new ways to raise funds and feed the community this year, including an event to coincide with the International Pizza Expo in March in Las Vegas. And, Turkell added, the LA Pizza Alliance will continue to work with charities like Slice Out Hunger, a national nonprofit that fights food insecurity with free pizza.
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