Abstract: Automated apparatus for preparing pizza, and method of operating same. A customer selects a type of pizza, such as toppings or crust style. The apparatus slices and defrosts dough, applies cheese, slices and applies toppings, and cooks the pizza to order. The cooked pizza is packaged for delivery to the customer and may include a separate cutting apparatus. Proper temperature of hot and cold sections is maintained while ingredients are stored and as the pizza is cooked. The process is monitored and controlled by one or more processors.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for preparing pizza, and method of operating same. A customer selects a type of pizza, such as toppings or crust style. The apparatus slices and defrosts dough, applies cheese, slices and applies toppings, and cooks the pizza to order. The cooked pizza is packaged for delivery to the customer and may include a separate cutting apparatus. Proper temperature of hot and cold sections is maintained while ingredients are stored and as the pizza is cooked. The process is monitored and controlled by one or more processors.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for preparing pizza, and method of operating same. A customer selects a type of pizza, such as toppings or crust style. The apparatus slices and defrosts dough, applies cheese, slices and applies toppings, and cooks the pizza to order. The cooked pizza is packaged for delivery to the customer and may include a separate cutting apparatus. Proper temperature of hot and cold sections is maintained while ingredients are stored and as the pizza is cooked. The process is monitored and controlled by one or more processors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing and cooking pizza using fresh ingredients, the apparatus being in the form of a vending type of machine. By way of a keypad, touchpad, display or other user interface provided on the machine, a user specifies the type of pizza that they want. The machine then proceeds to combine the ingredients needed to create the requested pizza, cooks the pizza, as appropriate, places it in a box, and dispenses the boxed pizza to the user or customer. The dough may be provided in the form of sealed canisters or tubes, which are opened in an automated fashion. Slices of dough may be cut from the dough canisters for each pizza which is to be made. Sauce may be provided in the form of sealed tubes, bags, or containers, whereby a controlled amount of the sauce may be dispensed by way of a controlled dispensing system, such as a pump or similar mechanism.

Abstract: A utensil that can be utilized to slice pizzas and dispense condiments is provided. The utensil includes a handle and a rotating circular blade for cutting, for example, a pizza into multiple slices. Additionally, the utensil includes one or more compartments, which can be used to hold and dispense various items such as condiments. The compartment(s) can be sealed with tape, aluminum, or a snap-fit cover to secure one or more items held within the compartment(s). The condiments may be provided directly in the compartments, or may be provided in a sealed package or envelope which is received in a respective compartment. Additionally, the compartment(s) can be fitted with a perforated covering to allow for gradual dispensing of one or more items held in the compartment. Furthermore, the circular blade of the utensil can be formed with a wavy edge, rather than a straight edge, to provide greater strength to the blade.