About Us

Derek Hughes – Owner & Chef at Fiamma del Forno

Derek Hughes has been crafting pizza since 2009. His journey began in Appleton, where he experimented with wood-fired pizza in his backyard using an Allen Scott oven, surrounded by friends and family. Back then, it was less about perfection and more about connection—sharing stories, laughter, and time around the fire.

Fast forward 14 years, after welcoming two little humans into the world and navigating a post-Covid world, Derek discovered two things: his partner, Melanie, and a renewed passion for pizza. Together, they built their own backyard “brick oven” using paver stones (affectionately dubbed the Renegade Oven) and embarked on a relentless pursuit of pizza perfection.

Derek immersed himself in the craft, spending thousands of hours studying videos, learning from expert pizzaiolos, and connecting with other pizza makers online. Through trial, error, and countless experiments, he perfected the signature dough that defines Fiamma del Forno.

The result? A pizza with a crunchy, airy crust and a sturdy body that minimizes flop—a carefully crafted hybrid of Neapolitan and New York-style pizza, balancing lightness with structure. Every slice tells the story of dedication, experimentation, and pure love for the art of pizza.