After the Bell: Mr. Daugherty Reviews Pepp’s August Pizza Lineup

August 4, 2026

This month’s After the Bell guest teacher is Steve Daugherty, an elementary PE teacher at Lawson Elementary in Johnston. With 33 years of teaching experience and 25 years at Lawson Elementary, Mr. Daugherty knows a thing or two about giving out grades, and having fun!

So, we put his taste buds to work and had him review Pepp’s August pizza specials. Here’s how each specialty pizza scored:

Barbecue (BBQ) chicken pizza at Pepp's Pizzeria

Carolina Chicken (August 4-8)

First up was the Carolina Chicken Pizza, a specialty pizza featuring tender chicken, Carolina-inspired flavors, and a little kick that brings everything together.

After his first bite, Mr. Daugherty knew this one was a winner.

“I could tear into some of those pieces right there, man. Oh, that’s good. It’s got a little spice to it, but not too much.”

After trying the full slice, he gave it an A+.

“When I get something like this, wow, that gets the taste buds rolling. This is the one I would get when I’m out with the boys.”

Grade:
Grade B
Meatball pizza at Pepp's pizzeria

BLT (August 10-15)

Next up was Pepp’s take on a classic fan favorite sandwich: the BLT Pizza.

“It tastes exactly like a BLT.”

Mr. Daugherty gave this one an A, but admitted someone else at the table might have scored it even higher.

“For me, I’m going an A. But if my wife was sitting here next to me, I think she would give it an A+. It’s one of those out of the ordinary that is actually really good.”

Grade:
Grade B+
Elote pizza at Pepp's pizzeria

Cuban (August 17-22)

The Cuban Pizza brings the flavors of the classic Cuban sandwich to Pepp’s signature crust with savory toppings, melty cheese, and a sweet pop from the pickles.

Mr. Daugherty was immediately impressed.

“I feel like this stuff should be at the fair with like a line of like 100 people waiting for this stuff.”

He loved that it delivered the sandwich experience in pizza form.

“It’s like a sandwich. But it’s on a pizza.”

Grade:
Grade A
Thanksgiving pizza at Pepp's Pizzeria

Spinach Artichoke (August 24-29)

The Spinach Artichoke Pizza combines creamy, cheesy flavors with a Pepp’s twist on a classic appetizer favorite.

Mr. Daugherty’s favorite part? The cheese. “I love the shredded, thick cheese on the top.”

After a few bites, he was sold.

“This is awesome. Yeah, this is good stuff.”

Grade:
Grade A+

Grade:
Grade A+

🌟 The Gold Star Winner... Carolina Chicken!

After tasting all four August specials, Mr. Daugherty awarded his Gold Star to the Carolina Chicken Pizza.

“Chive on pizza. Never would have thought of that.”

A unique flavor combination, just the right amount of spice, and a whole lot of flavor made it the standout of the month!

🍕 Try the August Pizza Specials at Pepp's Pizzeria in Urbandale, Iowa

All limited-time pizza specials are available this month at Pepp’s Pizzeria — served as whole pies, personal pies, or by the slice. Visit us at 4640 86th Street in Urbandale, Iowa, or explore our full menu to see why we’re a go-to for some of the best pizza in Des Moines. Order online and use code DAUGHERTY to get 10% off your order throughout August.

Nominate a Teacher You Love!

Thank you so much to Mr. Daugherty for reviewing our August specials! At Pepp's, we're proud to support local educators across the Des Moines area who show up for their students every single day. Each month, we treat one deserving teacher to a FREE pizza party.

Help us choose the next winner — submit your nomination today!

Pepp’s Pizzeria – Urbandale’s Home for Crust You Dream About (and Pizza You Brag About)

📍 4640 86th Street, Urbandale, IA (Open Monday-Saturday from 11 am-8:30 pm)

❤️ Serving up local flavor, creative monthly specials, and a side of Iowa Nice.

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