After the Bell: Mr. Schultz Reviews Pepp’s November Pizza Lineup

November 2, 2026

This month's After the Bell guest is Derek Schultz, an assistant principal at Johnston High School. Now in his first year at Johnston and his 19th year in education, Mr. Schultz is used to keeping things in line at school. But this time, he's here to grade something a little different: our November pizza specials!

Mr. Schultz put all four November specials to the test, with one unexpected combination earning his top marks. Here's how they graded out!

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Barbecue (BBQ) chicken pizza at Pepp's Pizzeria

Bacon Cheeseburger (Nov 2-6)

We kicked things off with a pizza inspired by an American classic: the bacon cheeseburger!

“I really like the pickle. The cheese with the ketchup goes really well. I think maybe a little more bacon and you've got a great pizza.”

A familiar flavor combination with a pizza twist earned this one an A!

Grade:
Grade B
Meatball pizza at Pepp's pizzeria

Drunken Chicken (Nov 9-13)

Next up was the Drunken Chicken, and this one made a strong impression thanks to its vodka sauce.

Between the breaded chicken and a hint of basil, Mr. Schultz found plenty to like in this combination.

“That vodka sauce makes that pizza.The breaded chicken, I like the texture over just a regular grilled chicken. And then there's a nice basil hint to it that's really good.”

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

The Blind Pig (Nov 16-20)

This one came with a little surprise! Inspired by Joe Hayhoe, the Blind Pig brings mac and cheese and barbecue chicken together on a pizza. And as Mr. Schultz admitted right away, he wasn't sure what to expect.

“Never thought I'd like mac and cheese on a pizza.”

Turns out, this unexpected combination was a winner. The Blind Pig quickly became his favorite of the lineup, earning a solid A+!

Grade:
Grade A
Thanksgiving pizza at Pepp's Pizzeria

Club Medley (Nov 23-27)

For the final November special, Mr. Schultz tried the Club Medley.

He liked the combination of goat cheese and red onion, noting how well the flavors worked together.

“I think it could have a little more pesto flavor to it. But the goat cheese with the red onion makes that combination flow really well. Again, the crust, you can't go wrong with the crust.”

Grade:
Grade A+

Grade:
Grade A+

🌟 The Gold Star Winner... Blind Pig!

After tasting all four of November's weekly pizza specials, Mr. Schultz gave his Gold Star to the Blind Pig!

The combination of mac and cheese, barbecue chicken and that signature barbecue sauce won him over, even though he wasn't sure about mac and cheese on pizza at first. Sometimes the unexpected combinations end up being the best ones!

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🍕 Try the November 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 SCHULTZ10 to get 10% off your order throughout November.

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Nominate a Teacher You Love!

Thank you so much to Mr. Schultz for reviewing our November 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!

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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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