[3][2] He slept in a cheap hotel, in Grand Central Station, and in the Bowery Mission shelter for three months.

[2][4] For years, Akdeniz entered pizza-making competitions, and in late 2010 he won the New York Pizza Showcase, performing tricks like spinning dough while it was on fire.

[1][5] He became the cover story of an issue of PMQ, a pizza magazine, which he distributed locally to promote his shop.

"[2][6] He remained involved with homeless charities and activities, donating pizza and other services to shelters and other groups.

The nickname he received became the name of the pizzeria, Champion Pizza, and he made his story a prominent part of the business's identity.