FORT WORTH, Texas — Kenn Scott is used to friends introducing him as “the guy who played Raphael” in the ’90s version of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies.  The actor and martial arts professional has embraced his place in the pop-culture canon. After all, he wrote a book about the experience: Teenage Ninja to Mutant Turtle: Becoming the Reel Raphael.

What You Need To Know

  • At 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 7, Black Cat Pizza (401 Bryan Ave. Ste. 109) will host the Ninja Turtle pizza pop-up

  • The pop-up is the brainchild of chefs Kevin Martinez, Jaime Fernandez, and actor-turned-author Kenn Scott

  • Scott played Raphael in the '90s versions of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies

  • Scott wrote a book about his time as Raphael, and his books will be available for purchase at the event

While eating lunch, he was introduced to Tokyo Cafe’s beloved celebrity chef Kevin Martinez — who has become one of the true heroes of the pandemic by giving away some 50,000 free meals to those in need. His dining partner introduced him as a one-time turtle.

Scott turned that recent encounter with a beloved local chef into one of those life-imitating-art moments, and now he’s come full circle back to Raphael — and that character’s signature snack.

“And the next day he called me up and he said, ‘Hey, I've been wanting to collaborate with Jaime Fernandez at Black Cat Pizza on something. I thought it would be fun if we got you involved and did some kind of pizza thing.’”

At 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 7, Scott will take part in a Ninja Turtle-inspired pizza pop-up at the notoriously adventurous pizzeria, Black Cat Pizza. Black Cat already has a pie named TMNT on the menu.

Scott said the trio met and experimented with various toppings and techniques. The collaboration netted a menu that includes a meatball boa, a ramen offering, and the “Pizza Raphael.” Available by the slice or whole pies, the dish features a smoky, spicy combination of chipotle tomato sauce, Spanish chorizo, pepperoni, charred sundried tomatoes, serrano peppers, capers, and an anchovy-infused pesto-drizzle, with a subtle dusting of finely chopped almonds on top.

Scott said he expects there will be ninja turtles onsite, but he won’t be reprising his role.

“Ordinarily these kinds of things, I'm usually kind of posing for pictures or signing autographs,” he said. “I have a book, and so people will be able to get the book if they want. But, to be honest, I really just want to work in the kitchen and make pizza, because I love doing it.”