A wise man once said, “The meal’s not over when I’m full; it’s over when I hate myself,” and it’s in that unabashedly gluttonous spirit that we approach the Thanksgiving holiday and all its overblown feastery with a look at a pair of gut-busting gastronomic trials set to challenge even the most experienced eater. Of course, any rundown of local eating challenges would be remiss without at least a brief mention of the ‘Fire in Your Hole’ spicy wing challenge at Munchies 420 Café, made famous for stymying Man vs Food host Adam Richman after only two of the devilish things. Well, consider it mentioned. But the following challenges have defeated all comers. Will you be the first champion?

THE BIG RICHIE CHALLENGE

Created by Rico’s Pizzeria franchise operator Mark Riley in memory of a former employee, the Big Richie Challenge takes a straightforward approach, without the frills and fanfare. Take it on and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with more than 450 square inches of pizza, weighing in at approximately 12 pounds. Beginning with a 40-ounce dough ball, hand-tossed to a thin crust, and adding the cheese and sauce, we’re already at six pounds of food, but the minimum three toppings required will double that. A challenge for two, the daring couple will have 45 minutes to devour the pie before footing the $50 bill should they fail. Win or lose, you’ll be going home with a pair of T-shirts, but victors enjoy the meal on the house and $150 for the team. “A lot of teams have tried but so far no one’s done it,” says Riley. “People do it all the time, but none of them are in Sarasota.” Aspiring challengers should give Rico’s 24-hour advance notice.

GAVONE CHALLENGE

At Solarzano Bros. Pizza, it’s less an endurance challenge as much as an obstacle course. Unassuming at first glance, the main dish comprises a 20-inch plain cheese pizza divided into 8 slices. Simple, right? Now add six rib-sticking garlic knots with a side of sauce (which must also be cleared, whether dipped or drunk) and an order of garlic bread with cheese, all to be eaten in 30 minutes. “You’re definitely getting your carbs for the day,” says Nicholas Billib, manager at Solarzano Bros., where he’s seen many try and just as many fail. He drops some words of wisdom for the next would-be champion. “They’re doing it wrong,” he says of past challengers, who typically leave about six slices unconsumed. “They’re going after the bread first, but you’ve got to eat that pizza first and then hit the bread.” The cost comes out to around $28, not bad for a pair, but it’s free if you prevail.

Rico's Pizzeria,  1902 Bay Road, 3251 17th Street, 14435 East State Road 70, 5131 North Tamiami Trail and 5218 East State Road 64. ricospizzapie.com; 941-366-8988. Solorzano Bros Pizza: 3604 Webber Street, Sarasota. 941-926-4276.