While New York and Chicago often dominate the pizza conversation, Columbus, Ohio is starting to demand attention for its distinct pizza style. This city boasts its very own Columbus-style pizza.
This unique variety features a thin crust paired with a slightly sweet tomato sauce and a generous amount of cheese, typically a mix of provolone and mozzarella or solely provolone.
The pizza is loaded with toppings like pepperoni and baked so that there’s minimal uncovered dough. Instead of traditional slices, Columbus-style pizza is usually cut into squares or rectangles, which makes sharing a lot easier, especially in group settings.
Interestingly, this style is reminiscent of St. Louis-style pizza, which is known for its cracker-like crust and signature Provel cheese.
The origins of Columbus-style pizza trace back to the mid-20th century, as local restaurants began to shape this pizza identity. Brothers Dan and Jimmy Masucci, who opened Romeo’s Italian Restaurant and Massey’s Pizza in 1949, played a significant role in popularizing this style across the city.
According to Kevin King, the CEO of Donatos Pizza in Columbus, one defining aspect of this pizza is the absence of “dough rings.” He mentions, “We ensure the sauce, cheese, and toppings cover the entire surface of the pizza.” In fact, Donatos is known for generously placing around 100 pieces of pepperoni on their large pizzas.
Established in 1963, Donatos has been crucial in promoting Columbus-style pizza, contributing significantly to its fame within the community. They utilize smoked provolone from Wisconsin, which imparts a sharper flavor that distinguishes it from other regional styles.
King points out that the uniqueness of Columbus-style pizza not only enhances its appeal among food enthusiasts but has also led Columbus to be recognized as “one of the best pizza destinations” nationally. A recent survey even ranked Columbus as the fourth most pizza-obsessed city globally, surpassing even Chicago and Rome. Media outlets like USA Today and Eater have recognized Columbus as a top pizza city.
“Donatos Pizza aims to spread its reputation nationwide by delivering quality pizza consistently across our locations in 28 states,” King added. He believes that a commitment to traditional methods and consistency in preparation contributes to the enduring popularity of pizza.
As he explains, “Our founder, Jim Groat, was an innovator who sought to create pizza equipment that would ensure customers enjoy a uniform pizza experience each time.” For instance, they have created machines designed to deliver just the right amount of sauce and pepperoni slices.
Moreover, Columbus-style pizza caters to diverse tastes, with its array of unique toppings and sauces. King notes, “Donatos recently introduced a line of white sauce pizzas featuring creamy parm sauce, and the trend of drizzling hot honey on pizzas has also made its way into Columbus-style offerings.”
