Long Island pizza maker reaches one million pizzas sold after 20 years and gifts a year’s supply to a fortunate customer

Long Island Pizza Maker Celebrates Selling 1 Million Pies

A Long Island pizza shop is marking a significant milestone. The owner, Johnny Dawson, has been keeping track of every pizza sold since opening in early 2005. Recently, they celebrated the sale of one million pies by giving away a year’s supply of pizza to lucky customers.

Dawson fondly recalls the beginning: “We sold 56 pizzas on our first day, and we thought it would be nice to jot it down for nostalgia. As time passed, we kept recording our sales.” A few weeks ago, when he noticed they were nearing the million mark, he decided to make it a fun event.

This sparked the idea for a contest announced via social media. Whoever purchased the millionth pie—or even just a slice—would be rewarded with free pizza every week until November 2026.

“I thought, if it’s delivery, I might just hop in the car with a couple of team members,” Dawson said. This former insurance salesman swapped office life for the pizza business nearly two decades ago. He even convinced his father to take out a loan to start the shop.

The contest brought in a wave of new customers. Interestingly, the winner turned out to be a loyal patron: 41-year-old Keisha Bailey, who described nostalgic moments of enjoying Dawson’s pizza while moving into her new apartment years ago.

Bailey’s Pizza Victory

Bailey expressed relief at having this prize, stating, “Knowing I don’t have to prepare dinner one day a week is truly a gift.” Many customers reached out to congratulate her following the announcement.

The lucky winner had visited the pizzeria that Saturday for a quick lunch. She had even mentioned needing pizzas later for her son, Raziare, and his football teammates. After a game, she returned with her younger children only to be met with a surprise celebration.

As she stepped inside, Dawson and his staff were ready with balloons and streamers, creating a delightful moment captured on video. “I honestly didn’t see it coming at all,” she remarked. With her older son playing college football elsewhere, she chuckled at her younger kids’ enthusiasm: “They were thrilled—pizza every day!”

Bailey’s family, already a fixture in the local community, is prepared to share this pizza prize with Raziare’s friends and teammates, ensuring none go hungry at game day gatherings.