Sarah Lanning
Executive Chef & OwnerDewey's daughter and culinary school graduate who took the family legacy to new heights. Sarah's seasonal menus are celebrated across Cincinnati.
Our Story
Crafted with Passion,
Crafted with Passion,
Served with Love
From a small Cincinnati kitchen to a beloved community landmark — learn how Dewey's Pizza became the slice of life this city calls its own.
1986
Founded In
38+
Years of Service
500K+
Pizzas Served
4.9
Customer Rating
38
Years of
Pizza Love
Pizza Love
Our Beginning
A Slice of Cincinnati History
It all started in 1986 when Dewey Lanning, a passionate home cook with a dream and a grandmother's dough recipe, opened a tiny pizza shop on Madison Road in Cincinnati, Ohio.
With a secondhand oven, a single prep table, and a determination to create something truly special, Dewey crafted pizzas that were unlike anything Cincinnati had tasted before — hand-stretched crusts with just the right chew, house-made sauces layered with depth, and toppings sourced fresh from local farms.
Word spread fast. Neighbors became regulars. Regulars became family. By 1992, Dewey's had outgrown its original space, moving into the larger, warmer home it occupies today — the same address, the same heart, now with a full kitchen, a dining room full of laughter, and a menu that has evolved while never losing its soul.
Today, Dewey's Pizza is led by the next generation of the Lanning family, carrying forward every tradition that made this place special while embracing the flavors, ingredients, and community that keep Cincinnati coming back for more.
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Vision
Every pizza we make, every smile we serve — these are the principles that guide everything we do.
Made with Love
Every pizza is crafted by hand with the same care and intention that Dewey put into that very first pie back in 1986. No shortcuts, no compromises.
Fresh Ingredients
We partner with local Ohio farms and trusted suppliers to bring you the freshest, highest-quality ingredients in every bite — every single day.
Community First
Dewey's has always been more than a restaurant. We're a gathering place, a neighborhood anchor, and an active supporter of Cincinnati's spirit.
Consistent Quality
Whether you're ordering for the first time or your hundredth, every experience should be exceptional. That's our promise to you.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These aren't words on a wall. They're the principles our team lives by every day — in the kitchen, at the counter, and in the community.
Integrity in Every Slice
We're honest about our ingredients, transparent about our processes, and consistent in our standards. What you see is exactly what you get.
Sustainability Matters
From composting kitchen scraps to choosing eco-friendly packaging, we're committed to minimizing our environmental footprint in the Cincinnati community.
Hospitality is Our Language
Every guest is welcomed like family. Warm, genuine, and attentive service isn't a policy — it's simply who we are.
Always Innovating
We honor our roots while embracing new ideas — seasonal specials, creative combinations, and bold flavors that keep the menu exciting.
A Journey Through Time
Our History
From a single oven to a Cincinnati institution — here's how Dewey's Pizza grew into what it is today.
1986
The First Dough
Dewey Lanning opens a 400-square-foot pizza counter on Madison Road, Cincinnati. Armed with his grandmother's recipe and a used deck oven, the first 50 pizzas sell out in under two hours.
1991
Local Fame Grows
The Cincinnati Enquirer names Dewey's "Best Pizza in the Queen City." The recognition brings lines around the block and a two-month waitlist for holiday catering orders.
1994
A New Home
Dewey's expands into a full-service restaurant at the same Madison Road address, adding a dining room that seats 60, a dedicated prep kitchen, and a wood-fired pizza station.
2001
Farm-to-Table Commitment
Dewey's launches its local sourcing program, partnering with six Ohio farms to bring seasonal, fresh produce directly to the kitchen. The program now includes over 20 local suppliers.
2010
Second Generation Takes Over
Dewey's daughter, Sarah Lanning, takes the helm as Executive Chef, introducing a rotating seasonal menu, craft beer pairings, and a popular gluten-free crust option.
2018
Online Ordering Launches
Dewey's goes digital, making it easier than ever for Cincinnati to get their favorite pies delivered fresh and hot. Online orders account for 40% of all sales within the first year.
2024
Celebrating 38 Years
Dewey's Pizza marks its 38th anniversary with a limited-edition heritage menu featuring the original 1986 recipes and a citywide pizza giveaway honoring Cincinnati's loyal community.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Passionate, skilled, and dedicated — our team is the beating heart of everything that makes Dewey's Pizza so special.
Maria Gonzalez
Head Dough ArtisanWith 18 years at Dewey's, Maria is the keeper of the original dough recipe. Her hand-stretching technique produces the perfect crust every single time.
James Park
Sous ChefJames brings bold, global flavor inspiration to Dewey's specials menu. His fusion-inspired seasonal toppings keep regulars excited and new guests curious.
Priya Nair
Community & Events ManagerPriya is the connector who keeps Dewey's deeply rooted in Cincinnati. From local fundraisers to pizza-making workshops, she makes the magic happen.