Dewey Johnson
Founder & Head Chef
The visionary behind it all. Dewey's grandmother's recipe and his relentless dedication to craft are the soul of every pizza we make.
Our Story
About Dewey's pizza
Welcome to Dewey's pizza — where dewey's pizza meets passion, craft, and community. From our humble beginnings in Cincinnati to becoming a beloved dining destination, every pie we make tells a story of dedication and flavor. Deweys pizza is more than a meal — it's a tradition.
25+
Years of Craft
50K+
Pizzas Served
4.9★
Average Rating
12+
Team Members
Our Story
How Deweys Pizza Began
It all started in 1999 when founder Dewey Johnson decided to bring his grandmother's secret pizza recipe to the streets of Cincinnati. Armed with a passion for great ingredients and an unwavering belief that deweys pizza should taste like home, he opened the first location on Madison Road with nothing more than a wood-fired oven and a dream.
What began as a small neighborhood joint quickly grew into one of Cincinnati's most beloved food destinations. Word spread fast — people weren't just coming for the pizza, they were coming for the experience. The warm atmosphere, the familiar faces, and the smell of fresh-baked dough that greeted every guest at the door.
"We don't just make pizza — we make memories. Every pie that leaves our kitchen carries the same love and care that went into the very first one Dewey made back in '99."
Today, Dewey's pizza continues that legacy. We source locally when possible, hand-stretch every crust, and refuse to cut corners on quality. That's the dewey's promise — and it's one we've kept for over two decades.
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Our Values
What Dewey's Stands For
At the heart of every dewey's pizza creation are the principles that have guided us since day one. These values aren't just words — they shape every decision we make.
Fresh Ingredients
We source the finest local and seasonal produce, hand-select our cheeses, and use only real tomatoes in our sauce. No shortcuts, ever.
Made with Passion
Every pie is crafted by hands that genuinely love what they do. Our team's dedication to the art of pizza-making shines through in every bite.
Community First
We're proud to be a Cincinnati institution. We support local suppliers, sponsor neighborhood events, and give back to the community that made us.
Uncompromising Quality
From the flour in our dough to the herbs on top, quality is non-negotiable. We hold ourselves to a higher standard because our customers deserve the best.
Our Journey
The Dewey Timeline
Two and a half decades of growth, milestones, and unforgettable pizza. Here's how dewey's story unfolded.
1999
The First Oven
Dewey Johnson opens the original Madison Road location with a single wood-fired oven, six tables, and a menu of four classic pies. Lines form within the first week.
2003
Growing the Menu
After popular demand, the menu expands to include specialty pies, calzones, and fresh salads. The Spicy Dewey becomes an instant crowd favorite.
2008
Best Pizza in Cincinnati
Cincinnati Magazine names Dewey's pizza the city's best pizza three years running. Catering services launch, bringing deweys pizza to offices and events citywide.
2015
Delivery Expansion
Online ordering and home delivery launch. Customers across Greater Cincinnati can now enjoy dewey's pizza delivered fresh to their doorstep within 45 minutes.
2020
Community Resilience
During challenging times, Dewey's pivots to contactless delivery and donates thousands of pizzas to frontline workers across the Cincinnati area.
Today
Still Crafting with Care
Over 25 years on, the original wood-fired spirit lives on. With a loyal team, beloved recipes, and thousands of happy customers, the dewey's story keeps growing.
Meet the Team
The People Behind Dewey's
Our passionate team is what makes every dewey's pizza experience special. Meet the faces behind the flavors.
Maria Gonzalez
Executive Sous Chef
With 15 years in professional kitchens, Maria brings innovative flavor pairings and meticulous technique that elevate every pie on our menu.
James Nakamura
Dough Master
James has perfected the 72-hour cold-ferment dough process that gives dewey's pizza its legendary chewy, crispy crust that customers crave.
Sandra Pierce
Operations Manager
The engine that keeps deweys running smoothly. Sandra ensures every order is fulfilled on time, every guest is welcomed, and every standard is met.