Our Story

Crafting Perfect Pizza
Since 1999

From a small family kitchen to Fairlawn's most-loved pizzeria — every slice tells our story of passion, tradition, and community.

Inside Dewey's Pizza restaurant with warm lighting and welcoming atmosphere

25+

Years of Excellence

Our Story

Where Every Pizza Begins with Heart

Dewey's Pizza was born in 1999 from a simple belief: that great pizza starts with great ingredients, honest craftsmanship, and a deep love for the community you serve.

Founder Dewey Hartman grew up watching his grandmother knead dough every Sunday morning in their Akron home. That ritual — the smell of yeast, the warmth of the oven, the family gathering around the table — became the blueprint for everything Dewey's Pizza stands for today.

What started as a 12-seat corner spot on West Market Street has grown into a Fairlawn institution, beloved by generations of families, students, and neighbors. Our recipes remain unchanged. Our commitment to freshness has never wavered. And every pizza that leaves our kitchen carries that same Sunday-morning spirit Dewey fell in love with as a kid.

Fresh dough made daily

Locally sourced ingredients

Family recipes since 1999

No preservatives, ever

Community-focused values

Stone-fired perfection

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25+

Years in Business

50K+

Pizzas Served

30+

Menu Items

4.9★

Average Rating

What Drives Us

Our Mission & Promise

We don't just make pizza — we create moments worth sharing. Our mission is to bring joy, warmth, and genuine flavor to every table we touch.

Made with Passion

Every pizza is a labor of love. From hand-stretching our dough to selecting the finest toppings, passion is our most important ingredient — and you can taste it in every bite.

Fresh & Honest

We partner with local farms and suppliers to source the freshest ingredients possible. No shortcuts, no compromises — just real food made the way it was meant to be made.

Community First

Fairlawn is our home, and our neighbors are our family. We support local events, sponsor youth sports teams, and give back to the community that has given us so much over the years.

Core Values

The Principles Behind Every Slice

These aren't just words on a wall — they're the standards we hold ourselves to every single day, in every single kitchen decision we make.

Uncompromising Quality

We never cut corners. From the flour in our dough to the cheese on top, we use only the best ingredients because our customers deserve nothing less.

Integrity in Everything

We're honest about our ingredients, transparent about our sourcing, and straightforward with our customers. Trust is the foundation of every relationship we build.

Constant Innovation

While we honor our traditions, we never stop exploring new flavors, techniques, and ideas. Our seasonal specials keep things exciting without abandoning what makes us us.

Environmental Responsibility

We're committed to sustainable practices — from eco-friendly packaging to reducing food waste — because we care about the world we're leaving for future generations.

Pizza chef carefully preparing fresh pizza with quality ingredients

"We don't make pizza for profit — we make it because we love it, and that love comes through in every bite."

— Dewey Hartman, Founder

Our Journey

25 Years of Delicious History

From a humble beginning to a Fairlawn landmark — here's how Dewey's Pizza grew, one pizza at a time.

1999

The Beginning

Dewey Hartman opens a tiny 12-seat pizzeria on West Market Street in Fairlawn, Ohio. Armed with his grandmother's recipes and a second-hand stone oven, he serves his first pizza to a neighborhood that would fall in love with it.

2003

First Expansion

Overwhelmed by demand, Dewey's doubles its seating capacity and adds a dedicated delivery service. The staff grows from 3 to 12 team members, and the kitchen gets its first commercial pizza oven.

2008

Award-Winning Recognition

Dewey's Pizza wins "Best Pizza in Summit County" for the first time — an honor it would go on to claim six more times. The Signature Margherita and the BBQ Chicken Crunch both debut as instant classics.

2013

Catering & Events Launch

Responding to community demand, Dewey's launches a full catering division. Within the first year, the team caters over 200 events — from birthday parties to corporate lunches — bringing fresh pizza to every occasion.

2018

Full Renovation & Online Ordering

The restaurant undergoes a complete renovation, transforming into the warm, modern space customers know and love today. Online ordering and a revamped delivery program launch, making Dewey's more accessible than ever.

2024

25th Anniversary & Beyond

Dewey's celebrates 25 years of serving Fairlawn with a year-long anniversary menu and community events. With a 4.9-star rating and over 50,000 pizzas served, the journey is only getting started.

The People

Meet the Team Behind the Magic

Our team is our greatest ingredient. Every member brings skill, heart, and a genuine love of great food to everything they do.

Dewey Hartman

Founder & Head Chef

The man behind the legend. Dewey's passion for pizza started in his grandmother's kitchen and has never stopped burning. He personally trains every new chef on the team.

Maria Colletti

Sous Chef & Menu Director

A culinary school graduate with a decade at Dewey's, Maria is the creative force behind our seasonal specials and the keeper of our most cherished sauce recipes.

James Ortega

Operations Manager

James keeps everything running smoothly — from supplier relationships to delivery schedules. His commitment to consistency ensures every order meets Dewey's high standards.

Sophie Nguyen

Customer Experience Lead

Sophie is the warm face you see when you walk in — and the voice on the phone ensuring your order is perfect. She's been part of the Dewey's family for seven years.

Interested in joining our team?

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Ready to Taste the Difference?

Handcrafted Pizza Delivered to Your Door

Experience 25 years of pizza perfection. Order now and taste why Fairlawn has been coming back to Dewey's since 1999.

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Crafting Perfect PizzaSince 1999