Ohio Pie: The Creation of Ohio-Style Pizza
By Olivia LaScola, BEAT reporter
BRUNSWICK, OH- In Brunswick, Ohio, Ohio Pie has become a staple in the local community since opening on February 9, 2019. Founded by Nick Robson, Ohio Pie introduced the Original Ohio Style Pizza to the community.
Located at 1315 Pearl Road, Ohio Pie has quickly become a local favorite, and soon expanded to Rocky River and Parma. With high-quality ingredients and a pizza recipe that took a year to perfect, Ohio Pie has distinguished itself from other nearby pizza restaurants, building a strong following in the local community.
Before opening Ohio Pie, Robson spent many years touring with bands, as well as running a fitness apparel company. Since childhood, he dreamed of opening a pizzeria, and making and selling pizza with his friends. For a large portion of his life, he worked in pizza shops and traveled the country, eating pizza from various pizzerias across the country. This experience helped him to develop his dream pizza, and to open Ohio Pie.
Growing up in Medina, the suburbs are important to Robson, so he always ensures that Ohio Pie stays involved with the community. One way he does this is by supporting those who need it most. Robson says, “[On] Christmas Day we give out pizzas for free with my family and friends to anyone who needs a good meal or some human interaction.”
The attention to detail in food quality, decor, service, and processes all set Ohio Pie apart from other pizza shops. The Brunswick Ohio Pie location is special to Robson. “It’s the original store and the perfect current day version of the classic pizzerias I love,” he said.
The Ohio Pie menu is created to be simple and easy to understand, to avoid overwhelming anyone with too many choices. Ohio Pie sells brunch pizzas, create-your-own pizzas, specialty pizzas, cookies, salads, and party bread (cheesy garlic bread). Their menu also provides options for those with dietary restrictions. “We have a wide menu of vegan and vegetarian options which also help with dairy allergies. We always make sure we’re aware of any potential allergens and have processes to avoid any potential cross contamination or issues,” stated Robson.
Perfected by Katie Warner, the cookies at Ohio Pie are unique, Ohio Style Cookies, with a chewy center. Warner is a self-taught baker, who has always loved cookies, and has perfected them. Each day, the cookies are baked in-house, in small batches. There are a variety of flavors available in vegan and traditional recipes, and the flavors change each day.
While there is a large variety of cookies available each day, some popular flavors include: Reese’s, Birthday Cake, Animal Cracker, Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Cookie Monster, M&M, and Lucky Charms. Robson’s favorite pizza is Classic Pepperoni, and his favorite cookie is Oatmeal Raisin.
To learn more about Ohio Pie, visit ohiopieco.com, or visit their social media page on Facebook or Instagram, @ohiopieco.
Olivia LaScola, Brunswick High School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifting, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: Ohio style cookies sold only at Ohio Pie; Brunch Pizza; Inside the Brunswick Ohio Pie; Nick holding up a slice of Ohio-style pepperoni pizza; Robson outside of the Brunswick Ohio Pie.