Our Story

Crafted with Passion,
Served with Love

From a small family kitchen to the heart of Edwardsville — discover the people, values, and moments that make Dewey's Pizza more than just a meal.

20+ Years of
Flavor
Dewey's Pizza interior kitchen with fresh pizza being prepared
Fresh handcrafted pizza at Dewey's restaurant

A Pizza Place Born from
Family Tradition

Dewey's Pizza started in 2005 when Dewey Callahan — a home cook with a passion for authentic Italian flavors — decided the Edwardsville community deserved something truly special.

What began as a weekend pop-up at local farmers markets quickly became the most talked-about pizza in town. Word spread fast. By 2007, Dewey had opened the doors to our first brick-and-mortar location on Vandalia Street, and the rest, as they say, is delicious history.

Today, Dewey's Pizza is a cornerstone of the Edwardsville community. We still use the same hand-rolled dough recipe, the same wood-fired techniques, and the same commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients that Dewey put into every pie two decades ago. What's changed? Our family has grown — both in the kitchen and around our tables.

2005
Founded
50K+
Happy Customers
40+
Menu Items
4.8
Avg. Rating

Mission, Vision & Promise

Everything we do starts with a simple belief: great pizza made with honest ingredients can bring people together and brighten any day.

Our Mission

To craft exceptional, handmade pizza using the freshest local ingredients — creating a welcoming space where every guest feels like family and every bite tells a story of quality and care.

Our Vision

To be the most beloved community pizza destination in the Metro East — a place where neighbors gather, memories are made, and the aroma of fresh-baked dough always means home.

Our Promise

Every pizza that leaves our kitchen is made with the same love and precision as the very first one. We promise freshness, consistency, and a dining experience that always exceeds expectations.

The Values Behind Every Slice

Our values aren't framed on a wall — they're baked into every dough we hand-roll and every customer we welcome through our doors.

Fresh, Local Ingredients

We partner with regional farmers and suppliers to source the freshest produce, meats, and dairy — because great pizza starts with great ingredients.

Community First

Edwardsville is our home, and we're proud to support local events, schools, and organizations. When the community thrives, we thrive together.

Uncompromising Quality

From scratch dough to house-made sauces — shortcuts are never on our menu. We do things right, even when it takes longer.

People Over Profit

Our team members are our family. We invest in fair wages, a positive environment, and opportunities to grow — because happy staff makes happy guests.

Sustainability Matters

We're committed to reducing waste, choosing eco-friendly packaging, and making thoughtful choices that respect our planet for future generations.

Joy in Every Bite

We believe food should make you smile. From the first smell of our oven to the last slice on the plate — we craft experiences worth savoring.

Dewey's Pizza dining area with warm ambiance and welcoming atmosphere

Community Favorite

Rated Edwardsville's #1 pizza destination for 5 consecutive years by local food guides.

Two Decades of Dough,
Sauce & Community

From humble beginnings to a thriving local landmark — here are the milestones that shaped who we are today.

2005 — The Beginning

Dewey's First Pizza Pop-Up

Dewey Callahan starts selling his hand-tossed pizzas every Saturday at the Edwardsville Farmers Market. Lines wrap around the block by week three, and the community takes notice.

2007 — Grand Opening

112 E Vandalia Street Opens Its Doors

After two years of sold-out pop-ups, Dewey signs the lease on Vandalia Street. The original 8-table restaurant seats 40 guests and sells out every night for its first month.

2010 — Wood-Fired Revolution

Installing Our Signature Wood-Fired Oven

We invest in an imported Neapolitan wood-fired oven, transforming our crust. The result? A charred, airy, flavor-packed base that becomes our hallmark and earns regional media attention.

2014 — Room for More

Major Renovation & Expansion

Growing demand leads to a full dining room expansion, doubling seating to 90 guests. We add a dedicated catering prep kitchen and launch our first seasonal menu.

2018 — Award-Winning

Best Pizza in Metro East — 3 Years Running

The Belleville News-Democrat and St. Louis Magazine both name Dewey's Pizza the best independent pizzeria in the Metro East region, cementing our reputation beyond Edwardsville.

2025 — Next Chapter

Online Ordering & Full Catering Launch

We launch our full online ordering platform and a dedicated catering division — bringing Dewey's classic flavors to weddings, corporate events, and celebrations across the region.

Dewey's Pizza restaurant exterior and storefront on Vandalia Street
Visit Us
112 E Vandalia St,
Edwardsville, IL 62025

Meet Our Team

Every great pizza starts with passionate people. We're proud of the talented, dedicated team that makes Dewey's what it is every single day.

Dewey Callahan, Founder and Head Pizzaiolo at Dewey's Pizza

Dewey Callahan

Founder & Head Pizzaiolo

The man behind the legend. Dewey spent years refining his dough recipe before sharing it with Edwardsville. Two decades later, he still hand-rolls the first pizza every morning shift.

Maria Reyes, Executive Chef at Dewey's Pizza

Maria Reyes

Executive Chef

With a culinary degree from St. Louis and 12 years of kitchen experience, Maria brings creativity and structure to our menu. She developed our signature sauces and seasonal specialty pies.

James Thornton, Operations Manager at Dewey's Pizza

James Thornton

Operations Manager

James keeps the engine running. From inventory to staff scheduling, he ensures every shift runs smoothly so our chefs can focus on what they do best — making incredible pizza.

Priya Nair, Catering Coordinator at Dewey's Pizza

Priya Nair

Catering Coordinator

Priya transforms special events into unforgettable pizza experiences. She personally manages every catering inquiry and ensures each event gets the same care as our in-house dining.

Interested in joining our family?

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Experience Dewey's Pizza Today

Every slice carries 20 years of craft, care, and community. Come taste what Edwardsville has been raving about — dine in, carry out, or get it delivered.