Ohio pizza lovers rejoice! One of our favorites has finally made it to Naples here in Florida. Donatos Pizza just opened their brand new location at 6434 Naples Blvd #408. For lovers of those square cut pizzas with thin crust and edge to edge toppings, the wait is finally over.
Donatos Pizza first opened in Columbus, Ohio back in 1963 and even though they have presence in 29 states, they will always be known as "Ohio Pizza." They're a huge favorite on the Ohio State campus in Columbus, and they are the official pizza provider for the Cincinnati Bengals in Paycor Stadium. Despite their growth outside of Ohio the company remains dedicated to fulfilling the promise: "To serve the best pizza and make your day a little better."
Many of the Donatos executives were on hand as they launched the grand opening of the Naples store with a bit of a sneak preview for select invited guests. Most notably, Donatos founder Jim Grote, who opened the first store back in 1963 when he was still a Sophomore at Ohio State, was on hand to speak at the opening.
What makes Donatos Pizza special?
If you've ever heard the term "Columbus Pizza", this is it. The Edge to Edge® pizza. 100 slices of pepperoni on the large. Premium provolone cheese. Fresh, hand cut veggies. And of course, for all of us in Southwest Florida that are from Ohio - the taste of home. When asked about Donatos, I usually describe how the pepperoni sits on top of the pizza and they curl into little bowls as they come from the oven.
I'm very familiar with Donatos Pizza from my time in Ohio, so if you're new to this, I'll make my recommendation. The Founder's Favorite. "Family recipe pepperoni and sausage, shaved ham, banana peppers, smoked Provolone, Romano." If you want a little spice, try the Hot Honey Pepperoni. "Family recipe pepperoni, smoked Provolone, fresh mozzarella, crushed red pepper and Mike's Hot Honey." It's truly a unique taste.
If you're looking for a sandwich, the Big Don Sub is the way to go. "Oven baked with shaved ham, sliced salami, smoked Provolone, banana peppers, freshly cut Roma tomatoes, lettuce, house Italian dressing." The full menu is on their website.
Do they deliver?
I spoke to Jason Hood, operating partner. The Naples store will deliver via Door Dash, or their own drivers. With the store located near Pine Ridge and Airport Pulling, the delivery range for their drivers is "North to Immokalee Road, East to 75, South to Golden Gate, and west - pretty much to the coast. "
It's cropped out of the picture (sorry), but a large "SWFL" is featured along the back wall.
Naples, Florida has numerous New York Style Pizza joints, Chicago deep dish, and Detroit style. But until now, your choices for the best pizza on earth (Ohio style) were pretty limited. Finally, Donatos Pizza is now in Naples.
