Dewey Loewen
Founder & Executive Chef
The man behind the legend. Dewey has been perfecting his craft for over 35 years, turning his grandmother's recipe into Northeast Ohio's most beloved pizza.
35+
Years of Craft
Who We Are
Born in a Kitchen,
Born in a Kitchen,
Built on Passion
It all started in 1990 when Dewey Loewen opened a small pizza shop on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio. Armed with a handwritten family recipe, a secondhand stone oven, and an unwavering belief that great pizza comes from great ingredients, Dewey set out to do one thing: make the best pizza in Northeast Ohio.
What began as a one-man operation with just five items on the menu quickly became the neighborhood's favorite gathering spot. Word spread fast. Lines formed out the door. The community had found its pizzeria.
"I never set out to build a brand. I just wanted to make a pizza that reminded people of something real — something homemade." — Dewey Loewen, Founder
Today, Dewey's Pizza serves thousands of guests each month, still using that original dough recipe, still stone-baking every pie, and still believing that every pizza should be made with care. We've grown — but we've never forgotten where we came from.
1990
Year Founded
35+
Years of Service
50K+
Pizzas Served
4.9
Average Rating
What We Stand For
Our Mission & Core Values
Everything we do is guided by a simple idea: pizza made the right way, for the right reasons, shared with the right people.
Fresh Ingredients
We source local produce, premium cheeses, and hand-selected toppings. No shortcuts, no compromise — freshness is non-negotiable.
Made With Love
Every dough ball is hand-stretched. Every pizza is crafted individually. We put genuine care into each and every order we make.
Community First
Lakewood is our home. We support local charities, partner with nearby farms, and show up for the neighborhood that showed up for us.
Sustainability
We're committed to eco-friendly packaging, reducing food waste, and making responsible choices that protect our environment for future generations.
Our Journey
A History Baked in Tradition
Over three decades of growth, flavor, and community — here are the milestones that shaped Dewey's Pizza.
1990
The First Slice
Dewey Loewen opens the original Dewey's Pizza at 18516 Detroit Ave, Lakewood. The menu features five pizzas, a few salads, and a whole lot of heart. Opening day sells out within two hours.
1995
Award-Winning Dough
Dewey's wins its first "Best Pizza in Lakewood" award from the Cleveland Scene. The signature hand-stretched dough recipe becomes the talk of Northeast Ohio's food community.
2002
Stone Oven Upgrade
We invest in a state-of-the-art Italian stone oven imported directly from Naples, Italy. The upgrade transforms our crust into the perfectly charred, chewy masterpiece our regulars know and love today.
2008
Catering & Events Launch
After hundreds of customer requests, Dewey's officially launches its catering service. Within the first year, we cater over 200 events — from backyard parties to corporate luncheons across greater Cleveland.
2015
Community Garden Partnership
Dewey's partners with three local Lakewood community gardens to source fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables. Our farm-to-table commitment earns us a sustainability award from the City of Lakewood.
2020
30 Years & Going Strong
Celebrating three decades of pizza perfection, Dewey's launches online ordering and a revamped menu featuring new specialty pizzas. Despite the challenges of the year, we keep our community fed and our spirits high.
Today
Still Handcrafted, Always Loved
Dewey's Pizza continues to be Lakewood's go-to pizzeria, serving thousands of guests each month with the same original recipes, the same family values, and the same passion for incredible pizza that started it all in 1990.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
From the kitchen to the counter, our passionate team is the secret ingredient that makes Dewey's special every single day.
Maria Santos
Head Pizzaiola
Trained in Naples and passionate about authenticity, Maria ensures every pie that leaves our oven meets the impossibly high standards she sets for herself daily.
James Kowalski
General Manager
A Lakewood native who started washing dishes here at 16, James now runs day-to-day operations with an energy and dedication that inspires everyone around him.
Priya Nair
Catering & Events
With a background in hospitality and an obsession with logistics, Priya turns every catered event into a seamless, delicious experience that guests talk about long after.
Interested in joining our team? We're always looking for passionate people.
View Open PositionsReady to Taste the Story?
Every slice carries 35 years of craft, care, and community. Come experience what makes Dewey's pizza unforgettable.