CLEVELAND — Serving pizza for a great cause is the mission of Ohio City Pizzeria. The restaurant that has been an anchor in Ohio City for decades has recently undergone an extensive makeover after founder Brandon Chrostowski, also founder of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute, and the West Side Catholic Center acquired the building last spring.
The long staple of Ohio City now has an expanded menu and social purpose as an nonprofit LLC.
“We are truly excited to introduce a reimagined Ohio City restaurant that will not only feed the local community and support economic growth initiatives, but will also help the West Side Catholic Center serve people in need of food, clothing, shelter, advocacy and a path to self-sufficiency,” said John Litten, executive of the West Side Catholic Center. “Starting July 19, we plan to serve up an exceptional and fun experience, with an enhanced environment, engaging service and a robust but balanced menu.”
Some of the staff at Ohio City Pizzeria are clients from the West Side Catholic Center, who have struggled to find employment in the past.
“Retaining the tradition of the Ohio City Pizzeria while serving our community is of the utmost importance to us,” said Chrostowski in a news release. “The future of Cleveland dining depends on us embracing the perspective of those who we serve – every race, gender and creed, the rich and poor and everyone in between. Without this focus, we will not grow as a society and a culinary destination.”
The expanded menu is inspired by and enhanced from the restaurant's original recipes.
The menu includes 12 and 16- inch pizza pies such as "The Veggie" and "The Supreme," along with other favorites like antipasti, fried mozzarella, salads and entrees such as spicy mussels, osso bucco and linguini and clams. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be available.
Ohio City Pizzeria, 3223 Lorain Ave., will officially open for dine-in and delivery services on Friday, July 19. Lunch will be offered beginning July 29.
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