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handmade since 1977

 
 
 
 
 

What makes Crozet Pizza so unique?

  • When our family started the gourmet pizza movement back in ‘77, that innovation set us apart from the crowds. Having perfected our recipe over so many years sets us apart now.

  • Our 3-day, from-scratch dough-making process is the key component to our pizza. Every morning we begin at 4 am and work until 10 am to make enough dough for all the pizza that we sling!

  • Every component of our food is tasty and it shows. We aim for organic and always choose high-quality over inexpensive. In addition, we use local as much as possible, from Seven Hills beef to Schuyler Greens to a neighbor farmer who exchanges his basil for pizza!

  • Our secret sauce made with a unique blend of spices and herbs is just another layer of goodness that the Crum family created back in 1977. Although time-consuming, this special tomato sauce is worth it for the deliciousness it brings to every pie.

  • Although we started out with just pizza, now our menu fully reflects our region’s bounty and has something for everyone. We have big salads made with specialty / local produce; delicious burgers; and a stack of unique sandwiches.

  • Crozet Pizza has a prep team that’s been in place for many years, and the continuity of  our team makes the magic work day in and day out.

    (Psst, want to join that team?)

  • Freshly prepared means ultra-delicious. Proteins are cooked daily and never packaged; and vegetables are hand-cut daily on-premise. Once you try our fresh ingredients, you’ll never settle again.

  • Owners Mike & Colleen are actively involved in every element of the business, working with the team and filling in any gaps needed. They take pride in every pie brought out of the kitchen, every table wiped down, and every guest who walks through the door.

 

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Media Quotations

“Best in USA”

— Fodor’s Travel Guide

“Best in State”

— Fodor’s Travel Guide

“A Destination Restaurant”

— Washington Post

“One Of The 50 Best Pies In The Country”

— Food Network Magazine

“Best in the World”

— National Geographic

 
 
 

ORIGINAL RECIPE

Key Ingredients: Owners Colleen & Mike Alexander (pictured left)
Original Ingredients: Bob and Karen Crum (pictured right)

 
 
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In 1970, Bob & Karen Crum converted a school bus and traveled all over the country for over a year with their kids in tow: oldest daughters Kelly and Kim, middle child Colleen, and youngest son Robert.



Colleen says, “This incredible experience of meeting all kinds of people was the foundation of my admiration and respect for the similarities and differences in individuals that make up our great nation.”

Eventually, the family settled in Crozet and, in 1977,

Bob & Karen opened Crozet Pizza.

As was their way, absolutely everything in the restaurant was handmade.

 
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When Crozet Pizza opened, it had a mere five tables — all hand built by Bob Crum himself.


Before opening, Karen Crum perfected the same Crozet Pizza dough recipe that is still made daily. Bob even handmade every pizza that was served for 31 years, one by one.

As its popularity grew, people began to call in days ahead to order one of Crozet Pizza’s delicious pies.

All of the kids in the family worked in the restaurant, learning the family business, until they each went off to college.

All the while, Crozet Pizza’s popularity kept growing.

 
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In 2002, Colleen and her husband Mike Alexander decided to continue the family legacy, and changed careers to take over from her parents.



Since then, they expanded the space, expanded the menu, and grew Crozet Pizza to become the live music and events space it is known as today, as well as a community staple in the heart of Crozet.



And wouldn’t you know - their three daughters also grew up working in the restaurant!



In 2014, Mike & Colleen opened Crozet Pizza at Buddhist Biker Bar in Charlottesville’s bustling Corner neighborhood, and ultimately sold it to longtime employee Jordan Brunk.

And while you no longer have to order days in advance, Bob and Karen’s kids still serve the same great pies that Crozet Pizza has been known for since 1977.