If you’re a huge fan of The Pizza Bandit in Dayton, Ohio, here’s some good news! The popular food truck announced their plans to build a brick-and-mortar kitchen to expand its menu and serve more pizzas to its customers.
The Pizza Bandit opened less than a year before the COVID-19 pandemic started, and had no choice but to adjust to the limitations. During the lockdown, they offered online ordering, delivery, and takeout services. All their effort and hard work have enabled them to grow their operations.
“At the beginning of the pandemic or right when it started, we actually were only serving on-site and we retooled our model to offer carryout and delivery, so it was really an opportunity for us to adapt and figure out new ways to take care of our customers,” said co-owner Brian Johnson. “So we kind of learned from that and grew out of that and we’re really excited for where we are going to have a brick and mortar.”
The business launched a Kickstarter campaign in April 2022 to help them build their dream full brick-and-mortar kitchen inside The Yellow Cab Tavern at 700 E. Fourth St. in Dayton. They successfully raised nearly $57,000. According to Johnson, they were fortunate to have such incredible customers, fans, family, and friends who supported them and brought them to where they are today.
“With the new kitchen, we’ll be able to offer a whole lot more food to people. We sell out consistently due to oven capacity, and we are excited to be adding stuff like calzones, and a bunch of new menu items as well,” Johnson said.
The owners didn’t confirm when the new kitchen will be up and running, but they are targeting to have it completed within the year. There are also no words yet if The Pizza Bandit will transition entirely to a brick-and-mortar restaurant once the kitchen is finished or if it will keep operating as a food truck.
