Our Story

More Than Pizza

Four decades of passion, community, and handcrafted pies made with love in Edwardsville, Illinois.

40+ Years Serving
500K+ Pizzas Served
12 Signature Recipes
4.9 Average Rating
10K+ Happy Customers

Born in Edwardsville,
Built on Dough

It all started in 1985 when Dewey Hargrove opened a tiny 12-seat pizzeria on Vandalia Street with one wood-fired oven, a handful of local farmers as suppliers, and an obsession with getting the crust exactly right. His philosophy was simple: use the best ingredients, never rush the dough, and treat every customer like family.

What began as a neighborhood spot quickly became the heart of Edwardsville's food scene. Families, college students, and regulars from across Madison County made Dewey's their tradition. Today, led by his daughter Claire Hargrove, the same recipes and values that defined day one continue to guide every pie that comes out of our kitchen.

We still source our tomatoes from local Illinois farms, hand-stretch every crust, and bake in stone ovens that have been part of this building for over 35 years. Some things are worth keeping exactly as they are.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

Partnering with Illinois farms for fresh produce, dairy, and meats year-round.

Stone-Fired Ovens

The same 800°F stone ovens Dewey installed in 1985 still bake every pizza today.

Community First

From school fundraisers to local events, Edwardsville is our home and our priority.

Interior of Dewey's Pizza restaurant with warm lighting and cozy atmosphere
1985 Est. Edwardsville, IL

Our Values

The principles that guide every pizza we make and every customer we serve.

Uncompromising Quality

Every ingredient is hand-selected. Every crust is made fresh daily. We never cut corners because our customers deserve the very best.

Community at Heart

We are proud to be a cornerstone of Edwardsville. From sponsoring local sports to supporting food banks, community is everything to us.

Sustainable Sourcing

We work exclusively with local Illinois suppliers who share our commitment to sustainable agriculture and ethical food production.

Bold Innovation

While honoring our roots, we continuously explore new flavors, seasonal specials, and creative combinations that surprise and delight.

Our History

Four decades of dough, community, and bold flavors — here's how we got here.

1985

The First Oven Fires Up

Dewey Hargrove opens the original 12-seat pizzeria at 112 E Vandalia Street with two employees, one stone oven, and a dream of making Edwardsville's finest pizza. The first weekend sells out completely.

1992

Expansion & Recognition

After seven straight years of sold-out nights, Dewey's expands to a 60-seat dining room and adds a second stone oven. The Edwardsville Intelligencer names us "Best Local Restaurant" for the first of many times.

2001

A Second Generation Joins

Claire Hargrove, Dewey's daughter and a culinary school graduate, joins the kitchen team, bringing fresh techniques and a passion for seasonal menus while honoring her father's original recipes.

2010

Farm-to-Table Commitment

We formalize partnerships with seven local Illinois farms, guaranteeing 100% locally sourced produce and meats. Our new seasonal menu rotates every three months to reflect what's freshest from our partners.

2018

Claire Takes the Helm

Dewey passes ownership to Claire, who steers the restaurant into a new era — launching online ordering, expanding catering services, and introducing the fan-favorite Signature Series pies that quickly become bestsellers.

2024

Still Going Strong

Nearly 40 years on, Dewey's Pizza serves over 500 guests a week and ships specialty ingredients across Illinois. We're as committed to bold, honest pizza today as we were on day one — and we're just getting started.

Meet the Team

The passionate people behind every handcrafted pie at Dewey's Pizza.

Claire Hargrove

Owner & Head Chef

Daughter of founder Dewey, culinary school-trained, and guardian of the original stone-fired recipes. Claire has led the kitchen for over 20 years.

Marco DeLuca

Sous Chef

With roots in Naples and a decade at Dewey's, Marco brings authentic Neapolitan technique to our dough-making and sauce preparation every single day.

Priya Sharma

Dessert & Pastry Chef

Priya crafts our beloved dessert menu including the famous Nutella calzone and seasonal cannoli. A self-taught baker who joined the team in 2016.

Jake Torres

Front of House Manager

Jake ensures every guest at Dewey's feels at home. With 8 years in hospitality management, he leads our service team with warmth and precision.

Love great food and great people? We're always looking for passionate individuals to join our team.

Join Our Team Order Now

Taste the Difference

Four decades of craft, community, and killer pizza. Come visit us at 112 E Vandalia Street or place your order online today.

Find Us

112 E Vandalia St,
Edwardsville, IL 62025

Call Us

+1 618-656-2200

Hours

Mon–Thu 11am–10pm
Fri–Sun 11am–11pm

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