Ask anybody from the Kyova tri-state area about pizza, and they’ll surely associate it with Giovanni’s Pizza, the Italian place to be. Founded at least 50 years ago by Jim Lemaster (born in Catlettsburg, KY and raised in Wheelersburg, OH), Giovanni’s Pizza is such a household name that popular local meme pages such as Arnton, Ohio and Larry County have specialized in memes specifically dedicated to its greatness.
I have many fond memories from my childhood of Giovanni’s Pizza. It was always a popular choice for my family, and every time we frequented the establishment we would have a long-term server named Gigi. At one point in time, Giovanni’s was open late on New Years Eve, and we made it a tradition to get Giovanni’s Pizza in the moments leading up to New Years Day. Another fond memory of mine is the year I asked Santa Claus for a pizza, and he gifted me a hot Giovanni’s pizza on Christmas Day! Hands down the best Christmas gift I ever received.
From their website, they state that “Giovanni’s signature mix of spices and food products enables our restaurants to create a delicious variety of food that cannot be found anywhere else.” It’s true that Giovanni’s Pizza is one of a kind, and its success as a franchise has grown to include 97 stores in 6 states, with its headquarters being beside the location on 8th Street & Greenup Avenue in Ashland.
Pizza isn’t their only specialty though; their menu features calzones which are arguably better than the pizza, sandwiches which rival any sandwich shop, and wonderful Italian style salads. Being a franchise, its locations often differ in terms of menu options, and many locals will almost throw hands depending on which location you get your pizza from. I’ve eaten pizza from nearly every Giovanni’s in the area, and I’ve never noticed a difference between any of them; the quality is consistent across the board. Some folks disagree with that, and that’s okay.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, Giovanni’s Pizza is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary institution that has earned its place in the hearts (and stomachs) of the Kyova tri-state area. So the next time you’re craving pizza, calzones, sandwiches, or salads, head over to Giovanni’s, the Italian place to be. You won’t be disappointed.