Holy Pepperoni Apizza Joint Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting, Community Flavor, and a Slice of Something New
ASHLAND — Laughter, local pride, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh-baked pizza filled the air Friday afternoon as Holy Pepperoni Apizza Joint officially celebrated its ribbon cutting and grand opening at 1315 Cleveland Ave. What unfolded was far more than a ceremonial event—it was a true community gathering centered around a bold new take on pizza.
The celebration, hosted by the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomed an enthusiastic crowd that included Ashland Mayor Matt Miller; Ohio State Representative Melanie Miller; Ashland City Councilman Dan Lawson (At-Large); Chamber President Amy Daubenspeck; Caleb Shriver, East Central Ohio Regional Liaison to Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose; along with family, friends, and local supporters eager to see—and taste—what Holy Pepperoni had to offer.
Mayor Miller added humor and warmth to the event by personally carrying out and serving two large pizzas to guests, joking that even with stacks of paperwork waiting at City Hall, a new pizza place deserved immediate attention.
“There are meetings to go to and people to see,” Miller said with a grin, “but when I heard there was a new pizza place opening, I told my secretary—I better go.”
A Pizza Experience Unlike Anything Else in Ashland
Holy Pepperoni Apizza Joint officially opened in December and is already drawing attention for introducing New Haven–style apizza to Ashland—a style rarely found in the region.
General Manager Kobee Vandine explained what makes Holy Pepperoni stand apart.
“Everything we make here is homemade,” Vandine said. “We come in every morning and make a fresh batch of dough. We let it ferment for three days so it tastes better. It’s a sourdough—it’s crispier, easier on your stomach, and it processes better.”
Vandine emphasized that quality and care are at the heart of every pizza.
“We’re using fresh ingredients, sourcing locally when we can, and really caring about the product we put out,” he said. “You’re getting a thin, hand-stretched pizza with a little bit of char—and honestly, one of the best pizzas you’ve ever had.”
New Haven–style apizza is often compared to New York pizza but with notable differences.
“It’s similar, but with less cheese—Pecorino Romano instead of mozzarella—and we cook it a little longer,” Vandine explained. “When you pick it up, there’s no flop. It doesn’t fold. It stays put.”
A Vision Turned Reality
Holy Pepperoni’s story began with a simple idea and an opportunity.
“My stepdad always wanted either a pizza place or something small where he could put out food,” Vandine shared. “When Donna D’s Pizza old location came up for sale, he bought it and called me and said, ‘Hey, you want to start a pizza restaurant?’ A month later—here we are.”
That leap of faith has already paid off.
“Ashland’s been coming out in a big way,” Vandine said. “The reviews have been great, the support’s been amazing, and I couldn’t be happier.”
A Space Full of Character—and Flavor
Guests at the ribbon cutting were invited to tour the newly renovated dining room, which features an extensive, antique-inspired atmosphere. The walls are lined with images of famous historical figures—each seemingly poised to enjoy a slice of pizza themselves.
Chamber President Amy Daubenspeck praised the owners for choosing Ashland as the place to launch their dream.
“We are so happy to welcome you into our Chamber family,” she said. “Thank you for letting us be part of this journey and for realizing your dream right here in Ashland.”
Caleb Shriver also presented a welcome on behalf of the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office, offering congratulations and continued support to the new business.
A Slice of What’s to Come
As speeches wrapped up, freshly made pizzas—crafted by chef Gavin McClure, a longtime friend of Vandine —were passed around the room. The response was immediate: smiles, nods, and satisfied silence as guests took their first bites.
The celebration concluded with a group photo and ribbon cutting, complete with raised pizza slices and cheers, officially welcoming Holy Pepperoni Apizza Joint into the Ashland business community.
Holy Pepperoni Apizza Joint is now open at 1315 Cleveland Ave., Ashland, serving lunch and dinner throughout the week (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
Ashland has a new slice in town—and it’s already proving to be something special.
