Our story
At Papa's Pizzeria, we believe that food plays a significant role in bringing us together and allowing us to celebrate each other’s company. We cherish the time we spend together, and the experience is more than the food itself. Our favorite dish is the pizza we order and enjoy anytime. Still, we acknowledge the challenges in today’s food environment that have diminished the occasion we have come together to celebrate. With poor-quality food surrounding us, mass production has diminished the joy and importance we attach to the meals we share.
The problem today is that, in a world with many pizza options, the convenience of the moment can lead to less sustainable choices. We have encountered many instances of bland ingredients, whether in the sauce or the dough. We know everyone loves sharing a great meal with the people they love. However, when the food is not up to par, then it is not such a great experience. This is why we are passionate about providing only the highest quality in what we eat.
The mission at Papa's Pizzeria is to recreate the “Golden Age” of pizza and share moments of joy with people everywhere. We strive to improve your day with fresh ingredients, flavors, and quality, so you never have to settle. Whether you are in a hurry or need to feed your family, we put love and care into every order because you are more than just a pizza to us. We celebrate life through extraordinary, eco-friendly food.
Pizza remains a staple in today’s fast-paced environment, available in every place we visit, but unfortunately, most pizzas lack inspiration and uniqueness. In today’s fast-paced environment, fast food and unhealthy snacks have dominated the meals we eat to satisfy our hunger, especially frozen foods. Therefore, pizza remains an easily accessible meal for those with exceptionally busy schedules. It not only provides the food we need to quench our hunger but also renews our lives with quality ingredients that enhance the dining experience without the negative effects associated with fast food.
Our Founders
Izaya Fisk
Growing up in Reno, Izaya noticed a clear gap in the local pizza scene. He co-founded Papa’s Pizzeria to bring authentic Chicago style deep dish to Midtown. He leads the brand direction and long-term vision to make Papa’s a local favorite.
Amanda Hodgson
Born and raised in California, Amanda grew up loving pizza, but rarely found the kind of true, authentic, deep-dish experience the Midwest is famous for. After moving to Reno, she saw an opportunity: the Biggest Little City deserved a slice of Chicago.
That vision became Papas Pizzeria.
Built on rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and recipes inspired by classic Chicago tradition, Papas isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an experience. From the moment you walk through the doors, it feels like you’ve stepped into a neighborhood pizzeria in the heart of Chicago. Warm, welcoming, and family friendly, Papas Pizzeria brings bold, deep-dish comfort to Reno...one slice at a time.
Sergio Mendoza
Growing up in the Reno-Tahoe area, Sergio noticed the same recipe always being used for pizza restaurants in Reno and saw that there was a need for a fresh style that would stand out amongst the rest. He co-founded Papas Pizzeria to bring authentic Chicago style deep dish pizza to the city of Reno. He along with his other co-founders lead to make Papas stand out as one of the more authentic pizza places in town and a local favorite.
Jordan Zamora
Born in Reno, raised in Carson City. Jordan saw the unhealthy life habits of the average American household. The unsatisfying, non-emotional meals, family breaking dynamics. There is a need for a better alternative to a busy life style, a way of life not only rooted in consuming and enjoying food, but making a bonding experience memorable with each passing moment. With his team, he co-founded Papa's Pizza as a natural competitor to challenge the modern idea of fast dinning and faster disappointment. To go back to times when making connection was the center point of the conversation.
Harrison
Harrison grew up in a few different locations and noticed a lack of deep-dish pizza west of the Mississippi River. Wanting to challenge the perception that Chicago deep-dish had become more like a casserole, he helped co-found Papas Pizzeria in Midtown Reno.