Crozet Pizza Still Open After 42 Years

Karli Turner, staff writer

A man, grumpy and tapping his foot, waits in line at Crozet Pizza. Impatiently, he leans into his wife’s ear and whispers, “We came all the way from California for this. It better be good.” Minutes later, a friendly host greets them and sits them by a window for a scenic view of downtown Crozet.

Crozet Pizza was established in 1977 by the owners at the time, Bob and Karen Crum. Originally, the small, one-room pizza shop only had five tables, and anyone who wanted one of these delicious pies, even those living hundreds of miles away from the establishment, had to call days in advance to make reservations. Also, back then, Mr. Crum made each pie himself using both him and his wife’s secret recipes for their special dough and pizza sauce.

In 2004, Bob and Karen Crum sold their business to their daughter Colleen Alexander and her husband Mike. Today, Crozet Pizza is very different from what it used to be. No longer is pizza the only item on the menu, nor is it the small one-room pizza shop it once was; though it still contains the original room, still much unchanged from when Mr. and Mrs. Crum owned the business.

The business is now the whole bottom half of the cute red building; having taken the extra space from the video and bookstores that used to sit next door. Crozet Pizza, which is located at the four-way intersection on Three Notched Road, now has a bar and more, much needed, seating. Behind the bar, Crozet Pizza also holds an event room that is perfect for hosting large parties or events. Though the original menu can still be found in the original building, the menu has greatly expanded over the last few years. Added to the menu are a wide variety of salads, fries and/ or loaded fries ($10), burgers and sandwiches ($10-$12), calzones ($14), and wings ($11), as well as many other options.

Hours later, the now happy man and his wife thank their waiter for the excellent service. Then, like so many before them, they exclaim, “This is the best pizza I’ve ever had!” With bellies full, they head towards the door. To the left of the door to the original room, there are pictures hanging on the wall. These pictures are of people not only from all over the U.S., but also from all over the world who have visited this pizza shop for the unique pizza options and flavors.

Since so many people have come from all over to try this pizza, who is to say that it is not the best pizza in the world? Want to check out Crozet Pizza for yourself? Crozet Pizza is open every day of the week except on Tuesdays, starting at 11:30 am.