Papa Joe's Pizza

Before extending its services as a restaurant, PaPa Joe’s specialized in carry out and delivery of pizza, “Rich Boys”, salads and home made spaghetti.

The original shop is located at 1899 Lockbourne it was established by Southend brothers Don & Jerry Parker in 1964. Its name derived from the song “Down at PaPa Joe’s” which was popular around that time.

Expansion started in 1970 when PaPa Joe’s Draft House was opened near the Ohio State Campus.

In 1971 Don & Jerry teamed together with long time friend Jim Decker. Plans were set forth for a new location on the eastside and shortly afterwards PaPa Joe’s East at 2964 Noe Bixby Road was opened. Next came PaPa Joe’s Pickerington and the Main Street location in Whitehall, being partially owned and managed by Ron Metzger.

During the expansion era it was thought that Central Ohio was in need of an American-Italian Restaurant. The threesome decided they would introduce to the customer, a place offering the intimitacy of a small restaurant, but with food and service at the quality of the finer restaurants in the area. Two years of design and development went into the restaurant.

Very seldom does a small family restaurant offer the services of a party room, therefore, one was added to the design. Small gatherings of up to 30 people may use the room.

The menu was the product of many hours of deliberation. It was to compliment the working people for lunch as well as the family in the evening. It was believed that our product would also be in large demand for the person that desired to eat at home, therefore, a separate area was designated for carry out and delivery services, completely isolated from the dinning area.