Reel Pizza Pies Debuts in Local Dining Scene This Month

While the Valley of the Sun has its fair share of pizza joints, not all are created equal. And certainly not all are owned and operated by a 22-year-old entrepreneur, chef and music lover. And that’s where Reel Pizza Pies, located at 13953 West Waddell Road, Suite 103 in the Marley Park Shopping Center, comes in.

As a young teen, Kaleb Copenhaver, chef and owner of Reel Pizza Pies, has been passionate about two things — pizza and music. After years of working at a pizzeria since the age of 16 and flying all over the country trying pizza from restaurants in various regions, Copenhaver decided to start his own pizza joint that combines his passions — making pizza with the best quality ingredients in a cool and comfortable environment with a great playlist.

“Reel Pizza Pies is a cool place to go with cool music and great pizza,” says Copenhaver of his 1,200-square-foot, 15-seat restaurant that will serve slices, whole pies as well as sandwiches and subs via counter-service style. “We will set ourselves apart by using the best and freshest ingredients in an energetic and fun environment,” he adds.

Some of those ingredients for his New York style thin-crust pizzas and pan-style pizzas include 00 organic flour, fresh mozzarella and organic tomatoes from Bianco. He also chose to employ an original and authentic and classic bread-making process that is the most digestible and best tasting, and uses a wild yeast starter that is fermented like a sourdough bread. And Copenhaver has another secret weapon in the kitchen – his Italian grandmother’s recipe for meatballs.

Menu options include classic pizza choices cooked on an Electric Deck Oven which Copenhaver calls the “pizza master” such as Cheese, Margherita, Veggie (with red bell pepper, mushroom and onion), BBQ Chicken, White Pie, Marinara, Combo (including pepperoni, sausage and mushroom), and the thick-crust Sicilian Pan Pizza featuring both aged and fresh mozzarella, tomato, pecorino, basil and extra virgin olive oil. Guests can customize their pie or slice with toppings including non-dairy mozzarella and vegan pepperoni. Subs and Salads include the Italian Hoagie and the Meatball Hero as well as Caesar and Antipasta salads. In addition to bottled sodas, guests can enjoy beer or wine along with desserts including Cannoli and Tiramisu.

Reel Pizza Pies will also offer delivery services within specific boundaries. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; the restaurant is closed Tuesdays. For more information and complete menu, visit www.reelpizzapies.com (website coming soon).