Marco DiLorenzo
Founder & Head ChefTrained in Naples and inspired by his grandmother's recipes, Marco brought authentic Neapolitan pizza craft to Blytheville in 2009. His philosophy: great pizza needs great patience.
Our Story
About Pizza inn
From a single stone oven in Blytheville, Arkansas, to a beloved pizza inn destination across the United States — discover the passion, people, and principles behind every slice we serve.
How It Began
A Passion for Pizza Born in Arkansas
Pizza inn started with a simple dream: to bring the warmth of authentic, stone-fired pizza to the heart of Blytheville, Arkansas. In 2009, founder Marco DiLorenzo converted an old Main Street storefront into a cozy pizzeria, armed with his grandmother's Neapolitan recipes and an unwavering belief that great food creates community.
What began as a neighbourhood favourite quickly grew into something much bigger. Word spread about our slow-fermented dough, house-made sauces, and hand-selected toppings. Families made us part of their traditions. Students lingered over slices and conversations. The restaurant became a gathering place.
Today, Pizza inn proudly serves thousands of guests each month across the United States, staying true to the same values that sparked that first fire: quality ingredients, genuine hospitality, and pizza crafted with soul.
15+
Years of Craft
Our Purpose
Mission, Vision & Promise
Every decision we make — from sourcing ingredients to training our team — is guided by these three commitments.
Our Mission
To craft exceptional pizza experiences that bring people together — using honest ingredients, time-honoured techniques, and genuine hospitality that makes every guest feel at home.
Our Vision
To become the most trusted and beloved pizza inn brand in the United States — a place where quality is never compromised and every visit leaves guests looking forward to their next one.
Our Promise
We promise fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients in every dish, a welcoming atmosphere for every guest, and a commitment to the communities we serve — today and for generations to come.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These principles shape every pizza we make, every team member we hire, and every guest experience we deliver.
Quality First
We never cut corners on ingredients or preparation. Every pizza meets our exacting standards before it reaches your table.
Made with Love
Cooking is an act of care. Our team approaches every order with the same enthusiasm and attention we'd give to family.
Sustainability
We source locally where possible, minimise waste, and make choices that are good for both our guests and our planet.
Community
We are part of Blytheville and the broader United States community. Supporting local causes and people is central to who we are.
Innovation
Respecting tradition doesn't mean standing still. We constantly explore new flavours and techniques to keep our menu exciting.
Hospitality
Every guest deserves to feel welcome, valued, and cared for — from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.
Integrity
We are transparent about what goes into our food and honest in all our dealings with guests, suppliers, and team members.
Excellence
Good enough is never good enough. We pursue mastery in everything — from crust thickness to customer service response time.
Our Journey
The Pizza inn Story
From a single storefront to a thriving brand — here are the milestones that shaped who we are today.
2009
The First Oven Fires Up
Marco DiLorenzo opens Pizza inn at 1035 E Main St, Blytheville, AR. The stone oven is hand-built by Italian craftsmen. On opening day, 200 guests arrive before noon.
2011
Regional Recognition
Pizza inn is named "Best New Restaurant" by the Arkansas Food Critics Circle. Our signature Margherita Classica earns a feature in a national food magazine.
2013
Menu Expansion
We introduce our pasta, salad, and sides menu — expanding from a pure pizzeria into a full-service Italian dining experience without losing our craft-pizza identity.
2016
Catering & Events
Pizza inn launches its catering division, serving weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings across the United States. Demand exceeds capacity within six months.
2019
Online Ordering Launch
We launch our digital ordering platform, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy pizza inn favourites at home. Online orders grow 300% in the first year.
2022
Sustainability Pledge
Pizza inn formalises its commitment to sustainability — partnering with local Arkansas farms, switching to compostable packaging, and targeting zero food waste by 2025.
2024
50,000 Guests Milestone
Pizza inn celebrates serving its 50,000th guest — marking 15 years of community, craft, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect pizza experience.
Today
Growing Stronger
With a passionate team, a loyal community, and the same stone oven that started it all, Pizza inn continues to write its story — one perfect pizza at a time.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Our pizza inn family is made up of passionate individuals who believe that extraordinary food is the result of extraordinary people.
Sofia Reyes
Operations ManagerWith a decade of hospitality management experience, Sofia ensures that every guest interaction — from ordering to departure — reflects the warmth and precision Pizza inn is known for.
James Calloway
Executive Sous ChefJames leads our pasta and sides programme, blending classical Italian technique with bold American flavours. He joined Pizza inn in 2013 and hasn't looked back since.
Priya Nair
Guest Experience LeadPriya champions the guest journey at every touchpoint. From our online ordering experience to in-store service training, she ensures every visit exceeds expectations.